The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-05-07
"Only l think, Mr.. Crombie, he will
owe you an apology now"

vehement surprise.
"Why, yes. Didn't you know they
came to him ? The porter said 3d."
Crombie grew red with the sense of his
disgrace in having his poverty-stricken
boots come to the knowledge of the banker.
Really, his modification was 30 great that
the accident seemed to him to put an end
to all his hopes of further relations with
Blanche aud her father.
"Oh, l assure you," he said, rising,
"that makes no difference at all. Pm
sorry mentioned the matter. Pray tell
Mr.. Littimer not to think of it. IL be-
lieve I'd better go now, Miss Littimer."
Blanche rose too, and Crombie was on
the point of bowling q goodnight, when
the door opened, and weary figure pre-
sented itself on the threshold; the figure
of short man with a spare face, and
whiskers in which gray mingled with the
sandy tint. He had a pinched, half-growl-
ing expression, was draped in light,
draggled overcoat, and carried an UNI
brella, the ribs of which hung loose around
the stick
"There's papa this moment " cried
Blanche.
Crombie perceived that escape was
lupOSblDlcy anu, III O low WoiNot ohO AS"
son of his presence there was made known
to the old gentleman.
Littimer examined the visitor swiftly,
from head to foot-especially the foot.
He advanced to the fire, toasted first one
and then the other of the damp CATERS
he had on, and at length broke out, in
tone bordering on reproach, So you are
the owner, are you Then my sympathy
has all been wasted Why, supposed,
from the condition of these machines that
I've been Juggling aroung with me half
the day, that you must be in the greatest
distress. And, 10 and behold l find you
young fellow in prime health, spruce
and trim, doing we'll, l should say, and
perfectly happy"
81 can't help that, sir" retorted Crom-
bic, nettled, but speaking with respect
81 confess l was very happy until mo-
ment or two ago.
"What do you mean by that +" the
other demanded, with half-yielding pug
nacity. "Till l came in-is that the
idea 2"
ooh, papa said Blanche, softly.
"Well, honey-bee, what's the matter +"
her father asked, trying to be gruff.
"Can't say what like, here ?" But
he surrendered at once by adding: "You
may be sure / don't want to offend any
one. Sit down, Mr.. Crombie, and wait
just few moments while 60 into the
other room and rejuvinate my hoofs, 80 to
speak-for l fear I've made donkey
of MYSELF
He disappeared into an adjoining room
with Blanche, who there informed him
artlessly of Crombie's consideration and
attentiveness in restoring the Grant shoes.
When they came back Littimer insisted
upon having the young man remain a
little longer. Before taking his departure,
however, Crombie, who felt free to speak
since Blanche had retired, made brief
statement in satisfaction of conscience.
"You hinted," he said, "that you
judged me to be doing well. l don't want
to leave you with false impression.
The truth is, am not doing well. l
have no money to speak of, and to-day l
lost the position on which depended"
You don't tell me |" Littimers newly
reused charitable impulses came to the
fore. why, now you begin to be really
interesting, Mr.. Crombie."
"Thanks," said Crombie; "Tm not
ambitious to interest people in that way
I told you only because 1 thought it fair
"Don't be touchy, my dear SIR" an.
swered the banker. al meant what
said. Come, let's see what can be done
Have you any scheme in view 2"
eyes, have" said Crombie, with de-
cision.
Littimer gave grunt. He was afraid
of people with schemes, and was dis
appointed with the young mans want Of
helplessness. Dependence would have
been an easier thing to deal with.
swell" said he, 1--WE must talk it over
Come and see me at the bank tomorrow
You know the address ?"
CHAPTER v.
The next day Crombie called at thu
bank; but Littimer was not there. H.
was not very well, it was said; had no
come down town. Crombie did what HI
could toward organizing his fight for {
dictatorship, and then returned to Tit
Lorne, where he punctually inquired afte
Mr.. Littimer's health, and learned tina
among distressed people the night before
had been followed by reaction into bae
cold, with some threat of pneumonia
Blanche was plainly anxious. The attacl
lasted three or four days, and Crombie
though the affair of the dictatorship wa
pressing for attention, could not forbear tt
remain as near as possible to Blanche, offer
ing every aid within his power, 50 far as h
might without overstepping the lines o
his very recent acquaintance. But tn
Littimers did not, according to his obser
walton, number any very intimate com
panions in their circle, or at least hat
not many friends who would be assiduou
in such an emergency. Perhaps thei
friends were too busy with social engage
ments. Consequently he saw good dea
of Blanche, aud became to her an objec
of reliance.
Well, it was simply one of those thing
that happen only in fairy.tales or re
mances-or in real life. Littimer recov
cred without any serious illness, and, afte
brief conference with Crombie, entere'
heartily into the young mans campaign
Crombie showed him just what combine
tions could be formed, how success coul'
be achieved, and what lucrative result
might be made to ensue. He conquere,
by figures and by lucid common sense
Littimer agreed to buy a number of share
: in the Engraving Company, which h
happened to know could be purchased
, and to advance Crombie good sum witt
which tn procure q norton of tho ua m