Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-02-24
A PERSON
OF SOME
IMPORTANCE }!
By
LLOYD OSBOURNE
Copyright, 1911, by the Bobbs-Mefrill
Company
CHAPTER XII.

A Mysterious Enemy.
IVlYlITH his SIS assured, an interest
lIM ing occupation before him and
partnership whenever be
chose to take It, he felt that all
his troubles were over and that his
foot at last was on the ladder Of inde-
pendence. He was In a glow Of con.
tentment and good will.
It was sad, indeed, when 1t came tc
an end. One evening after supper
Daggancourt took Matt to one side
and with profound depression said that
it was "all up"
1T came like bombshell." he quav-
cred. "You know, l started the busi-
ness on nothing four years ago and
borrowed $500 Of Farley. the money
lender. Now today he comes up to me
and says. old Farelly does. out Of a
clear sky and without the least warn
Ing. just as he was writing the receipt
In my office with a fountain pen. i
have to call in that $500, Victor, and
will ask you to make an immediate
settlement said: 'Marse Farelly,
that isn't fair. AS God sees US. that
Isn't fair. and l could no more do 1t
than could fly Then he fubbles
with his fountain pen and sticks 1t
back most careful In bis vest pocket
and says. Then you'll have to get
out"
And didn't he make any e1plana-
honY'
Matt's attention was disturbed by q
thought that grew and grew more in
sIstent as the mulatto poured out the
tale Of Farelly's amazing perfdy. He
remembered his singular dismissal
from the Y. NJ. G. A. and, Incredible
as 1t might seem. asked himself
whether there was not some connec-
ton between It and this unexpected
catastrophe and whether behind both
there was not somehow or other a
mysterious connection with Mr.. Kay.
He didn't give me as much as pin
hole to crawl through" Daggancourt
continued expIosively. mot weeks
grace-nothing."
II believe l can get you out Of this, I"
said Matt. 1T may be crazy. but let's
try It Here, I'll write 1t on the back
Of an envelope"
Victor was astounded; his face, as
withered as old leather. screwed itself
up into a thousand wrinkles. '"Try
whatT' he demanded.
You sit down and copy this of and
have 1t In his letter box inside Of an
hour:
Dear Mr.. Farelly-Looking back on our
interview. l fear was not In state best
TO explain the prosperous condition Of the
garage or how really unwise II would be
in your own interests to terminate my
connection with II. The fact was that l
was very much upset by another matter
a row l had had with my demonstrators
shortly before YOU came In. This fellow
Broughton acted abominably. and l had
to threaten him with a constable before
he would go. and afterward he came back
again and tried to clean out the shop
with q piece Of lead pipe. Excuse me for
bothering you with all this. but am sure
that II you will let me bring you the
books and show you how well the garage
Is going you will reconsider your wish to
call In the note. Our agency prospects are
very bright. and the sale Of two Jones'
mobiles In eighteen days speaks for itself.
l feel positive l can satisfy you In regard
TO everything II you will only be 30 very
kind as TO let me come and 60 over the
figures. Respectfully yours.
VICTOR DAGGANCoURT."
"And I'm to write him that?" asked
the mulatto. "Sakes alive. Marse
Broughton. what in the name Of good
ness do you want me to do that fort"
because l think know what's the
matter with Mr.. Farelly. may be
wrong. but believe the whole scheme
is simply to get me out Of my Job.
That's why put in the lead pipe and
all that-and mind you. stick to It Vic
tor. for all you're worth"
"But why should Farelly do that!
Excuse me. Marse Broughton. but you
are all of. might as well send him
a picture post card OF the Masonic
building as this here letter"
"victor, it's like this: have got hold
Of little piece Of big secret-some-
thing extraordinary. inexplicable. In
yolving the best friend have In the
world. and am on my honor to him to
keep my mouth shut II 1t wasn't for
that promise Id tell you everything.
You get that letter of to Farelly ms
quick as you can.
1T amt a bit Of use. sir. Really
and truly. Marse Broughton. 1t amt a
bit Of use."
do 1t to oblige me. anyhow"
.All right. Marse Broughton: though
.ouldn't you cut out some Of the hum
BILE pier"
"Not a bite Of 1t! You write It just
the way 1t Is and then leave 1t at his
house tonight"
The next morning Matt treated him.
,elf to the luxury Of getting up late
10 late, indeed. that Daggancourt had
already gone. leaving no message. But
he returned soon with the tidings that
the letter had been miraculously sue
.essful. Yes, old Farelly. after pre-
tense Of examining the books. had pro.
,essed himself entirely satisfied; the
notes were not to be called In: every
hing was to 60 on as before; the
tarage was saved!
"What clinched 1t was when l said
I'd have to find another boarding
place" added Daggancourt.. with q
,uckered grin; said 1 was afraid to
top where you was. may the Lord
,orgive me. For Gods sake. get away
rom here. Marse Broughton. or worse
| nav come Of 1t. Get away quick. and
| ,ere's SEQ drew at the bank.
Matt pushed the money back. mo
| 10. Victor" he exclaimed: I'm goina
o stick It out. am going to stay II
Manaswan II 1t rains wildcats"
After losing two more positions
through the Vaccinations Of his mys
,erious foes Matt succeeded In gettint
lob on the water front. But what h'
,ad not reckoned on was the overmas
tering. crushing fatigue that made
mpossible to keep It. A man unaccus
pmed to severe and prolonged manua
abor has little chance on the docks
Matt, working one day and often refu
psratinx Tor two. exerted every nerve Z
ind less killing employment. Sullivan
the boss stevedore. told him the Noun