Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-23


so. But you can give me some in
formation. Until that money was ex-
/ pended for the purpose for which il
was placed in your hands, it was the
property OF the Midweather people
DO YOU want il known that you lost
it,"
If you put IL that way, do you
want it known that YOU turned that
money over TO me to use in bribing the
legislature? I've got nothing 10 lose"
with smile just tinged with a sus-
gestion of sadness. My reputation
isn't worth a tinker's tinkle" Git was
Jerry's twist of the old phsase. for he
never used profanity and assure
YOU | don't care how much YOU tell
people what they already know
''ln other words. you don't care
whether the money is found or not >"
snapped Cruthers
KinSSDury. who was straining
every wit to be able to catch and re-
tain what he heard, was dumbfounded
at The calm reply.
You are right Nail on the head
for once, Cruthers. II isn't my
money; it belongs to the Midweather
people Why should | bother my
head about t?'
Cruthers shot forward in his chair
AT last thc truth, Trench You are
doing nothing: making no move. I'm
glad to have you admit it, it makes it
easier for me TO tell you what [
know"
Il don't mind lrankness: rather
admire it, smiled Jerry, his cigar
turning slowly
That sounds fine sneered Cru
theirs, growing more and more ey-
cited as the conversation went on.
But it doesn't cover your damnable
perfidy. You got that money into
your hands and then what did you
do?"
Don't ask qestions,' yawned
Trench Tell me"
You stole ii Yourself" roared
Cruthers.
Jerry never moved His eyes, how
ever, which had been roaming the
room with a bored expression, turned
slowly and rested upon Cruthers's
face.
Yves, you stole it, MacLean was
your tool. He was at your camp that
nieht-the night before the theft
and you gave him that paper
'Well?' and Jerry smiled.
More than that, you know that he
left the bank, went to the railroad
station. and handed that package TO a
man who got off the down train, but
went back on the up one, which meets
the down here at Concord. Deny that
il you can"
I'm listening TO you" smiled
Trench.
BAH roared CrutheIy. pushing
bis chair back from the desk. Your B
line tactics don't go with me. You
know that what I'm telling you is the d
ruth" a
Il know that MacLean handed Il
hat package to man who got off +
md then on the train you name" n
Yes, and YOU know that that man -
net you at Weirs, or somewhere nm
he line, and handed that package to :
gu" ;.
Your or somewhere up the line
hows you're guessing, Cruthers."
Trench, you know that what I've IT
aid is fact Now, YOU produce that 81
money. or the information have will It
o TO the press and into the hands of a
he Progressive Party. You won't do v
ny more dirty buying and se.nns in o.
his State Of
I've heard that before" nodded
cry. d.
And this time you've heard it to al
e made good" fl
Let me tell you something | don't a.
are Tor that m0ney-the finding of h,
. | want Dick MacLean, and more p,
IAN that, want the men who have ..
cen taking pot shots at me Can Won
we me the information that Will helm J..
long that line? You are 50 fun of in. :,
Shall call il that or
lesses9'
What are YOU going to do" u
I'm going 10 see that the Mid. "a
Gather Water Company 4ts nothing So
this State, that's my ultimatum.p tn
II was said very quietly, but Cru. 50
ers gave a start. BE-
What do you mean" he easpcd OF
Alter getting nifty thousand dollars an
ON US" an
And stealing 1t; don't forge; that"
geested Trench i,
And stealing It," agreed Cruthers 49,
omptly. YOU tell me that YOU are ~
ling to use your influence 10 block '
y people from getting what the, ~
ant" ne
According to YOU, Mr. Cmthers." Id
Nh slow smile. my influence
mt be one, two, three after YOU 10
I through with me"
Cruihers swallowed hard and con.
Tered.
"AIl right" hc snapped. well