Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-08-06
Go and ask her straightforward

It can't. It is too late tonight, and
I leave by the noon tram tomorrow.
l intended to have that matter fully
understood this summer, but was IN
no hurry. a love affair is all spoiled
when papa and mamma and the law
yer and the world come into it. [
have told Josie that, and she and I
understood one another. Will yea
be calling there soon Jonas?"
81 will try if you wish it..
'"They leave town IN few days,
but call before, If you can, and send
me word if you see anything OF the
Lieutenant.
II will. Lock up your secretary,
Charles; see it is still open. I am
very much obliged"
"All right. You are welcome. [ am
Just putting ten thousand away for the
time need il"
Charles was much annoyed at what
he heard, but he did not forget his
secretary. It had a secret drawer,
and was capable of being fastened by
three intricate locks. He carefully
secured all three, and then sat down
to smoke and think over again the
absurdity Of Josie caring for any one
but himself. In half an hour he was
satisfied that the thing was impossible
and he rose rather YEARLY, deter=
mined to sleep upon his faith in her
love.
AS he passed the table he saw piece
of paper that attracted him; it was
Jonas I 0 u. He had forgotten to
put it away, and it was too much
trouble to unlock the secretary. He
hesitated a moment where to secure it
but almost instantly selected place
he considered singularly safe, deposit
ed there, and then went to bed and to
sleep
The next day he went to Newport.
and there waited mpatiently the ad-
vent of the Merritts. Before he got
any letter from Jonas, Josie herself
had satisfied him. They had charm
ing stroll together, in which every
thing was talked over, and which left
Charles in what he considered very
happy and enviable position.
Nothing marred the heaven of their
next two months. At the end Of that
time the reckless lover began TO be ia
want of funds, and as he had heard
nothing from Jonas, he determined to
go to New York and collect his 0 y.
He had not care on his heart about
it until he had searched his secretary
again and again and failed TO find the
paper. He lit cigar and sat down
to think. Then he suddenly remem
bered that he had locked his secretary
and that he had hid it. He even re-
membered the little laugh of delight
with which he had put it III such
capital place. But what place? He
could not remember that.
The room, as said before, was the
library, and the walls were covered to
considerable height with books, the
top Of the shelves being ornamelted
with busts, Indian boxes, and Chinese
cabinets and jars, He looked behind
all the books, opened those within
easy reach, rified the boxes and cabi-
nets, and peeped into all the vases.
The search was continued half through
The night, but the paper was not
found. He tried to think that it was
OF no consequence, but somehow his
heart failed him. Early next day he
went to the office OF Jonas Terry, and
found him there. Jonas was busy
writing, but he lifted his head with
smile and rose heartily to great his
friend.
Jonas" said Charles, with s. puz-
zled, eager look, that | 0 III have
lost it. Searched everywhere all night
for it, and can't lay my hands on it.
"What 0 W"
''The one that you gave me for the
ten thousand dollars I lent you in
June. After you went I sat down TO
think about Josie Merritt, and when
I was getting sleepy [ found it on the
table. [ was too lazy to unlock my
secretary again, and [ hid it some
where, or else I thought I hid it, and
somewhere, or else I thought I hid it,
and left it about, and the servants
have swept it away. However, I will
give you an acknowledgement that
will cover all possible claim if ever it
should turn up. That Will Go, you
know"
"You must be dreaming, Charles, I
know nothing about an | 0 q, and [
don't at all see what you are driving
at"
Jonas You could not be such a
scoundrel! You are joking, of course
"Mr. Day, [ request you to leave
my Office at once, sir. I am not to be
bullied Or blackmailed in this way, I
assure YOU"
Then Charles struck the scoundrel,
and there was such an uproar of words
and blows that the police were called
in, and the affair became sufficiently
public, and, indeed, went into the
courts. OF course, Charles got the
worst of it every way. He had no
particle Of evidence to show for his
claim; he was fast, fashionable and
extravaganza, while Jonas was univer-
sally spoken of as ''estimable and re
liable" Society turned the cold
shoulder toward him, and mothers
forbade their daughters to ride in his
company or accept him for 3 partner
in the dance. But tken," SIS Mrs.
Merritt shrewdly said, ''his engage
ment to our Josie has just become
known"
TT was rayuarxah1a that y flor this