Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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largare* Keimfs Managers & By Mrs. R A. STANLEY fCopynjhu lise, by Americana j Press Associ? ation.! CHAPTER i. . :~IFetcwfi tajia.ix.-a. quirt tim*-talk.Kith ?? ytiu^ Miss Mnryhrtt.' It was four o'clock Saturday after .uoon. ' Jacfc tnrnecl from the-elevator xfown which he haft, jost seut the foran? of the last ?dition, and gave a sigh ot re Kef as the regular beat of the stereo typer's brash arose from below. A few of tile compositors yet liagemj. at their cases "throwing in"* suck type as could be got? but the majority hail gone home to sapper, preferring tn return later when the forms were released from the steaming table and type was more plentiful. Quoins, sid?sticks. mali els planera and/-other utensils lay about on the imposing stones and tables, and with a wave of his hand toward them and a word of mstruction to his youthful .assistant, Bazeley stepped to his desk and bega? measuring np "dupes.** .Despite the ink stains on his brawny arms and his beard of three days youth, he was as handsome-a specimen of young manhood as one often sees, and a? Margaret Modbury thought as sha * at that . moment: opened the door "from the stairway into the hall, at the ?ead of the room where Jack was. | Uer modest "How dd you do. Mr. Hazeley? brought the blood to Jack's face and set - ' his heart pounding, but fae mastered courage to reply politely, and as at this instant the business manager and man ' "aging editor appeared at the head of the stair and bowed her across the hall into the late: Mr. Medbury s room no /arther chance for conversation was given. As Margaret entered this room, into - winch since! childhood she - had so often joyously bounded, her heart was heavy. ' " ii seemed as ? she- was entirely alone in a great, unfeeling world-a world her kind, indulgent father had made very iappy for her. Her mother's death three years befare had been 2. hard blow, bot it was as nothing in comparison with her present bereavement the utter loneliness had not come before, hot now it was upon her with oppressive weight. The honest-sympathetic face of her childhood friend and schoolmate -Jack Hazeley-had seemed most wel? come a moment before, but the differ? ence in-their respective stations forbade his offering sympathy unless she made the first advances, .and her woman's modesty forbade that Ali this and much more passed through ? the young woman's mind as she entered : the editorial apartments. The polite in ' vitations of the Messrs. Bli te to be seated - seemed * hollow and grated harshly on har ears. Something told her the un? usual cordiality of the brothers was as . sained, and she was alarmed to find . herself wishing she had the same conti . dence in these two polished gentlemen now in her company that she had al " ways, involuntarily felt for Hazeley reticent and bashful as he might appear -?te*ter'presence. Sturdy, blunt, some . times almost snrly, there was always an undercurrent of kindness that told her and aH who came in contact with him. that'while he was not a politic or pol vhed man/he was still one who thor? oughly understood himself-a mau of uncommon moral and.physical courage, and one of suc? broad mind and kind heart as to win the respect of all honest Why she distrusted the brothers she old not know. Surely she must needs trust them, for now that her father was gone-she must depend on them as toe respective heads of the editorial and business departments of this property left to her. However, as Charles, the elder, removed his hat and cleared his throat preparatory to opening conversation, the other brother meanwhile carefully clos-' tog the door after them, it seeemed as if that old saw "* 'Will yon walk into my parlor?* 8aid the spider to the fly, _ was a most appropriate beginning. ' "We wish to have a quiet little talk with yon, -Miss Margaret," said Blite. senior, as he sat stiffly down on the edge of ins chair, "and for that purpose in? vited yen. into this little sanctum of mine.** Margaret noticed the inflection ' on the word "mine," and repressed an? ger made her eyes glow a trifle. It seemed to her as rf this man- had shown - andne haste in removing bis desk, books, etc, into her fathers room so soon after the funeral, and that, toe, without con? sulting her, the present sole owner of The Herald plant. However, she could hardly find practical u. jon for resent? ment, and almost immediately con? trolled herself and looked expectant, as if anxious for the procedure of ?lites "qaiet talki"'.. "You see,** began the managing editor again, **Mr. Arthur here, my brother, and I have for some time had an interest -a financial interest, I may say-in this plant, and while it is not such an in? terest as in any sense renders us proprie? tors, it is such as will probably necessi? tate the office giving us stock. That, however, is all we ask. We do not want oar money; ] ;We have' never said any? thing to any one outside about this matter, and there is no need now of say? ing anything about it Your father in his will named me as executor and ad- . firiaistrator, and 1 now proceed in this quiet manner to inform you, the sole { heir, of the only claim I know of against I the .estate; - real- or personal-namely, j $13,000 held by myself in tho shape of three notes of $4,000 each, given me by yoar father for money lent" Surprise, mixed with indignation, be? trayed itself in Margaret's voice. "In? deed' Why, if this be true, did not my j father tell me of it? if you hold such j paper, why did he say to me over and - orer*agam,.*3iy daughter, I leave you a . ..?ne property, free and clear from debt of j fay kind.' You will remember that \ af ter the first stroke he rallied, ?nd we all thought he would recover, but he looked for the second stroke that finally came, and while able to converse with me he told me again and again what 1 ' j have justitold yon* Also of ? his trust fc> j *yoa two gentlemen, and while he was j ( aware that 1 would probably not he able j "."for years, if ever, to control and nm such a property as this, there was lit- I :;.tle danger of disaster with two such ' mea in control Why, gentlemen, I can hardly believe what you say." "We d?iUOtask.you to take our word for it, Miss- ^tedbury," was the-quick re- j ply. "You shall see the notes, and when \ von do. yoa will admit that not only the i body of each but the signature are in j vour father's hand. Did he not suppose ; yon knew of these notesj" .