Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-08-01
Our Selected StO7'y.
A 10000 POUND CHECK.

The hour grew late, and Mr.. Bran'
paced his chamber in moody silence. TIN
train had come in. but his messenger hat
not returned. and the merchant wa
trOubled-troubled by vague sort o
doubt. which haunted him in spite of hi
faith in Lake. A merry, sober old trade
Of long experience had said that Lake Wa
too young to fill the important position
which he held, but Mr.. Brand had nevel
found his trust in Tom misplaced.
Having heard rumors concerninga a house
with which he ha! extensive dealings. the
merchant had dispatched Lake to London
telling him to make inquiries. and in any
case to get the partners Of the firm in ques
ton to settle their account.
SO Lake had gone from Liverpool to
London. The time appointed for his re,
turn passed. and still he did not come.
A lady entered, and stole to the mer-
chants side. Her own sweet face was
anxious. and there was Il tremor in the
music of her voice as she said:
.'Do YOU think he will be here tonight,
dear papa?''
Il hope so, Mary; but it is very late.''
''Is there no other train?''
"Only the night express, and that does
not stop except at the central Stations
perhaps he will come, papa; he would
not mind coming ten miles, even if he had
to walk
He should not have missed the train,''
said Mr.. Brand. sternly; ''punctuality is an
imperative duty with men of business
- -" -. Nrc:matbinr NAV have oc-
Nothing should detain man who has
given his word"
The fair pleader was silenced; her father
was angry. and. knowing his strictness OF
principle. and how inveterate was his dis
like TO any breach of discipline or duty,
she did not venture to speak again.
The time dragged slowly on; Mr.. Brand
continued his restless walk. and Mary sat
subdued and quiet, watching hlm. She
saw that he was listening as the night eX-
press went whirling by, and from the
depths of her heart there went up II prayer
that Lake would come safely home. The
Girl loved h IN. would have stakcd her life
on his truth. and knew that lie was not
bcvond his time through any weakness or
wrong. Two slow, weary hours passed.
Mr.. Brand was reading the commercial
news: but for the first time in his lite il
did not interest him; he was thinking ol
the Young clerk, and the heavy sum OF
mcney that would be in his possession
should the London firm have pail him
And Mary. reading her fathers counten
ance. felt chilled and panied by the slul
east on her lovers honesty by bis sus
picions-her every thought was denia
to his doubts. and, as the rapid clatter o
horses feet ran2 out, she ran to tn
window.
.I.ook,'' she said, dashing the curtains
aside with eager hands; ''look, papa,
said he would come-I knew he would
The merchants stern face relaxed witt
a smile of pleasure; he was not emotlona
or demonstrative, but his daughters glad
ness pleased him.
There were a few moments of expect
ancy. and then Tom Lake came in. IL
went straight to Mr.. Brand, only noticing
with bow, the lovely face whose ganc
thrilled his soul.
.'They have paid" he said. quietly, a
lie placed a thick pocket-book in the mei
chants hand; ''but l think We were onl.
just in time.''
..Indeed y
oThere was consultation at tn
bankers before could get cash tor tn
check"
sDo YOU think they will break?''
"Hopelessly. They have given me a
immense order. but it would not be wis
to forward the goods
"You did not hint that we had the slight
est fear?''
"No. but was glad to get the money
9l2,OOO would have been heavy loss"
1T would have done me serious injur
just now."
"And yet,'' said Tom, gravely, 9TH
Forming the odds were considerabl
a. inst it ever reaching you."
.How?" w
Tom took two chairs, placed them sid
by side near the fire, led Mary to one, ar
seated himself in the other. He had d.
: his duty as the merchants clerk, and wa
now Mr.. Brands prospective son-in-la'
and partner.
IL had an adventure" he said; II W:
the hero of strange story in a i'de by e.
press"
Mary bent forward to listen-Tom clasl
E ed her hand in his own. Mr.. Brand 81
opposite them, interested by the speaker
t manner, as he began:
: sWhen got the check | had an idt
!. that all might not be well, so to make sur
: l presented it at the bankers. There WI
4 as ! told you, CONSULTATION before the
: cashed it. and while the consultation W;
$ going forward, noticed stranger lOol
s ing at me intently. knew the man in m
: younger and wilder days. II had met hi
e often at the race course, in billiard room
: and in other places more or less respect
}. BILE. Now, he was changing check 4