SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 161, 10 July 1930, Page 26

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS.

JACOB KNOTTMAN, a particularly heartless swindler, was sentenced to three years at Parkhurst for -fraud. He obtained an early release, and early the next morning was found murdered on a lonely wayside in Hampshire. A few weeks before Knottman's release, GEOFFERSON WADE, a hard-bitten old rancher, discovers oil on his farm in Texas. He rents' the farm from Knottman, but hates his landlord like poison because the man had ruined his dearest friend. Wade tells the good news to his beautiful step-daughter, FAT MAYNARD, and his young English rancher, TOMMY BRAILE. Fay and Tommy are in love, but the young man-fears to ask his chief's consent to their marriage because he, Tommy, was only a cow-puncher. The three talk over the wonderful discovery, and Wade . astounds them by suddenly announcing his intention of buying the ;farm. He warns them to keep quiet-about " the finding of the oil, and says they must go to London at once and clinch the' deal while Knottman is. still in prison. They believe that the discovery of oil is their • own secret. But an agent, .TTEB KENNEDY, who hates Wade, is aware o*l their find. Arrived in England, Wade loses no time in making arrangements with Knottman's. partner, 'STURT, for the purchase of the farm. He is assisted by LORD MELDURM, a gallant old fellow, intorduced to him by Tommy. The next day Knottman unexpectedly arrives at his office. When he hears the news he immediately tears up the draft agreement. , Later, Tommy is alone at his hotel when a cable comes from the head man at the farm warning him that Jeb Kennedy has sailed for England. Tommy discovers that the boat is due at Southampton that day, and without hesitation borrows a motorcycle with the object of meeting it at the docks. Meanwhile Wade has accompanied Lord Meldrum to the latter'g somewhat dilapidated house. They receive an unexpected visit from Knottman, and Wade bafely has time to hide himself before the man enters the room.