Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-01-21

ne placed the letters in the trays OF
the various departments - hello!
what's this?"
Leith stared hard and looked con-
fused and startled, as he read the
words:
1T will be for your own good to
meet me at p m. Tuesday, at
Gregory's cafe. It's a safe place and
| will be in No 27. Bring along the
cash to take up those |. 0. us, or the
capital for new round Of revenge,
or III blow the thing to your bosses
and you'll lose your place.
''DAVENAL."
Why" breathed Leith in sheer
amazement, what does this mean
anyhow? Where is the envelope?
There must be some mistake. Here
it is-the mischief! At it again-ani
worse than ever!"
Leith allowed the letter to drop to
the desk as he scanned the direction
on the envelope: Mr.. Harry Mer-
RAM"
The brother of Vera! 1t was meet
that Leith should be interested and
natural that he should be anxious and
troubled. He had been a friend and
guide to Harry Merriam. He had
helped, guided and shielded the bright
natured but impetuOus young fellow
Leith had even secured him employ
ment with the business house of which
he was manager in order that he
might watch and direct him.
Mr.. Merriam was a stern, austere
man and it had cost both money and
patience to control the peccadillos of
the younger Merriam.
More recently Harry seemed to have
turned over new leaf. In order to
get him away from his old associates,
only the week previous Leth had sent
him on a selling tour. Now an echo
Of the past OBJECTIONS of Harry had
come to the surface as a menace. With
all his influence, Leith doubted if his
employers would retain Harry when
they learned Of his gambling habits.
All! at all hazards the changed
course OF the weak and struggling
must not be crossed Leith arrived
at speedy decision. He WINGED as
he realized the great sacrifice he was
called on to make. Then his lips drew
firm and resolute. He forgot all save
the urgency of the moment, tossed the
letter on his desk. picked up his hat
and hurried from the office, leaving
word that he would return in an hour.
Fifteen minutes later Mr.. Merriam
called, according to appointment. He
was shown into the office of the man.
ager, where he decided to await his
return. Almost the first thing that
met his eye was the open note that
Leith had received. Twice he read it.
That proud lip of his drew closer, his
stern eye took to its depths steely
CLINT. He memoriZed the address
given in the missive, arose and start
ed from the place, a smoldering vol
cano of wrath.
Meanwhile Gordon Leith had gone
to his bank. He had saved up over
two thousand dollars. He drew an
even half of this. Then he proceeded
straightway in search of this threaten.
ing Davenal Leith had no difficulty
in locating the Gregory cafe. Its up.
per story had partitioned off compart.
ments. Number q contained an indi
vidual, coarse-faced, evil-eyed, who sat
leisurely smoking a cigar.
Are you Davenal?" demanded
Leith, facing him
That's me-" nodded the other inso
lently.
Leith passed beyond the drapery OF
the doorway and sat down at little
table opposite the gamester.
Il came in behalf Of your victim
young Harry Merriam" he spoke
sternly, He is out Of the city and