Might and Main Library. Number 56, 1907-03-16 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

es “And tet Nvictioet be ‘killed 2 gues oe 7 | “Why should he be? ony upon it, if oe or — Acacia is the object of the abduction, they will wait a- few days before they do anything serious, unless the police are put on the trail.” _ “You think that more than one is engaged in it: ” ~ “Yes, and therein lies our hope.” “In what way?” ‘ “When rogues fall out—you know the rest.” “And you think they will?” “They always do,”” ~ “Comyns, do as you please, only let me wash my hands of the whole matter, for your manner of procedure is far different to what I would adopt.” _ “All right, now we understand each other. \ Take no notice to anything I may do. JI shall. most likely be silent until I produce the boy.” “The sooner the better.” Be » CHAPTER VIII. “WHEN ROGUES FALL OUT.’ E ieover: Comyns had a very good insight into iia nature: He. knew that, of all people, those who were dishonest were the most suspicious. | It is not true that there is “honor among thieves,”’ for the - thieving class is destitute of all idea of honor. Each member dreads his companion, partner, or pal, more than he does the police, It was because of his suspicion and want of honor that _ Lawyer Comyns felt certain a long time would elapse be- fore the blackmailers would carry out their threat to in- jure Vernon. And just as he had conjectured, so it happened. We do not like to write about the criminal classes, but a at times it is necessary. We have already introduced the ees companions of ' Joshua Vernon to the notice of our readers, and, no doubt, _ they have guessed considerable about them. . ‘In case their guesses are wrong, we now go back a little and show how Joshua Vernon was innocent, and yet guilty. When he returned from Glen William and announced _ his failure, he conveyed to his comrades in vice ‘his suspi- -cion that there might be some way in which young Craig would get possession of the estate. “But you are the next of kin,” said one. : “Yes-—at least, I think so.” “Think! why, is there a doubt of it? Joshua Vernon saw he had gone-too far. “No, of course there is no doubt; but Craig may have a will hid away somewhere, and —well, he could bequeath - the property to any one he pleased.” “Then, if there was a will, hse might be left Sp in the cold?” “I should be. best of it.” These four precious rascals had no great liking for Ver- non’s resignation, They would have liked him to fight, both legally and illegally, for the estate. Tam down on my luck, but must ae the they could turn affairs so that they would reap the ad- vantage. | “Tf there is a will,” suggested one, “it would be valuable.” “Yes, to one of two parties.” : : “What is Glen William worth?” . “A good quarter of a million, Vernon says; and then there is the cash.” . “The widow would get that.” “No, only half; the next of kin the remainder.” “The widow should have a dower-right in the estate.” yaks sinsaliieile eee ROE : LIBRARY. Ra “Of course; she would fave’ to. he Banietit out. The’. come from the estate is over twenty thousand a year.” “kin P?? stand so much danger of getting stretched. c ‘When he had left them, they started in to discuss how _ “Then, if there is a will, and the boy takes: all, Vernon ie will be out in the cold.” , Ses . ss Wh xadtly (a © 3 4 Ete ee “Then he pe caes to he willing io give : ty ‘thousan ‘for, the will.” os ess _ “He would.” | ees i ae “T don’t think® so. He ont 3 give | s Havent “‘thousafite for. ie it, but not more. He would contest it, and by proving Hs the boy was only a foundling, the court would give ene non a good slice of the estate.” | | ee “Who is the boy?” sel OG ee “That is the mystery.” ee res “Ts he a relative?” “Whew! What if he should prove to be the next of “T never thought of that.” “What can we do?” “Secure the winning card.” “How! ag vate library, and, viele: they were old ‘hands at 't me work, and took the slightest chances—that Vernon slept a in the adjoining room, they intended stupefying him with ae ae charcoal fumes, so that he could not raise the alarm. 4 8 We already / know how nearly they succeeded, but Hows as Vernon managed to escape them, though it became: ne ee Je sary to strike him to the ground in order to avoid ree cog TL dy tion. : : An hour Sikes the fous men had left the house, escap: by the same vine along which Vernon had climbed, i studied the papers which they had secured. “We hold the winning catd now.’ “Eureka !” “We shall be rich for life.” “Ves, if we pull together and: work it right.” “With whom can we make the best bargain?” ait “With these papers, Vernon Craig is safe; without them ein Joshua Vernon walks into possession.” “See “Ves, but while Craig lives there is danger.” “Then he must die 1?” : The decision was made as coolly as though» they. were ne speaking of a chicken destined for dinner. — ! One of the quartet, however, was rather more afraid of the consequences than the others, and suggested abducting Hi Craig and holding him for a ransom. a “We can get a pull both ways then, and our necks wont ces wees His suggestion was deemed a good one, ane was” or ried out. : ie Tt required’ considerable skill and finesse to carry on the’) ae negotiations, and several times a quarrel was imminent. he i$ Ss On the Tuesday after the abduction, the quartet was "4 Ae engaged in a thorough-paced row. if x *, ‘ a: Each had suspicion of the other, and, as a cence ent a ' a |e harmony was out of the question. : In the very midst of the row, Joshua Vernon entered the room; his appearance was the signal for silence. | “Well, what news?” asked first one and then another, me Vernon scowled, and with his clenched fist struck, ‘the Bi table a violent blow. AY a. “You have played me false!” he cried vehemently. © ~ ie “How so?” (ce ee common ‘burglars you eutered Glen William.” a ee “What right had you to do that?” ee The quartet of rascals laughed heartily. a Sh With a savage oath, he bade them cease their mirth. hie answer his question. “Right? Ha, ha, ha! such we be?” “Cease your jesting. What did you discover?” a tinal SAY What right has any but, ig | eas Seer ial aha ee