Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1916-02-03
!. leave this man to me.

There was no opposition. Every one
was glad to have some one else under
take the task of removing one of the
hated and feared name of Larnigan ri
At the reception, which was held
that night, Ben and Tom We're late in
arriving. But Tom, making good use
of his eyes and his ears alike, man-
aged to pick UP some information that
seemed likely to be of value later.
While he was so engaged Travers made
point of talking to Ayers and eS-
pressed great sympathy with the tex
tile magnate in connection with the
labor troubles at his mills.
The better you treat 'em the more
they want" said Ben i'll pursuance of
his plan to catch Ayers off his guard.
81 believe in sweating them. Work
ing people are meant to work, not to
strike for more money"
you're man after my own hearth
laughed Ayers, entirely without suspi-
cion that Ben was only leading him
on. why, they've even begun to
threaten me personally. Look here!
Here's letter got the other day"
From his pocket he pulled the note
that Tom had sent him and smoothed
it out for Ben to read.
I'D like to meet the man who wrote
that!' he snarled. I'D show him
whether or not it was safe to threaten
me. the hound! But he'll keep out of
my way, you'll see
TON Larnigan" said Ben. seeming |
to be vastly surprised. 'Why, my old
partner here is always talking about a
man of that name. Maybe he can find
him for you Shall ask him?"
Ayers nodded. And Tom. coming
up, grinned sourly at the sight of the
note.
Know him? 1 should say so. the
skunk.'' he said saw him tonight"
chuckled Ayers.
"Friend?" snapped Tom. mo, sirr'
eff you'll excuse your friend I've got
proposition to make to him." said
Ayers silkily. He led the way to his
| library. Look here" he said. 'lf
| you'll bring that man Larnigan here
to me I'll pay you $1,000, cash down
| tonight, That's all want You need
not do anything more"
! Easy money!" said Tom, grinning.
| "I'll go out now and see if can find
him."
60. and good luck to you'll" said
Ayers. greatly excited
Tom, as he reached the street, was
amused.
| But l guess I'd do well to have
some one with me if 1 go back" he
reflected. Il mightn't get in other
wise. and want to talk with Mr.. G.
Wood Ayers when he's alone"
He hung about for time. wishing
he knew some one who would be will
ing to impersonate him for few,m mo-
; ments. He dared not trust a stranger.
He was afraid that he might encounter
some spy. And. while he waited. by
the strangest of condolences he saw an
automobile pass. in the back seat of
which sat Dorothy Maxwell. Had he
only known the truth he would have
stopped that car at the risk of his own
life
For in it Dorothy was going to save
him. as she believed. Deeply suspi-
cious of Stone. she had been watching
him. and she had learned that Stone.
afraid that Ayers would fail. had sent
Dunn. the successor of the dead bully
!, Black. to attack Tom at Lyndham.
One of his women spies had spotted
4 Tom, and had reported after Ayers
had promised to take care Of Tom.
i She was to go with two thugs and
: point Tom out to them.
a Dorothy, determined to save Bruce's
brother. disguised herself as this wom-
y an and succeeded in being taken along
in the car in her place. 1t was as she
e set out upon this errand that Tom saw
). her. and sneered at the sight of her.
0 since he had recognized her at once.
Il However, he dismissed Dorothy from
his mind. And at last he decided to
n risk returning alone to Ayres' house
,. Until. as he neared it. he came upon
II a young mar reeling. plainly helpless
y from drink
tt THE very mann thought Tom
e Here, bucko.'' he said taking the
e young fellows arm. 'Ill look after
# YOU.
e. "AIush blished," said the young fel
low He went along as meekly as il
D. Tom had been his oldest friend.
ID Toms plan worked to perfection.
n "Ah. you got him. Good." criet
is Ayers. Here. take him in and pitcl
n him on to that sofa III settle witt
lie you before talk to you
e. Tom obeyed. Then he FOLLOWED
C. Ayers into the library.
m Keep your money" he said. "l'v
or tricked you. Mr.. Ayres. It's | that al
Tom Larnigan.
" Ayers staggered to his feet
st 'You?" he cried My Cod. who
n the other man."
2" He leaped for the door And Ton
m following. saw That the couch ma
| Tori 4.alSl., clos:od Ssuldaul,: 10 III