~_-? "Nb, certainly not. Had he suppos< I knew of them would he again ai again have used the words free and clea Do yon think a father on his dying tx would for any reason whatever thus d ceive his daughter? ls it reasonable sp suppose? No, gentlemen. There is mistake here somewhere." A meaning glance here passed betwe? -the.brothers, and as Margaret sudden! "raised her eyes to their faces she saw i and her suspicions were aroused. "L? me see these notes? Where are they she asked. . At a uod from his brother the busine: manager arose, descended to tho low? office and soon "returned with an enve ope. As he'freut out he did not s< Bazeley, who had ?toed at his desk ne: the.partitimi.?lie..past tifteeu minutes i a listening attitude. When ho returne Jack was apparently very busy measu rag dupes, but had Mr. Biite looke closely he would have seen that tl string of -slug fourteen was crushed t< gether ia the foreman's hard hand, an that an ugly light gleamed in his eyei As the door closed on Blite, Jack rt sumed his listening attitude again. . <k>n't fancy eavesdropping," he mu tered; "but all's fair in war with rascal like these. The Elftes have twelve thot sand dollars indeed! They never ha twelve hundred dollars ahead, and neve will unless they steal it." Margaret sun-eyed the notes sprea out before her in a dazed way, for an ii stant turning pale and breathing ver hard. Not only was the signature c each that of her father, but .?.e body c the note was in his hand. She woul have sworn to it, and notwithstandin her suspicions of a moment before woul have accepted the prima facie evidenc here displayed without further remos straace . but for one little sign. As sh again suddenly raised her eyes a smal mirror hanging in the partition just bi fore her came within range of hervision in it she could see the faces of the brota ers, who stood just behind her, an< -whereas these faces had hitherto won AU expression of solicitation-if not com miseration-each now wore a sardoni grin, while the beady little right eye o the business manager was at that in stant veiled by its lid in something ver like a wink. Her anger was at this in stant beyond control, and all her forme: suspicions were magnified. Her eye fairly blazed with wrath, and Jack ha< now no trouble in distinguishing he: words. ..Charles and Arthur Blite, you havi concocted a scheme to rob me, the onh daughter of your patron and friend While 1 cannot in truth brand the? notes as forgeries, 1 say to you now anc shall always believe there is something wrong about them. Why in the nam? of heaven did you not make them larger so as to cripple this concern or gain con trol of its stock? You could then hav< rendered me and it subservient to you. As it is. 1 may be robbed, but only tim once by you. 1 hold control as yet, anc I will show you that I am my father** daughter. I can raise money by mort? gage, and with the help of trusted mer about me, for there are those here 1 cai trust; even if I cannot believe the head* of this concern, I can and will pay ofl these claims of yours." "But .what is the use?" interposed Charles, his voice as soothing as a fa? ther's, his face expressing all conceiva? ble concern. "Pay us our claim ic stock. We can run this business foi you as we have for your father hereto? fore. The books will be open at all times for your inspection, and we being interested" : : "Would own the entire plant in five years. Where did you ever get this twelve thousand dollars that you claim to have lent my father? What did he do with it when he borrowed it? He did not owe a dollar in the world five years ago, when this building was com? pleted, for he told poor mother and me so the day the plant was moved in." "Very true, very true, my dear mad am, and he owed nothing up to the time he borrowed this money. At that time he put in a large quantity of new ma? terial, a news press among the rest, and we are quite sure he used this money for that. How was that. Brother Ar? thur?" and the bland editor bent his in? quiring gaze on the business manager. "That was it exactly, and if we had the books covering that period I could show Miss M?rgaret the entries proving it As it is, i am sorry to say they are destroyed," and here another tele? graphic signal passed between the cun? ning eyes of each. "It was just after we came in here." resumed Arthur, "and as 1 liad the money and kaew Mr. Medbury was good financially for sixty thousand dollars I lent it on notes, not asking even a chattel mortgage." "If my father wrote and signed those notes he certainly did not know what he was about. I know there must be some? thing wrong about them, for tho profits of the business always have and always shoukl have paid for all machinery needed. How you have managed to se? cure them 1 do not know, but if they are legal claims, which they appear to be, I must see them paid, i see they are pay? able October first, eighteen hundred and eighty-eight, January first and April first, eighteen hundred and eighty-nine. They will be paid when due-when due, I say-but not one dollar of stock in this concern do you get. Furthermore, as economy is. in order, 1 must dispense with your valuable services. You will please give up your keys and vacate, your quarters here as soon as possible. 