Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-02-02

| MaCLeanI
BY :
BY W. T. ELpRiOGE. Z
Copyright, 2
The Frank A. Munsey Co. 3
BY W. T. ELDRiDGE.

However | got hold Of hancock
last night and. by bluffng, | broke him
down sent him up 10 the lake, to
let you 60. Dick and | told him and
Rentmere to shake the dust of Con
cord from their feet for once and all
time"
Il got free before he arrived ex-
planned MacLean
Trench nodded.
Now that explains everything, |
fancy, except what Mr.. Cruthers is
going to do"
The lawyer Strengthened with the
words Until now he had watched
Trench from under lowered brows--a
sullen scow on his face.
MacLean and Kingsbury glanced at
the man.
"Mr. Cruthers." went on Trench.
induced Sweetwel to 90 in for the
market. The bank has lost a large
sum through the money taken for that
purpose, and Mr. Cruthers shared in
the use of the money Sweetwell'--
aud Trenchs voice swung Lows
beyond making restoration, and he
would not have been able had he
lived Mr.. Cruthers is going to make
good the loss to the bank
Cruthers was on his feet, white and
defiant
"You think YOU have feen smart
he sna led, "Jut lei me tell you that
You've lricked me, and 1al's rs far
AS you'll 90. Ii Sweetwell robbed the
bank. it's nothing 10 me, for know
nothing about it. AS for making good
any money, III see you in hades
first"
Trench did not move. His eyes
lifted. however, and he regarded with
quiet camness the angry face
mir Cruthers is going TO make
GOOD the money the bank has lost" he
reannounced.
For a long moment, during which
the younger men watched with check
ed breath these two face each other.
Trench was calm. unmoyed--only
his small eyes held look that backed
up his assurance of tone.
Cruthers studied those eyes as a
bird might watch the serpent Sud
denly he strai ghtened, flung his two
hands above his head and sank into
he chair by the table.
my Cod" he moaned.
Mr.. Cruthers is going 10 make
good the money spoke Trench then,
because neither he nor the bank de
sire any publicity in this matter"
II haven't got it, moaned CrutherS.
Trench reached under the desk, pro.
duced leather bag and placed it at
Cruthers hand.
There is the bag you had when the
police arrested you last night" he
suggested. IN that you were taking
with you large number of securities
Here is a list OF the exact amount the
bank wants. Just endorse over to the
bank sufficient securities to make
good that sum"
Cruthers sat straight.
You've looked through my per-
sonal papers, he cried.
"rhe police always search prison
or and 20 over his effects reminded
Trench.
For an instant Cruthers fougiit
AGAINST the inevitable. In burst Of
anger, stirred by the way in which he
had been beaten and trapped. he
ragged and flmed at Trench's demand.
But in The end he gave in became
more calm, and with a hopeless, de-
feated look upon his face executed
the necessary documents.
When the last was signed Trench
arose
"rhe detective who brought you
here has left Mr.. Cruthers. You are
free to 60, but may | suggest that
Concord is not good place for you
to continue in pracllse|'
Cruthers got TO his feet and seemed
about to speak. Instead, his teeth
snapped together, aud he seized his
bag containing the remainder of his
property. without a word he walked
from the room.
MacLean and .kingsbury were press
ing Trench with questions the instant
the door closed.
Good Heavens" moaned Uncle
Jerry. What an awful lot of talking
I've done. Dick, I'm sorry you got
dragged into this sorry you had to
suffer as you did kingsbury, I'm
obliged for all you've done.