Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1915-05-05
No wonder, then, that Horace was dis

TO think that he had employed a man
who could stoop to theft! And to think
thai subsequently he had recommended
him to a position OF trust! 1t was most
upsetting.
With a promptness that suggested
panic Mr.. Blagden hired a New York
detective and put him on the case. For
d week or more. that worthy had been
devoting his time and intelligence to
a study of the past and present habits
or the suspected young man, with he
surprising result that, so far, he was
unable to report to Mr.. Blagden that
they We're anything but good. This, OF
course, convinced Horace that the fell
low was an uncOmmonly clever rascal.
Tn detective was Adam Carr.
ON this particular day, Mr.. Blagden
sat In his private office long after the
hour for closing, aimlessly lingering
the telegram he had received from his
son, but intently considering the days
report from Adam Carr. 1t was begin
ming to enter his mind that Carr was
not competent to handle a case so baf-
fling as this appeared to be. He was
wondering IT 1t would not be q wise
move to dismiss him and employ "a
Boston man who. it appears, had caught
a very e defaulter after chasing
him for three years. But as Horace
was a prompt man in everything, he
was bound to admit that he was averse
~ ~ q IAok III was 81 6lOW as ali
that. He had talked it over with the
cashier and three of the directors. and
they had advised hiring the Boston
That was another reason why
he hesitated.
Carr's report for the day brought
ex-teller was behaving in a most
circumspect manner. There was no evil
dence that he gambled. specialized, or
Kept a woman in New York. Paysou
had not visited New York in two years
so far as Adam Carr could learn. and
Horace was forced to admit that if he
had a paramour at all. she must be in
New York. She couldn't be in Cor
NTH.
The telephone on his desk rang. He
put the receiver to his ear with me-
chanical precision and said: Yes"
The voice that came out Of the little
black tube was so loud and vibrant that
his eyelids twitched with pain: HI held
the receiver a little farther away. 1t al
ways annoyed him to have anyone
shout In his ear. A look of surprise
ollowed Immediately. Eric Midthorne
was speaking.
Yes. 1 am still here replied Mr..
Blagden. What is it?" He listened
for a moment to the strident, excited
voice and then cut in with the curt re-
mark: 1T isn't necessary to shout. I
can hear you. Yes, l will wait
here if it is important. But don't be
long about 1t. Come up if YOU must
see me-"
Three minutes later Eric burst into
The room without SO much as a tap on
the mahogany door
Dear me, Eric. is this the way to
enter a room?' demanded Horace, in
that mild tone of reproof that never
failed to hurt more than a sharp repri-
mand.
Eric's a was as white as chalk. He
came directly. to the desk. but many
seconds elapsed before he could force
words through his twisted lips. Horace
stared at the boys conyulsed face in
actual surprise.
Uncle Horace" began Eric hoarse-
~. 1T was my drawing that took the
prize. Do you NOW that? 1t was my
drawing. have just seen It,"
Mr.. Blagden's brow d%arkened; his
grey eyes narrowed and seemed to turr,
black as coal.
VIVA are you saying?" he demand
ed.
Eric struck the desk a violent blow
with his clenched fist. His eyes shot
fire.
it,"
Horace opened his eyes very wide.
A look that no one had ever seen in
them before grew as he stared. with
parted lips. at him who uttered those
awful words. He closed his lips sudden
ly to hold back the gush of ice water
that seemed to fill his mouth. He swal-
lowed. and the chill spread through
out his body. He did not realize 1t at
the moment, but afterwards he was to
recall that he was experiencing the first
touch of a blighting e from which
he was never afterwards to be free;
the fear Of Chetwynd.
In an instant. he was himself again.
a bit greyer than before perhaps, but
quite as austere.
What do o mean sir, by striking
my table in that manner? Try to gov
ern yourself. sir, or leave the room" He
er than his words. Afterwards, in an
alysing his emotions. he came to ac-
knowledge a shameful weakness in
shrinking from the real attack.
:! swear. Uncle Horace. so help me
God. that the drawing sent in by Chef
wynd is the one l made. have never
seen the one that bears my name. I
never drew 1t. Oh. 1t was q dirty trick!
1t was fiendish! Uncle, you've Just got
to stratEhten 1t out. He took my draw,
ing. I don't know how or when. but it
is mine that has his name on it over
at, the library"
Tears OF rage and despair filled his
eyes.
Mr.. Blagden had himself well in hand
by this time.
"You are making a very serious
charge against your cousin. Eric" he
said levelly. II cannot permit you to
90 on in this way. You"
but 1t 10 true!" cried Eric wildly.
II swear It's true!"
DO not interrupt me. Why should
! believe what o say? How could
Chetwynd nave come into possession
OF o drawing? You kept 1t under
lock and key: you presented Il to the
committee with your own hands, did
you not? You would hardly go 20 far
a. to accuse the honorable Judges Of