1 am thankful this is Saturday after? noon, as it gives me Sunday to turn about." "But. Miss Medbury, considerr "I have considered." was the quick re? ply, "and I want you to go. and that at once." Gathering up their alleged notes the brothi'rs stood looking, at each other blankly, but as Margaret stepped to the door and opened it both took the hint ar.d started out. "This is the eighth day of September. ? shall be prepared to pay the first note when due," said she as the two started to go down the stairs. -Mr. Charles turned about at the land? ing and began again in his suave way: "My dear young madam, we did not expect such an outburst as this. It is hard enough to accommodate a parent by lending him money and then to l>e turned upon by tho offspring of that friend. Were it not that my duties as executor compel me" "Your duties as executor wil) not be required of you. You will leave matters just as they are-selling off nothing, handling nothing, i have seen the will, and it is entirely optional with me, the Bole heir, to sell or keep and ran this business. Rather than trust you or 3-our brother I will keep it and run ii as best I can. Like your editorial services, your services as executor 1 can and will dis? pense with." Here, slamming the door in his face, the excited girl ran across the hall, and sinking into her father's chair found relief in a flow of tears. She had kept up, she knew not kow, until ?ow, bujt here her woman's- nature as? serted itself. CHAPTER IL Margaret had wept for some time when her will finally came back, and with a determined wiping of eyes, but with quivering lips, she aro?e and ar? ranged her hair, and picking up her gloves prepared to go. She was unde? cided as to whether she should go down stairs and notify Mr. Simmons, the book? keeper, of the discharge of the Blitesj .*9*i, Jack! I am (n trouble." but after debating the matter a moment or two decided to go home, think mat? hers over and como fresh to the work Monday morning. She threw open the door to go, bnt started back, for there on the threshold, immovable as a sphinx, stood Jack. His apron was wound about bis big bare arms, his face was as solemn as a martyr's, and he looked so utterly lugubrious that Margaret could hardly refrain from laughing even in her pres? ent trouble. His face looked the pity ho evidently felt, and in her impulsive way ' the girl appreciated and expressed that ! appreciation. Extending both her hands ' she exclaimed: "Oh, Jack! I am in trou ble-serious trouble, too, I fear-and 1 need friends. We used to be friends. Aren't we yet?* Jack made no reply, but in an awk? ward way grasped both her hands in his, and looking straight down into the tear? ful eyes stood as immovable as before. ^Filially his eyes twinkled, and dropping her hands he said, "I beg your pardon, Miss Medbury. 1 forgot myself. It seemed again as if you were the little Maggie I used to tease at school. Well! Well! Little one, you've a big job on 4iand." "What do you mean, Jack-Mr. Bazeley, ! mean? Do you know all, or . ?o you refer to my difficulty in making yon my friend?** *1 knew all, Miss Medbury. I could -not well help hearing all, and you do need friends. You have acted very hastily, however, in discharging these two men. Who can fill their places?" "That is true," said Margaret, with a laugh that had a sound of hysterics in it, "but what was I to do? 1 see now that I am not a diplomat Oh, what Shall I dor "Keep cool, little woman. That's the first thing to do. Your father was as nonchalant in times of the greatest ex? citement as any ordinary man would be on his way to dinner. If you propose running this paper you must get the mastery of your nerves first of all. Do you know anything of the business?" "About as much as 1 do of anything else 1 never took an interest in," was the despairing reply. "Dear me! 1 fear I was hasty with those two men, but their attempt to swindle was so apparent that I lost all control of myself. You seel was looking at their faces. You only heard I their voices. 1 should have dissembled, ' and if 1 had it to do over again would give them a soft answer end seek advice, j As it is, the fight is opened, and we must go through with it to the end. What that end will be God only knows." "Tes, God does know," said Jack, .?and according to my mother's doctrine hell see you through. I'm going to stand by the new management anyway, and whichever way I go the union goes. There's God and the union on your side anyway, and even a woman ought to run a paper with such backing as that You mustn't look back and mourn over j any mistakes you may have made, but look ahead. What shall you do in the j future? That is the question. You asked me if I knew all. Yes, i do-or nearly , all. What I don't know I've suspected for some time. The 'Messrs. Charles j ?nd Arthur Blite want this property. Just how they are going to get it I don't know, but suppose they've got the plan of campaign all ready for press. What we're to do is to pi their form. Pm not prejwred to give advice just at this instant, but with your permission I'll see you later. I'd like to do something for you, and if we can have an under? standing 1 may be able to run things inside the building more to your advan? tage. It won't do, however, for us to be seen talking here, and with your per? mission Til now call a cab for you and call at your-your home for a later talk." "Certainly, Mr. Hazeley. You are very kind and are the very person I want advice from. Come as early as possible this evening, and well have a long talk." Jack sent the office boy out for a cab and went over to the sink to wash the j ink from his hands and arms. Just as ? Miss Medbery went down the front way Mr. Arthur Blite came up the back stairway and out through the compos? ing room. As ho neared the sink he stopped short, as if there was something he wished to say, but remaining silent went on again, when Jack, who was as cool as ever and perfectly natural, re? marked, "By the way. Mr. Blite. will you be here Monday?" Blite's eyes glittered, and he turned sharply, looking suspiciously at the un? concerned foreman, who, as he wiped first one finger and then another on the grimy towel, selecting the cleanest spot with great care and deliberation, con? tinued, " 'Cos if you are, sir, 1 want to talk with you about some position con? tracts." The apparent innocence of the ques? tion demanded a straight reply, and al? though Jack had mischievously inflected the word "position." giving the business manager quite a turn, the latter had no reason for equivocation and said: "Cer? tainly, Hazeley; 1 shall I>e in the office right along. Yon can see me any time all next week." "So! ho! Mr. Man, and so you don't propose to accept the discharge of the proprietress? 