Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-09-14

s,s.enSeas srr.,rih:,, an act Of justice and Of
Mcclure watched his superintendent's
race for a while before replying. And
then briefly, What are the facts on
winch you base this extraordinary state
"1'll present those facts when the
time comes, Mr.. Mcclure" said Peter
at venture. II don't think Il Will
be difficult matter to identify the
murdered man. He wrote home once
or twice. He can be traced success
fully. But what / would like to know
frst Is what your disposition toward
his daughter will be when the proper
proofs are presented"
III they're presented" said Me-
"will you answer me7"
1t would seem time enough to an :
swer them. III do the right thing"
Meaning what?"
Money enough to satisfy her."
That won't do. She must have
what is hers by right. Her price Is
Sl l,V0, ,O0O," said Peter quietly.
ing" he gasped.
ITS her money"
But / developed that mine"
II was her mine that you devel-
turned.
'.And IL I refuse--w
Il don't think you will
The two men stared at each other,
put Peter had the whip hand-or Nc
sufficient.
win you help me to perform this
act of justice?" Peter went on calmly.
ITS the only thing to do, Mr.. Nc.
Guire. Can't you see that?"
Mcclure paced the floor heavily a
few times before replying. And then,
I've got to think this thing over,
NICHOLS. It's all 80 very sudden-a
million dollars. My God man, you
talk Of million as il it grew on the
trees. ~ He stopped abruptly before
the fireplace and turned to Peter. "And
where does Hawk Kennedy come in on
Beth Cameron's claim comes before
his-or yours" said Peter quietly.
Whatever happens to either Of you
it's not her fault
III do--whatever you say" be
groaned at last, but you've got to get
me out Of this, Nichols. I've got to
have that paper"
Peter poured out a drink of the
whisky and silently handed 1t to his
employer.
cheerfuily, well do what we can.
Therell be way to outwit Hawk
Kennedy"
IT hope to God there is,'' muttered
Mcclure helplessly.
"I1l rpaLa ho - x.tth
What?' asked Mcclure helplessly
IF I get the confession from Ken :
nedy,, you give Beth Cameron the money
l ask for"
mo pubhcity?"
None. I give you my word on it."
well" muttered the old man, 81
guess it's coming to her. I'll see." He
paused helplessly. "A million dol
lars That's big sum to get together
A big price-but not too big to clear
Good. I'm glad you see 1t in this
way"
The old man turned shrewdly. "But
I've got to have the proofs"
Very well. If you're honest in your
intentions you'll help me confirm the
evidence"
Yes" said the other slowly. "In
do what can
Then perhaps you wouldn't mind
telling me what Ben Cameron looked
like"
I've told you as near as l can re =
member" muttered Mcclure.
Had the murdered man. for in
stance, lost the little finger of his left
hand?' asked Peter. coolly concealing
the anxiety which lay behind his cues
ton.
But he had his reward, for Mcclure
shot a quick glance at him, his heavy
jowl sagging. And as he didn't reply,
Peter urged him triumphantly.
"You promised to help. Will you
answer me truthfully? 1t will save
asking a lot of questions"
At last Mcclure threw up his hands.
Yes" he muttered, that was Ben
Cameron. One of his little fingers was
missing all right enough"
Thanks" said Peter, with an air
of closing the interview. IF you want
this proof that the murdered man was
Beth's father, ask Mrs. Bergen"
There was a silence. Peter had won.
Mcclure gathered up his hat with the
mien Of a broken man and moved to-
ward the door.
"All right, Nichols. ! guess there 8
no doubt of it. Ill admit the proofs
strong enough. 1t can be further veri-
fed, I suppose, but I'd rather no ques-
tions were asked. You do your part
and I'm do mine"
"Very good. sir. You can count on
me. If that fake agreement is still in
existence, III get it for you. If it has
been destroyed"
"I'll have to have proof of that"
Wont you leave that in my hands?"
Mcclure nodded, shook Peters hand
and wandered out up the path in the
direction Of Black Rock House.
From the first Peter had had no doubt
that the murdered man was Beth S
IA ther, but he had to admit under Nc
Cures questioning that there might
still be difficulty in tracing the
vagrant from the meager history of his
that Mrs. Bergen had
been able to provide. McGuire's at
titude in regard to the absent little
finger had been really admirable. Peter
was thankful for that little finger, and
for McGuire's honesty. There was no
doubt in his mind now-if any had
Ben Cameron's murderer
was. The affair was simplified amaz-
ingly.
With Beth's claim recognized, Peter
could now enter heart and soul into the
interesting business of beating Hawk
Kennedy at his own game. He would
win-he must win, for the pitiful mil
lionaire and for Beth.
And so, jubilantly, he made his way
to Black Rock village to fill a very
agreeable engagement that he had, to
take supper Cooked and served by her
own hands) with Miss Beth Cameron.
He found that Beth had tried to pre-
vail upon Aunt Tillie to be present, but
that the arrival Of the Mcclure family