The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-04-18

room. Ine tnlnS Is Impossible. JOSIE
never would treat me like that. /
won't believe it"
go and ask her a straightforw ard
question.
II can't. 1t is too late tonight, and
l leave by the noon train tomorrow. l
intended to have that matter fully I'M
derstood this summer, but | was in no
hurry. A love affair is all spoiled when
papa and mamma and the lawyer and
the world come into it. l have told
Josie that, and she and i understand
one another. Win you be calling there
soCn, JonasP"
81 will try, if you wish it."
''They leave town in a few days, but
call before. if you can, and send me
word if you see anything of the Lieu
tenant"
81 will. Lock up the secretary.
Charles; see it is still open. | am
very much obliged-very much"
"All right. You are very welcome
/ am just putting ten thousand safely
away for when need it."
Charles was much annoyed at what
he had heard, but he did not forget his
secretary. 1t had q 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 absurdlty of
Josie caring for any one but himself.
In half an hour he was satisfied that the
thing was impossible, and he rose rath-
er YEARLY, determined to sleep upon
his faith in her love.
AS he passed the table he saw a
piece of paper that attracted him; it
was Jonas |. o. U. He had forgot
ten to put it away, and it was too
much trouble to unlock the secretary
again. He hesitated a moment where
to secure it, but almost instantly
selected place he considered singular
ly safe, deposited it there, and then
went to bed and to sleep.
The next day he went to Newport.
and there waited impatiently the ad-
vent of the Merritts. Before he got
any letter from Jonas, Josie herself
had satisfied him. They had a charm
ing stroll together, in which everything
was talked over, and which left Charles
in what he considered q 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 in
want of funds, and as he had heard
nothing from Jonas. he determined to
go to New York and collect his |. O.
U. 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 a cigar, and
sat down to think. Then he suddenly
remembered that he had found the
paper after he had locked his secre-
tary, and that he had hid it. He even
remembered the little laugh of delight
with which he had put it in such a capi-
tai place. But what placer He could
not remember that.
The room, as said before, was the
library, and the walls were covered to
a considerable height with books, the
top of the shelves being ornamented
with busts, Indian boxes and Chinese
cabinets and jars. He looked behind
all the books, opened those within
easy reach, rihed 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 nc
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 3
smile, and rose heartily to greet his
friend.
"Jonas, said Charles, with a puz
zled, eager look, that /. o. III have
lost it. Searched everywhere all nigh
for it and can't lay my hands on it.
What l. o. up
"The one you gave me for the ter
thousand dollars l lent you in June
After you went l sat down to thinl
about Josie Merritt, and when l wa
getting sleepy l found it on the table.
was too lazy to unlock my secretary
again, and hid it somewhere; or else
thought l hid it, and left it about, anC
the servants have swept it away. How
ever, | will give you an acknowledge
, ment that will cover all possible CLAIM
, If ever it should turn up. That will do
you know"
{ You must be dreaming, Charles
/ know nothing about an /. o. u, and
don't at all see what you are driftin!
+ at"
Jonas! You could not be such
scoundrel! You are Joking, of course.
, "Mr. Day, Request you to leave m
Office at once, sir. ara not to be bul
lied or black-mailed in this way, as
, sure you"
Then Charles struck the scoundrel
, and there was such an uproar of word
, and blows that the police were Gale,
r in, and the affair became sufficient
public, and indeed went into the courts
Of course Charles got the worst of
t every way. He had no particle of ev
dence to show for his claim; he wa
fast, fashionable and extravagant, VIII. ]
{ Jonas was universally spoken of as ''es