1 think when she author? izes Simmons to manage things, and Simmons authorizes me to fire you out the first door, you'll go," soliloquized ! the imperturbable Jack as he dried the last finger on the towel. He put ou his coat, and as he went through the busi? ness office stepped up to Simmons, th** bookkeeper, and said in a low voice, "1 j may call on you tonight between eleven ! and twelve, and if 1 do you'll be at J home?" "What's that you said?" demanded the busings manager from his desk. "I was speaking to Mr. Simmons," was Jack's prompt reply, "and i'd also ? like to say to you that if yon let that ! pill firm work any moro wood backed I cuts on ns you'll hear of our missing some mails. They won't dry in the steam ! table, and we don't get out that first edition with a minute to spare. If we do miss all the eastern mail some after- 1 noon" "Yes. yes. 1*11 attend to that at once," j said the hex ?d winked business manager. ' Ho had heard the same long winded complaint only fifteen minutes before j from tho pressman and again from the ! stereotyper, and lie did >iot want a repe- ' tition. AK he looked down aga?n to his writing Simmons nodded intelligently, and Jack went out the office door; j CHAPTER UL That evenizir Jack was ushered1 into the cozy reception room of the Medbury honse, and as he waited for the young mistress of this elegant home to make ber appearance found himself face to face with an elegant life size portrait in oil of the late proprietor of The Herald. If Jack had ever had any intention of improving any opportunity or presum? ing on any confidence his patron's daughter might bestow, snell a feeling vanished as he looked at that strong, manly, kind, old face. As he thought of the manner in which Mr. Medbury had assisted and encouraged him at night school, and in other ways since the necessities of Jack's mother had com **l nm what I am by thc grace of God.'* pelled her to take him from day school, where he was a classmate of Margaret's, and apprentice him to The Herald office, the young man inwardly vowed to dis? interestedly advise the friendless young woman. The words, "1 am what 1 am by the grace of God, and you were one of the main instruments of God's providence in making me a useful citizen, Samuel Medbury," came almost unconsciously from bis lips. He supposed he was alone, and when he ceased speaking and turned to find Margaret in the doorway behind him his confusion was for a mo? ment quite embarrassing to both. Final? ly tho .xouug man managed to say: "1 j supposed I was a?one, Miss Medbury, and unconsciously spoke aloud. I meant what I said, however, and am here this j evening to offer you my services in any j way you may deem most efficient 1 find you need some information concern? ing the details of the office. I can im? part that, and can then bear any mes? sage you may wish to send to Simmons, who is naturally the successor of the business manager you have discharged. Mr. Simmons is an honest man, and you will donbtless by his aid become a suc? cessful journalist There is no reason why a woman cannot run a newspaper successfully. 1 wish to report to yon that one of the brothers at leastr-Mr. Arthur Blite-decides to remain with you, whether or no," and Jack proceeded to relate his experience in 4 'pumping" the business manager, to the great amusement of the young lady. Finally, however, she became thoughtful again. ?id bending toward Jack said: "You speak of Mr. Simmons? He is not my choice. You will pardon me. but I have chosen a man to succeed Mr. Blite whom you will probably advise me against Your advice, however, in this respect will be unavailing, for I am determined. You are the man, John Bazeley, and I will take no refusal." Jack drew a long breath **md looked as if he had received an offer to go as missionary to thc South Sea islands. Fi? nally his mouth flew open, and ho be? gan, "But, Miss Mar" "No buts at all. Not a word of objec? tion. I won't hear it. There's some? thing tells me you are the man. It told me so au hour ago, and I went to Mc Co??uin, papa's lawyer, but ho is in poli? tics up to his ears and didn't want to lay a word against the Elites or mix np in any quarrel among newspaper m?-n. ? think he will know his mistake before he's a year older. He did say, however, that you were practical and a bright young man. I want you to take charge at once. I can trust you fully. Will you do mo this favor?" and tho honest blue eyes were looking earnestly into his face. The poor fellow weakened. It was so unexpected and ho had not the proper confidence in himself, but every objec? tion he offered was answered by argn ments that he could not controvert "You know that when Mr. Blite failed to hold an advertiser they always sent you around to talk with him. and 1 heard father declare not three months ago that your blunt arguments and businesslike talk did more with the average mau than all of Mr. Elite's soft solder. Yo'1 know they depended on you to settle th strike last spring. In short you must not refuse me," and before he left ni* young employer at ten o'clock that even? ing he had consented, and they had done censi Jerablo planning for the future. CHAPTER IV. lie saw that Arihvr tarried a bundle. As Jack reached the public square on his way home and gazed across it the night was so dark he could hardly dis? tinguish the outlines of The IJeraid office, which stood over opposite the church, in the deeper shadow of which he paused to light a cigar. As he was feeling m his j>ock<'t for a match he noticed) that the three lamps along down the street next The Herald office were not burning-a tiling very unusual-and was at tlie same instant somewhat startled to seo a flash of light in The Herald's business office iuv-tectd of the steady gleam of the gus jet Simmons always left