The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1922-06-13

Mcclure frowned and then growl-
ed, How can I help admitting it.since
you know the facts? But I don't
see
We'll, then, admitting that the
-Tarantula' mine was Ben Cameron's
and not yours or Hawk Kennedy's, it
seems clear that If any of Ben Cam
erons heirs should turn up unexpect-
eddy, they might claim at least share
of what should have been their own"
Mcclure had started forward in his
chair, his gaze on Peters face. as the
truth was suddenly borne in upon
him.
You mean, Nichols that" He
paused and gasped Peter nodded.
ST mean that Ben Cameron's only
child, a, daughter, lives here at Black
Rock-the niece of your housekeeper
Mrs. Bergen"
Miss Cameron-My Godi" Nc
! CURE fell back in his chair, staring at
Peter, incapable of further speech.
Beth Cameron" said Peter gently,
''the lady who has done me the honor
of promising to become my wife"
| but how do you know" gasped
Mcclure. There must be some mis-
| take. Are you sure you" He
| broke off and then a sly smile cur1ed
at the corners of his lips. You know,
| Nichols, Cameron is not an unusual
name. It's quite possible that you're
I-er-mistaken."
mo. I'm quite sure there's no mis-
take. I think the facts can be proved
that is, of course. If you're willing
to help to establish this claim and to
admit it when established. Other
| wise I intend to establish it without
| your assistance-as an act of justice
| and of-er-retributio
| Mcclure Watched MS superintend-
ent's face for a while before replying.
| And then, briefly, What are the
facts on which you base this extra
| ordinary statement" he asked.
It'll present those facts when the
time comes, Mr.. MCGUIRE said Peter
at a venture. ct don't think it will
be a difficult matter to identify the
murdered man. He wrote home once
or twice. He can be traced success
fully. But what L would like to know
first is what your disposition toward
| his daughter will be when the proper
proofs are presented"
'If they're presented" said Nc
| CURE
''Wil1 you answer me?"
| 'It would seem time enough to an
swer them I'll do the right thing
Meaning what?''
Money enough to satisfy her"
THAT won't do. She must have
|
s1.OO0,00O," said Peter quietly
MCGUIRE started up. you're dream
ing" he gasped.
TITS her money
But I developed that mine"
TT was her mine that you devel-
oped."
Mcguire stopped by the window and
turned.
And if I refuse--?"
II don't think you will"
The two men stared at each other
but Peter had the whip hand-or Nc
Quire thought he had, which was
quite sufficient
| VIII you help me to perform this
act of tustice?" Peter went on calmly.
It's the only thing to do, Mr.. Nc
CURE. Can't you see that?''
MCGUIRE paced the floor heavily a
few times before replying. And then.
1--WE got to think this thing over,
Nichols. It's all so very sudden
million dollars. My God! man. you
talk Of million if 1T grew on the
trees" He stopped abruptly before
the fireplace and turned to Peter
and where does Hawk Kennedy
come in on this?"
Beth Cameron's claim comes be-
fore his-or yours" said Peter quiet
1y. Whatever happens to either of
you-it's not her fault
It'll do-whatever you say he
groaned at last, ''but you've got to
get me out of this. Nichols. rye got
TO have that paper
/ Peter poured out a drink of the
whisky and silently handed It to his
| employer.
Come. Mr.. MCGUIRE" he said
| There1l be way to outwtt Hawk
| Kennedy
'I hope to God there is" muttered
MCGUIRE helplessly.
| "PI make a bargain with you"
'what?'' asked Mcclure heIp1essly.
l. eff get the confession from Ken
nedy, you give Beth Cameron the
money ask for"
mo publicity"
None. give you my word on it."
| We'll" muttered the old man. 1T
guess it's coming to her. I'll see" He
paused helplessly. "a million dollars.
That's q big sum to get together. A
big price-but not too big to clear
this load off my conscience"
Good. I'm glad you see it IN this
way"
The old man turned shrewd1y 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. 9TH
do what 1 can
Then perhaps you wouldn't mind
telling me what Ben Cameron looked
| like"
I've told you as near as can re-
| member" muttered Mcguire.
| Had the murdered man, for in
stance, lost the little finger of his left
hand ?" asked Peter, cooIly conceal
ing the anxiety which lay behind his
question.
But he had his reward. for MCGUIRE
shot a quick glance at him, his heavy
jowl sagging. And as he didn't reply,
Peter urged him thiumphan tly.
You promised to help. VIII you
answer me truthfullly? It will save
asking a lot of questions"
At last Mcguire 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