The Argosy, Volume XLIV — page 284: what you’re looking at

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

280 “That’s what I said,” was the reply as he turned away. My reflections were anything but pleasant. I did not believe that I was to be left without the support of Mr. Elsmere. I did not know how long I was to be kept in that cell. But I spent the night there. : The following morning I was taken before a magistrate and committed for trial. I offered to furnish cash bail, looking in vain for Mr. Iilsmere. But the banker did not appear at the hear- ing. | ‘Your crime,” said the magistrate, ‘is one that makes a man want to thrash you. I can think of no punish- ment great enough for such rogues as you.” “ But what have I done?” [ asked. “I have injured no one. I have put money into the pockets of every inves- tor up to this time.” “It couldn’t last. It couldn’t last. You are worse than a common thicf, for he steals from the rich.” “TI did not steal at all.” “Some people don’t call it that. Well, all I can do is to remand you for trial.” “ But have [ no rights in this matter? Can I not have my freedom to see what I can do?” . He laughed. “It would not be difficult to see what you would do. Your partner is waiting for you somewhere with the boodle. We’ve got one of vou, and we’re going to keep that one.” “ But certainly I have the privilege to engage a lawyer.” “Oh, anybody has that.” “Then send for John Chatterton, in the Arcade Building.” “You can do that from Street jaql.” There was no lessening of the dis- erace and misery. I was marched off with a half dozen others and lodged in the celebrated prison. I was permitted to send for Chatter- ton, whom I had known for several months, and he soon reached me. “This is bad business, Merrill.” ‘he sald. “ Bad! I should sav it was bad. Ludlow But THE ARGOSY. what an outrage! I have committed no crime.” * No, but don’t you see—it was the way Wilkins skipped off. ‘These schemes are in bad odor just now. We'll, pull you through all right. Don’t worry.” “T want you to see Mr. Elsmere about this. He knows I was honest and conducting a fair business. His en- dorsement and support just now would be of value.” “Yes, I should say so. I will see him. I will arrange for your trial as soon as possible. Don’t worry. It will all come right.” Chatterton left me, and I lay on my bunk in a disconsolate mood. I was not now so confident that it would come out all right. Chatterton returned in the after- noon. “Say, what kind of a snoozer is old Elsmere?” he asked. “ Why, he acted as if he were insulted. Said he would have nothing to do with a fraud and a thief. Told me you deserved ten years in prison.” “My God! that?” “ That’s what he said.” ° I stood and stared at him. I could not at once encompass the fact that I had been absolutely deserted by the best friend I had, or thought I had. “Did you see Miss Elsmere? ” “No. I went to the bank.” “Oh, my heavens! This is terrible! I must send her a letter.” ¢ hand not. ° ce W on’t do any good. These people are rich, they are in society, and proud. While you were a successful financier you were all right. But Elsmere ‘is not the kind of a man to interest himsclf in you now. Leave it to me. I’ll have you out of here before night.” But Mr. Chatterton did not have me out before night. I remained in the cell until mv trial. I shall not enter into the details of that trial. Those who read the New York papers will remember it. Editorials that were cruel, news items that were bitterly unjust, and letters from hundreds of people asking for my imprisonment, were published every Did Mr. Elsmere say ECOMRRIC LOG (GO) awa