burning. As he* stood match in one hand and cigaT in the other -he was still further startled to 6eo the peculiar wink of a bullseye lamp as the slide was shot. Dropping the cigar and match-foto his pocket together he bent down, and securing a saaooth round cobble tiptoed across the st^et, secreting himself behind a tobacconist's sidewalk sign out ou fhe curb'nearly opposite*the office. He could-see the- police officer pacing along- up the- street ?. block or more away where the lnmps were lighted as usual and would have called to him but j for fear at giving a needless alarm, j Crouching still lower and gazing stead- j ily into the office, he w;is soon rewarded by another flash of light as the slide of the bullseye was slowly opened, and then beheld a hand on the combination knob of the safe door. One glance was enough. One hand in all the world was as slim and peculiar between joints as Arthur Blite's. and if that was not pecu? liarity enough a seal ring of peculiar pattern clinched the proof. At this in? stant Jack heard the lx>lts shot, the door was swung open, and out of the safe came a cashbook and journal. That was enough, and drawing back his powerful arm the watcher prepared to deliver a "curve** toward that safe door that would have cracked it, but for a soft voice within .fifteen feet of him and ap? parently in the open office door. "There's no one coming. Use your lamp, Arthur, and don't fail to get the right books.** The bullseye was at this instant flashed toward the office door, and he caught a git apeo of Mr. Charles on guard with drawn revolver. Tpe foreman set his teeth together and was about to change Iiis aim to the watcher when the door Was shut to, and from over the transom he heard low* voices and,, the shooting of the safe door bolts. Then he heard the precious pair come forth and go down the street. As they passed under the -first street lamp he saw that Arthur car? ried a bundle which he had no doubt contained the records they bad stolen for what purpose he did not clearly un? derstand. Following as closely as he ^ared, he saw them halt before the house they and their maiden sister occupied. A large piano lamp threw its light out the full length window, and by its aid he saw them place the package beneath the steps leading up to the side door. Then they entered, and Jack drew near. He was thinking faster than he had ever thought before, and while he wanted to secure the books was fearful lest they might become a white elephant on his own hands before he could place them in the hands of their owner. Through the window he could 6ee Miss Blite sit? ting before the fireplace in which a hick? ory fire was blaring. "I want a witness when 1 take those books," he thought, and his mind reverted to Simmons, with whom he had made his appointment "He was hesitating as to what he should do when he saw Arthur, who sat be? hind the sister, crook his thumb toward the fireplace and grin triumphantly. "They'll burn those books as soon as she goes to bed," he thought, and they don't dare bring them in till she retires. "1 guess I've time to call Simmons," and he started on a mn down tho middle of the street toward Simmons' residence. He arrived breathless, and found the old gentleman expecting him. His story told, Simmons nodded gravely and said: "Boy, this is about what I've been ex? pecting. I haven't time to explain now, but will later. Wait till I secure some less valuable fuel," and snatching a scrapbook and an atlas from the center table ho started toward the door. "Come on. We've no time to lose. We must get those books. They may save a fortune -that is, if twelve thousand dollars is one, and it is to me." Jack caught the old man's idea, and snatching the books from him ran up Street at a pace the bookkeeper could hardly equal. As the old man arrived he found Jack cm his knee* beside the steps hastily unwrapping the precious volumes, and haste was necessary, for Miss Blite had gone to her room, leaving the brothers alone. The bookkeeper saw Mr. Arthur arise and throw some more light wood on the tire, and whispering to Jack to make haste retreated across the street Jack joined him just as the business manager came out the door, and they saw him soon reappear in the room, bearing the bundle iu his arms. "Now if they undo that package our cake may be all dough," whispered the old man, who shivered with excitement. "They won't do it, though. See? In she goes. My, but won't Molly kick, though! That scrapbook was her pride, and she'll miss rt within twenty-four hours." "Hang the serapbookr whispered Jack, exultantly. "Or rather burn it," rejoined the old man. "See those two fools stand there and watch it burn. 1 suppose they think they are safe now.** As Jack and Simmons prepared to de? part they could see the brothers lighting up their cigars and sitting down before the fire for a smoke, happy in their sup? posed triumph. CHAPTER V. Arrived at Simmons' home a compari? son of notes followed, and at Jack's re? cital of the afternoon's interview and Margaret's spirited denial of the broth? ers' claim tho old gentleman kept ex? claiming, "I knew it! 1 thought as much!" and seemed also to have a story to tell. As he proceeded Jack under? stood the motive of the theft from the safe. "Yon see," began Simmons, "while 1 have worked for Mr. Medbury many years, even before you came, 1 have only run the books about-let me think." "Eighteen months," suggested Jack. "Yes; that's just about the time, 1 guess. You were then at the case, I think. 