The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-04-18

were in position TO make your chance Oh
verdict absolute certainty, what wouid you
say to me them"
The little mans face undergoes complete
change at these words, his eyes glisten, and
his stern and wrathful expression relaxes
of YOU could only afford me some inform
alton as to the whereabouts of the letter
have lost should look upon you as the dear
est friend" and then, as if remembering
who he is addressing, his face assumes its
former angry look, as he bursts forth afresh:
"But this is all nonsense 1 know you well
enough. It's mere excuse to remain in this
garden. But, sir, understand, once for all,
l won't have it. So, clear out at once.
And, Mabel, you come with me. | am sur
prised and excessively annoyed to find you
talking to this-this gentleman"
"Stay moment, MIR. Linton, if you
plea.e, and let us come to an understanding.
of material service to you in this matter.
But shall require of you some reward. Are
you prepared to give it, Yes or nor
The little man now begins to see from
Percy's manner that it is not joke, and
that he is in sober earnest.
swell, sir, if you can prove your words
you will not find me ungrateful, l think.
How much shall you require"
"Not one farthing of money, only the hand
of your daughter"
This calm request once more upset the
equanimity OF Mr.. Linton, and he is just
about to break out again when Percy stops
him with, Gently, sir, gently remember
We are talking business now. Do you agree
to my terms! Otherwise we need not pro
long this interview"
MIR. Linton seems unwilling to allow the
| business to end thus and yet is hardly pre-
pared to capitulate so Internationally.
well, sir, you see in this matter l am moi
the chief person concerned; my daughters
happiness Is involved"
"If that is your only objection think YOU
may make your mind easy. What do YOU
say, Mabel' Win you allow your hand t.
| be the price Of the information possessl"
Mabels answer is clearly in the affirma
tive, for she rises at once and places both
her hands in Percy's without saying a word
"You see, sir. Have you any further OBJ
| lection to make9"
| mo; if my daughter is willing to make {
sacrifice for her fathers sake shall not for
bid her. l had other plans for her future
but they seem likely to fall through, so
have nothing further to say except that the
sooner you enlighten me ON this mysterious
matter the better shall be pleased
"Quite so. my dear sir; viii keep you n
longer in suspense" and Percy draws q let
ter from his pocket and hands it to NJ
Linton. "Will that be of any service to you
do you Think"
Mr.. Linton glances at it for moment
"Good heavens! The letter l have beel
searching for all this time; now I've got 'em
! must win now; nothing can prevent il
The games in my own hands; this is grand
| But, my dear Fletcher, how came this let
ter in your possession and what was tn
reason u your keeping it concealed for S
longF
mabel here will be able to answer you
first question, think, IL you will show he
the letter, and as to the second I was un
aware that had it until last evening. Loos
at it, Mabel, and tell us what you know
about it." handing her the letter which h
takes from Mr.. Linton, at the same tim
turning it over SO that she may see her owl
handwriting. She starts and her cheeks ar
the color of peoples in an instant "Oh
Percy" she gasps, Il hadn't notion of this
How could | have been so stupid! But l re
member l was in papas study when packe
the things up, and in great hurry for fea
he should come back, and seized the frs
bit of paper l could lay my hands on, and
suppose l took this by mistake"
well, dear, it will be lesson to you
future not to return the presents l Civ
/ you" says Percy, laughingly.
why, child, what is the meaning of a
thisl What have you been doinga'
papa, / must confess; I have been til
culprit all along. When l sent back Percy
presents l put a little note in of my ow
besides the one you made me write; and
stole piece of paper from your desk
D write it on, and think l must have take
, this letter by mistake; am very sorrow"
"You little baggage, and so have got I
: thank you for all my anxiety and worry
well, shan't be angry since it has all com
right in the end. But / am inclined to fei
very grateful to Fletcher for Offering to II
lieve me of such a dangerous party befor
you do me any worse mischief But com
into the house now, and we'll drink conf
sion to old Boyer's executors
Time has hurried on since that mornin
, when we saw the trio in the garden at Hal
I row. Old Linton did win his case, and th
, other evening, when l was dining wit
Percy, observed that his wife was wearin
a locket of a very peculiar pattern.