Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-27

matter of my investments. For the
next tweve months they aren't going
to interest me very much"
| The lawyer adopted waiting Etti-
tude He leaned back in his chair With
the tips OF his fingers pressed very
| lightly-together.
Look here" Bliss continued. What
is it you fellows do when client hops
| it out to Africa or somewhere for a
year and can't be heard Of? He signs
some document or other and you run
the whole show"
ley suggested gently.
That's It," Bliss agreed. Gust draft
me out one at once will your"
Mr.. Crawley had the air Of one who
is being hurried along tr1fle too fast
He coughed and leaned little for
ward.
"Mr Bliss" he said. "have you any
idea as to the immense significance OF
such document
What take it to mean" Bliss re.
Piled. "is that you will be able to sign
checks and transfers and manage my
affairs for me until I revoke it."
Precisely" Mr. Crawey assented.
"The responsibilities connected with
such powers are enormous. In your
case, Mr. Bliss. they would be stupen-
dous. 1t would mean entire control OF
a fortune which today exceeds the sum
of million and quarter sterling"
well, that's your job. isn't 1t, to
take on responsibilities" Bliss re-
marked coolly II should like to sign
that power of attorney before l leave
this Office"
Mr. Crawley rose from his seat, rang
the bell and gave few instructions to
the clerk who answered the summons.
Then he returned to his seat and once
more addressed his client
"Do I understand then, Mr.. Bliss,
that you are thinking Of going abroad?
he asked.
1T is very doubtful" Bliss replied,
whether shall leave London
But then why" Mr.. Crawley be-
gan.
Bliss leaned little forward and tap
ped the table firmly. There was new
directness In his manner and new
ring in his tone.
Look here, Mr.. Crawley' he inter
rupted. you're a sound lawyer, know
You understand. am sure, the first
principles OF your profession"
"My dear Mr. Bliss" the lawyer
reproachfully.
"At six o'clock this evening, perhaps
before" Bliss went on, ~ am going to
disappear for exactly year"
"To-er-disappear?'
Precisely. You are not to ask me
why; you are not to ask me for any
further explanation. YOU need not
know whether am in London, on the
Continent, or in another hemisphere.
Wipe me off the map for twelve
months from today. You will probably
hear from me now and then" Bliss
continued, looking the lawyer straight
In the face you may or you may not
But II you want to keep my business,
this; whatever may hap !
pen, forbid you to make the slightest |
effort under any circumstances to as.
certain my whereabouts"
Mr. Crawley had lost that air of
suave yet firm composure, which he
battered himself that nothing was able
10 disturb. Ills eyes, likewise his
mouth. were very wide open. His ex.
preston. as he gazed at his client. was
,ne of simple and unaffected astonish-
nent.
You take my breath away" he con-
'essed. Surely you don't realize the
of your financial affairs!
rhe Scotch mortgages will all be paid
IF during the next few months, and
nothing has been settled yet about the
What on earth do know about re-
Investments? should leave II to you,
md the stockholders. anyhow. Can't
1ou understand this? You must treat
ne as though / were ward in Chan.
cry and you trustee fixed by the
ourt to deal with my investments &C.
'ording to the best of your Judgment.
You understand"
"The responsibility will be very
rave one, but since you insist, must
# course, assume it,
Then, that's all right" Bliss declar-
d with a sigh Of relief, as he rose to
lis feet and took up his hat.
Zone moment, Mr.. Bliss" the lawyer
legged There is the power of attor.
ey to sign" +,
DllSS ldlI uOWu lllS liuJ tsue
"a tied while Mr.. Crawiey telepnonea
through to the clerks Office. in few s
minutes the documents were spread {
ut before him. With his finger upon {
he seal, Bliss took up pen and sign !
d his name. The lawyer glanced at {
he signature with fascinated eyes.
"Mr. Bliss" he said his tone shaking {
nth something suspiciously like emo
ion, do you realize that you have
1ade over to the control of one man I
million pounds worth of stocks and {
hares and negotiable property" |
you won't play skittles with It,"
Hiss asserted confidently.
81 have not sought this responsible !
y. but since you have forced it upon
lie ! can assure you that shall use 9
~ very best efforts on your behalf. r
t the risk Of offending you however, +
should be Sinking my duty il I did r
OF beg Of you once more, before I q
ave this Office, to give me some idea v
the nature Of this enterprise upon i
'hich you are about 10 enter" Q
Cant be DONE" Bliss replied firmly .
It's nothing dangerous, can assure n
MI NJ that. nothing whore am like1v