1 wasn't sure whether 1 took them while you were devil or not. At any rate, if Mr. Arthur hadn't been so ambitious to be a business manager and disliked bookkeeping so much, he would probably have succeeded Mr. Perkins, and 1 would have been still out on the road collecting and canvassing. "I used to envy Mr. Arthur at first, for I could see or thought 1 could that he was bound to secure Perkins' place sooner or later, leaving me just where i was. He aimed higher than 1 thought, however, and his ambition was just what gave me the place. Coming from ?he local staff but a year or two before, he displayed moro of an aptitude for secur? ing advertising and for general manage? ment than he did for the i>ositHn> of helper to Perkins, and as a restai \ was Worked in. Perkins liked it- k**t that way, too, and declared to Mi. fiedbury that he had rather have, me and also praised Mr. Elite's capabilities ss- an ad? vertising manager. It therefore hap? pened that 1 was bookkeeper through Perkins* last sickness, being called ki off tl"*road, and my son was given ray place. Meanwhile Mr. Blite kept gassing in favor and the balances- showed that a business mannger paid. Be was-there? fore finally given almost rw?wecontrol and liad arrived at his prese?? position about six months before Mr. Med bu ry's ?!?*ath. I relate all this that you may know how it all came about, for you were in the business office *ery little and may have wondered why Blite was placed over all of us. The fact is I would rather today do clerical work and-only hope some man will be found So take Mr. Blite's placo at once*. ? dew't want tho responsibility." "That's all settled, 1 suppose," said Jack, blushing, and the old man went on. "Mr. Arthur was always very Respect? ful to me, but totbeeth?*,?9y-on know, was at times very overbearing and disa? greeable. I was somewhat surprisedr therefore, when he came to ?te one day last week and informed tue that, while hi.* brother would have hill charge of tin editorial force as heretofore, he (Mr Arthur) would manage the business* end and warned me not to have so much to say to the men. 1 knew that this riiarg? was so unfounded it must \ye tot a pur pose, and suspecting that he was ?eek ing some pretense to dist-h arge me kept perfectly quiet 1 only wanted to hold my position long enough to see him go. and I guess 1 shall-maybe- to state's r~ prison. Only day before yesterday he came in,and found me looking over the cashbook he stole tonight. 1 was look? ing up an old account claimed to have been paid, but he gave me no chance to explain, for he walked up, banged the book together, and in his overbearing way said 1 was not to 'study ancient history, but to go on with my work.* i could see by his manner that he was sus? picious of me, and as a result 1 became at onco suspicious of him. Wba: he was afraid of i don't know for certain, but I have a theory." "So have I," said Jack, "and I've had lt Bince 1 heard that interview this after? noon, if I'd been Miss Margaret I shouldn't have last my temper so easy, but would have seen those books before I went home." "That's the very thing." agreed Sim? mons. 4 "Those notes are forgeries, and he knows the cashbook, which shows the receipt and expenditure of every cent, would give him away. You see. I knew nothing about the note dodge, and while 1 was suspicious of theft should have been on the wrong track till too late. You fay, then, he prodnres notes for twelve thousand dollars'* "That corks 'cm/" exclaimed Simmon*. "Yes, Miss Margaret sa3*s there are three of them. They are for. four thou? sand dollars each, and bear date of October first, eighteen hundred and eighty-five, January first and April first, eighteen hundred and eighty-six. The Blites called on her at the house Thurs? day and told her they had some papers they wanted her to come to the office and look over, but did not explain any? thing, and as she was busied about some other matters she.did not come down till this afternoon. They claim now that the notes were given the time the new dress and big stereotype press were pur? chased, but I recollect, now it's brought to my mind, of Mr. Medbury telling Major Benton near my case one after? noon that he paid cash down for both." "Well, he might have done that and still borrowed the money, but 1 don't believe he borrowed a cent. If he bad. why should he have borrowed of the Blites? They never had the reputation of capitalists, so far as 1 know. What's the use of ^jnjecturing, however? We have the cashbook. Let's look it over." Drawing the curtains they brought the cashbook out and proceeded to ex? amine it A volume of five hundred pages, it was a continuous record from January first, eighteen hundred and eighty-five, to December thirty-first eighteen hundred and eighty-six. The balance brought from a former book was three thousand dollars, and this had increased as the months rolled by about' fifteen hundred dollars per month till1 September twelfth, eighteen hundred and eighty-five, when a balance of fifteen thousand eight hundred dollars was re? duced to five thousand three hundred dollars by the payment of ten thousand fite hundred dollars for a stereotype press and outfit About* thirty days later {October fifteenth) the balance, which had again increased to six thou? sand seven hundred and; fifty dollars, Was again reduced to four thousand eight hundred dollars and forty cents by the payment of one thousand nine hn ndred and forty-nine dollars and sixty cents for a new news dress and a large quautity'of job type. The journal agreed with the cashbook. "That corks 'emf exclaimed' Simmons triumphantly. "There's a record of every eest the office received and of all it paid out 1 tell you a man's cash? book, if it's kept right, is a key to his business, no matter whether he lives or dies. I don't wonder the* Bhtes wanted to destroy this one. H's lucky we saved it from the fire." "But," interposed Jack, "Miss Mar? garet say? these notes are tn her father's own handwriting-body, signatures and all. They are not on a regtrfar printed blank." 4*Thed-*d-de*ceyousayr* gasped Sim? mons .'Why, T never knew Medbury to draw up any paper himself. He al? ways referred such jobs as that to the bookkeeper and attached his own signa? ture afterward. He was not an easy penman, but did all his writing with a big soft lead pencil." "Yes. his copy used to look like lamp? black put on with a brush." "Well, do you know I never saw him sit down and" write' with a pen but once, and that Was-let me think. Why it was in- the office the day he gave me my fountain pen. Say. do yon know what kind of paper those notes are on?" "Yes. That's the thing that struck Miss Margaret as 'funny,' as she ex? pressed it. Tir?se* notes a*re* Written on a ruled, cheap yellow pape*, such as they used to- send up 'ads.' on, as ?ear as h can understand from her description." "Jack," cried Simmons excitedly, "i've got the key to'the waole business, f saw those notes written, and iff was my fountain pen that did it.