The citizen., 1915-07-15


tion- les an obvious swindle: yet the
fellow seems to be clinging to the In.
side wall OF the law. He'll dissipate
that money he wheedled out of father
as sure as fate"
But. dear. you know how obstinate
your father is-"
Il know. but we can't let him be in
need. There ought to be some way OF
getting his money back for him. even
II II does destroy his faith In George"
They put their heads together. and
after a while a heroic. desperate plan
occurred TO Charles He loved his IA
ther. In spite OF the old mans be-
havior toward him, and he did not In
tend to let his brother George despoil
him - especially as he suspected
George OF being interested In q good
many shady propositions.
As a matter OF fact, George. who
had not seen his brother for ten years,
had never meant that circular TO fall
into his hands. II had been an over.
sight OF one OF his girls. II was not
Georges interest TO arouse any sus-
picions In his brother. whom he de-
splsed until he had made good on his
coup and betaken himself with his VIC
Tins money to another land.
On the following Monday Henry
Pentland stepped out OF the train at
the central station and made his way
toward his sons office. He had seen
Georges new handsome suite where
his companies had their headquarters.
He had wondered at the stenographers
and addressers at their desks, Pt the
mahongany fittings OF the interior Of
fee. and any doubts which might have
existed in his mind as to the security
OF his capital had been Immediately
dispelled. George seemed In his IA
TIERS eyes the most wonderful man
in the world He contrasted him scorn-
fully with stay thome Charles. who
had never done anything but keep o
store. -
As he ascended In the elevator the
old man looked without much inter
est at the middle aged man that ac-
companied him. The two entered the
ONCE together. An investor!" the
farmer thought A girl rose and came
toward them. but the middle-aged man
brushed past her and coolly made his
way into the inner room. The girl
hesitated and then took Henry Pent-
lands name.
I'm just his father-I1i watt" said
the old man
At that moment he heard an oath
from within. the sound OF a falling
chair. Instantly the dread suspicion
flashed upon him that the stranger
had injured George. He knew that
financiers we're greatly hated by the
unsuccessful. He had always feared
for Georges life when the papers
were filled with denunciations OF the
wealthy. and mob orators INDUCED In
wild declamations. Overcome with
fear. he plunged into the inner room
to see George standing at bay de-
family. the stenographer upon her
feet In terror. and the bearded. mid
dle-aged man confronting George dra-
matically.
He did not take his eyes from
George. but called to Henry to come
In and close the door.
I'm the United States marshal for
this federal district" he explained.
quietly. and am instructed to place
the government seal upon everything
here Kindly do not attempt to leave
this room. II is not necessary TO
create a panic outside. will take the
books and ask for Mr.. Pentlands com
pany to the federal Jail"
What's my son done'" besought
the old man.
"He is suspected OF having orga-
nized q crooked concern known as the
Alpha Gold Mining company"
But I've put eighteen thousand
into IT," walled Henry Pentland.
I'm afraid you won't see II again"
answered the marshal. Now. Mr..
Pentland. are you ready7"
See here. George" shouted his IA
ther. lis this all bunk or what'
Hes lying muttered George, but
without conviction. See here. how
much win you take to give me twelve
hours grace7" he continued. turning
to the marshal.
"Oh. George!" moaned Henry Pent-
land. all his ambitious dreams shat
tered. "You scoundrel. give me my
eighteen thousand or I'll have you
hauled OF to the penitentiary." he con.
tinued.
George Pentland held q short whis-
pered colloquy with the marshal. Al
the end OF that time he sat down and
wrote out a check. which he tossed
across the table to his father. II was
for eighteen thousand dollars.
"Take II. and don't let me see your
face again." he snarled. and, clapping
on his hat. he strode out Of the once.
The marshal took the old man by
the arm.
IT'S made out TO bearer" he said.
taking up the check. "and we'll go and
get II cashed before closing hour"
Fifteen minutes later Henry Pent-
land. with eighteen thousand dollars
In bills upon his person. entered q cab.
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