The Argosy, December 1905 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

80 “She wears a ring as a sign of their engagement ? ” “She does, with my permission; but what of that, Perriam? ” “That ring isn’t paid POE" “The deuce you say.’ “Ladd bought it on the instalment plan, and has only paid about three in- stalments.” “The young jackanapes, and one of the conditions to my consent was that he should live within his means,” cried the old man angrily. “TI’ll see about this. Ill dispose of Mr. Ladd before he is a day older. He is a fine young man to think of marrying my daughter! ” “But that isn’t the worst, by any means,” continued Perriam quietly. “What! Worse still!” cried the old man. “ Then hurry up and speak out, man. Is he a forger also?” “ Worse.” “ Worse than a forger! What the deuce do you mean? Yow’re crazy, Perriam. Crazy with jealousy! I don’t believe a word of what you have said.” “The police are now looking for Arthur Ladd to arrest him on a charge of wilful murder,” said the reporter slowly. “Wilful murder! Good heavens, you are crazy! My daughter’s young man a murderer? It can’t be true. What do you mean, Perriam? ” “Jacob Meyer, the jeweler who gold Arthur Ladd the ring your daughter wears, was stabbed through the heart by Arthur Ladd this afternoon. The jew- eler threatened the young man with ex- ‘posure if he did not pay up the over- due instalments on the ring. ‘To save himself, Ladd killed him. “Tve been working on the story. THE ARGOSY. That’s why I came up to see you—on business. Ladd has run away.” “The dastardly dog. Good heavens! f wonder if Rosa knows about this. This will kill my little girl. She was dead in love with this young jackanapes, and that’s the only reason I permitted the engagement, for I never thought overmuch of him myself. He was a gambler, and I mistrust gamblers as a rule.” He rang the bell, and a maid-servant appeared. “Is Miss Rosa in the house?” her master inquired. “No, sir. She went out about an hour ago.” “* Alone? 7. “No, sir. Mr. Ladd ealled for her and they went out together.” “Ladd here!” gasped both men, jumping to their feet in surprise. “Where did they go, girl?” yelled Adrian. take? Hurry! Speak!” “I don’t know, sir,” stammered the maid. “They didn’t leave any word. As they went out I heard Miss Rosa say to Mr. Ladd something about going to the bank.” “To the bank! I know what’s hap- pened, then. That scoundrel has eloped with my daughter. He has come to this house, his hands red with the -blood of his victim, and persuaded my confiding girl to run away with him. Perhaps they are married already—my daughter the wife of a murderer! “We must hurry, Perriam! not a second to be lost. You love her and you will help me. They must be caught at once, Perriam. They must be caught!” There is (To be continued.) AT CUPID'S WHEEL. I STAKED my all on a single throw, And waited breathlessly For the turn of the wheel to bring me round A fortune or bankruptcy. When Cupid doubled the reckless cast, I hurried my prize away— For whoso wins with his heart at stake, Were foolish again to play ! Daisy Rinehart COMMICLOO® S “Which direction did they | (C@