Las Vegas optic., 1914-12-07

some vast surprises for Verne. For
several days he had not received any
word from Leila. His uncle too, was
strangely silent. Then there appeared
at Truxton young lawyer who some
times did business for Mr Tresham
You are to return home at once,
said this visitor.
But the lawsuit here?" remon.
strated Verne. Il have got it in just
the right shape, am familiar with
its details and can certainly be Of use
regarding it."
But the lawyer very gravely and
seriously reiterated the unqualified di
rection from Mr. Tresham, so Verne
returned to Midvale.
1t was an inexplicable and chilling
reception that awaited him. He had
never seen his uncle so distant.
Eyes, sent for you" he said stern
ly. Il suppose need not tell you
why" and he passed across the table
between them three checks for ten
thousand dollars each. They bore
dates few days apart and the can
celled stamp Of the bank. They had
been made out payable to self or bear
er, and they had been cashed through
q bank at Truxton.
"Well?" questioned Verne, looking
up in q puzzled way, what has this
got to do with me?"
Have you the audacity to ask, /"
challenged his uncle stormily. LIS
ten--I know all. You forged my name
to those checks. You alone can imi-
tate my handwriting SO cleverly. for
on occasions l have warranted your
using my signature. You alone had
access to the check book in my safe,
and those three checks were torn out
from the back Of my check book"
OF course Verne Indignantly pro-
tested. 1t was of no avail. His uncle
swore that unless he went away to a
distant solitude he would disown him.
Verne found the Boyd home shut
against him. Leila had been sent
away to a relative convinced of his
guilt, his uncle claimed
A broken man, confronted by mys-
terry he could not fathom, Verne re-
mained in seclusion for week. One
evening visitor was announced It
was Mrs, Vassour
She was pale, Mretched looking.
She inquired Of Verne where he had
last seen Reeves. He told her at
Truxton. She said he had disap-
peared from there. She broke out
into bitter vituperation Of the wretch
who had borrowed all her money and
left her penniless.
Verne felt sorry for the adventur-
ess. He inquired gently as to her
necessities and rendered her some
money. She took 1t, started to leave
the room, and then, some wild Inn
pulse stirring her, returned to his
side.
you are gentleman and friend,
she said, her voice quivering. Il con-
fess all"
In amazement Verne listened to her
story A past mistress In the art
hypnotic, she had placed him under
the influence of her power that eve
ming at the cafe garden. She had
forced him to reveal all about his
uncle and the details Of his business
While he was at Tfuxton she had
visited Mr.. Tresham. Upon him she
had worked her spell also. Uncon-
sciously he had produced the check
book and followed her directions
Reeves had cashed the checks ct
rruxton and had disappeared with the
money.
Il do not know where he is," said
Mrs. Vassour, but l know his old
associations, and If you promise not
to prosecute me l win assist in run
ming him down"
Which was done, and nearly the
whole Of the money recovered Then,
amid the amazing manifestation that
the signature to the checks was his
own, Mr.. Tresham was more than con-
trite. He gave the entire amount re-
covered to his nephew, and Leila be-
| came a haDDy bride