- Those notes Were written in blank, so far as the fig ares were* concerned, by 5lr*. Medbury himself, and on my desk'. 16 wafs while Perkins was alive. I lent Medbury my fountaiiv pen or? day, so that be could purchase* one like it for Miss Margaret er her mother, I don't know which. I Went out on the road, and when* I came back he'd lost H. He wa*? somewhat plagued about it, and we?*; out and bought me aBother. He fame over to my desk, ?nd thvowwig'it down on the pad said, .Here's* better pen fhau you had. Simmons,* and lie dashed-?ff- those Hhree notes on Shat pad. "I remember how he tore off the sheet and laid it' aside whil'?'I tried? the pen on the pad-. I ?omein*ber he-xwed'Mr. Charles* name, but *?ised nofigaares. The dollar sign was- made,-but ow?ya dash where thc face of the note should have been, and I've found out sirwe that there was a pecaivirity about the ink ki that pen. This pec?^arity will1 give r-hoso rascallV Blites away,-cven ?? tho'cash? book did net. I tell ye.-1 he hauA of (*xl is in- it. and.these MU*? will sever be al? lowed U> rob? Medbury's estate, tn-the daytime- ?hat ihk isa bluish*black.-but in " the ?^httmtc, raider any ordinary light, kV green as grass.** "SinHr^usv old man-, we'S make' the teeth of those ffweifascals fliuitter yet," and Jack fairly danced for joy. It was Site that night be fore our worthy friends finally slept tW sleep of the* ;putf.-?rod ?lie next day at church- tho ??umter's homily seemed anusnally du?h t'ILVPT*?& Vfi -Good morning, Mr. Hawley,''waa iir. Charles Blites polite greeting on the following Monday as at eight o'clock he found Jack seated in the business jnanager's chair in* the business office -i-!--^ti-T? . "/'Il give you just ten seconds to get out? side that door." looking over the morning's mail, which Simmons was busily Opening up for his inspection; "What does this mean?*' Mr. Charles demanded as* ho took in the situation, and he strode" over to the desk, his $tiarity gone, His frown fearful to be? hold, Jack coolly glanced over an advertis? ing contract and remarked: "Keep your coat on. Mr. B. Don't get excited. Here Comes your brother, and 1 want him to fcfcal1 what 1 have to say." As Mr. Arthuf came in Jack arose from his Chair, buttoned his coat tightly around him^ and raising his voice a trifle an? nounced, "lt means, gentlemen, that by the authority vested in me by Miss Mar? garet Medbury 1 ?rn in possession of this bulee in the capacity of business manager, and that you two gentlemen are not wanted here in any capacity whatever." Brother Charles' heavy face became actually gray with passion, and as he shook his clinched fist toward Jack he snarled like a wounded wolf in impotent fury. Finally getting his voice he be? gan: "It does, eb? We'll see. I'm named as executor of the will cf Mr. Medbury. *fhat will comes up for probate todav, and we'll BOO who has charge of this j office bud property* Besides all this, my ! brother and I have certain claims that j may make the property or a portion of it ours." "Until you get before* the surrogate and substantiate 3*our claims,- however," said Jack, "I am in possession here. I'll ? give you just ten seconds to got outside j that door and stay out. If yotf don't go ! peaceably I'll throw you* both clear ever j that curb." As he advanced the broth : ers retreated, and waiting not on the order of their going -fren*. "Ifot? forgot io* fell nie how they se eured possession" of those notes, Sim? mons," he remarked as he settled down to work again. "So I did, and to tell the truth I don't Sftt?w. The" last I saw of them they Were* to Mr. Medbury's hand as he stepped on th? elevator to go up to his Office. I presume he laid them careless? ly down with his exchanges, where they were found later by' Mr. Charles. May? be he didn't find I Item till he moved in after Mr.- Medbury's death." "Very likely. Let's see. We appear pefore the surrogate today at nine, do we? t believe HI send a carriage for Weet Margaret" CHAPTER VIL **K6ld orte of these note? tip ttlicrc th? light trill not fall directly on it:' "The provisions of this will command me to issue letters testamentary to Mr. Charles Blrfe; who i's here present, ? suppose?*' announced Judge Baxter at the sna*rogate'sonice an hour ?ater,- "and I sup*>ose this to be the only document and the latest under the hand of the late1 S&rffnel Medbury." As he' paused in a' prof essioE?} i?sif kt' garet* over hk spec? tacles- at a? group* of a dozen, among, whom were Margaret, Jack,- Simmons, the Bhtesand several court loungers, including tht sheriff. There was a momentary pause,- and the surrogate had already motioned fer iris clerk to' eome forward Wheo Jaek's steady tones iroke the silence: .".There' are some papers which bear on1 the issue of letters, your honor, and as a' ".epresentative bf the sole1 heir at law ? demand that thc eourt see then* before* their holder is appoiated? ??*sutor and? auditor of his own clain*sa*gainst Samuel' Medbury*8 estate. ? refer to* three notes aggregating $??,000i" Mr. Charles-, who* looked somewhat uneasy,- stepped for? ward. "I suppose," lie v'e?t?redy *vi am-'' nof obliged to-sho-fr fhese af lisent, but iir asmucfc* as Miss- Margret has? see? fit to question their v'afid?tV/and to*discharge, er rather attempt! to discharge, my brother and myself for daringT io" an nounee our" pc?sse$?to? of Shem, ? here? with present them for your honor's- in? spection. Are BO* both of these signa? tures those of the decedent m- this case?" The'surrogate looked1 at them' critic- j ally and attnoui^ed,-"Wot only are the j signatures in the handwriting of the late j Samuel- Medbury,-bot the Jxriyo* the notes-as wei*. " ''Has your honor a dark roon* near by?" was'Jack's next question. The'suiTOgate'fcoked'surprised. '1>r fainly, Mr. Hazeley. Why de? yoif ask?" "For the peason thav i wish to call: j your honor's attention to a certain pecu- j karity About these alleged ?o?es/'' "How db yon know of a*?*y ?ecuEarity Sbountliemr'yoit*^-t?iingpup-??y3' You ?ever saw them-inT-^-^ .'Silencer thundered' the win'Ogatei- ! '"?Mr. Arthur Blite, I want you to dis- | t-inctly'understand' that I never' allow suclv " language irr fltae chambers." Turning, he ordered his clerk to' lead' the way to the great vaults below, av Which were tiled- all the county records df the surrogate's ofEce. Jack- and Sim? mons brought lip the procession; In* Simmons*'arm?'wert the* cashbook and journal, Which, as- rliey turrel -?bout t?y survey the crow?J, the brothers recog? nized as the votomes they sn-y-posed they j had burned' the' Saturday evening pre-" vious. The gas liad be?h ^girted, and* ! by tho glare'e# it the fiices of 1*he two guilty wretches looked- ghastly indeed. Were ever "tweknaves in closer quarters^ Thc proof of* oneattempted crime before* their eyes, and' th? rV:oof of -mother"; greater, and1 t-he ]*rin.ary'?ri?ae' of tina' fot, promised*, at? they m-the presence of their accusers in an- iron vault and ?jrithra s^wart sheriff af the door! ^ToirTnonor will1 please hold one of iltese notes-Up Where tho light will not fall- directly on. it-so." said Jack. The judge did as requested, and an ox* clamation of wonder escaped every per?. Son present except Jack ?nd S^mm.iiis and the brothers. The^fo^awr were smiling triumphantly, "-lie bitter, wi; U locks of terror o- Their faces, were slinking toward the door, leaving their notes in the hands of their accusers. .'Sheriff, stop those two men,*' com? manded Jack, and that official made a significant motion which brought the Blites to a stand. "Yon will notice,'* continued Jack, "that while the body and signatures cf those notes are here? green the sums or faces and the dates ^ are a decided blue. MT. Simmons, please tell the court your story." Simmons did so, and the sheriff as he listened go? out his bracelets. The surrogate listened attentivetfc and at the conclusion of Simmons tale, which Jack had supplemented ff-om time to time, said, "I must say that' ? have never known of a case similfeh't-y this, and my duty is hardly clear-tome" at this moment." "You wHl pardon the suggestion '-yOut honor," intei-posed Jack, "but m teh?'*f of my employer,- Miss Medbury, allow me to say she has no desire to punish these wretched servants further than by the discharge they received Satut?a'fv If they will leave the city she will de? cline to prosecute." "1 do not know that I have a right tb1 allow them to go. Technically they are ' not guilty of forgery, but they are of fraud, and of an attempt to ntter'fmuk? ulent paper. They have' raised these otherwise harmless blan?s, however, and the law can and will handle them severely for it if 1 do my duty." "I most earnestly request that they he allowed tc go," said Margaret, heio breaking in. "No one can lose by"their* freedom but myself, and I have not fee* least desire for vengeance." "Granted,'" exclaimed the judge, "and if all employers were as lenient as yof* rascality would be more plentiful and lawyers would have less business." ?e5 nodded to the sheriff, who stepped to* one side and allowed the precious pair to hurry out and down the street. They' were not heard of for more than a year' afterward, and then only by a brief news dispatch announcing the death" df Charles and the serious wounding' of Arthur by a western farmer whose nanift they had secured to an innocent looking order for a patent right. The* ordeif proved a note, and the farmer went gunning for them. He refused' pay? ment, saving his money to defend'Him? self with. He was acquitted by a-jhry of his neighbors. It was a merry and thankful company that assembled at the Medbury house that evening after the hearing before"* the surrogate, and when Mr. and Mr3> ftimmons and John Hazeley left at a lat*? hour the office problem had been settled satisfactorily to all concerned. Jack was to be business manager and dictate" the editorial policy of the paper, fof Simmons and Margaret seemed confi? dent he could make no mistake. During the afternoon an arrangement had been* made by wire whereby a talented edito rial writer from a neighboring city Had been secured and placed in the position made vacant by Ruggles, the associate editor, who was promoted to the position made vacant by Mr. Blite's dismissaly As for &r. Simmons,- ?H he wanted wee" c*the books," and he got them. It remains but to be said that Jack's ?oliey was vigorous and wise, and that The Herald' took an active part m the' last political campaign, doing much'for* its party candidates. Always a*n eb** server and a student, Jack has im*-* proved vastly, rising equal to every emer? gency, "?he year eighteen aundrea^ and ninety-one was the most prosperous Tne* Herald bad ever known. In fact both* the paper and ks manager are so popu? lar as to haye influence even- among op**" poneuts. Jack is mentioned for con? gress, an'd will without doubt go there rn* fhree years It- was recently anncimced that he was to marry the lady by whoa* he is employed-, which proves concln sively how she appreciates his maaage ?ient. THE END' Strength and Health. If y- n are m?t feel ii g strong Hint ttaixiff try Ettore Bitters. If "La Wipl*** hs*1 '?'f vou weak and weary. ?se Electric Bitter*. Tfiiff rv tin-(fy ad? oirectly 'on Liver. Stun a CB H?<i K dtievs. gentty aiding those organs rd p?thi?i their Inactions, i f yon are afflicted wirb Sie*? I'eadache, \<>u will i?nd .-f.enly abd permanent rcli. f by raking Electric' UrHier*. 0?Pe niai wfll Convince you that thi.< iv the remedy yon nee?i. Tar'g'e bottles only 20c. KL J. F. \V. ?eLormaV r>rng Store. C GKL?ITN SPRINGS MINERAL WATER .%*?t?-. ri*.-,-,. ;.. . \ ^ms;. jitter ? Safe, Pleasant 6uf? ALL ?>?SEASES OF TSE LIVER KIDNEYS BlAO'OfR ARtf BOW?LS, pm SALE &? DR. A. J CHINA. DR J. F. W D?tO?Sliv -A??D-^ "rt. ft. DEf.GAR, Agen?. 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