Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-08-12

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him ifopS making conquests
IN The case Of Miss Smith, however,
no obstacles Of an insurmountaele kiht
seemed TO exist Ausrstls, With his
native sangritehcss, therefore regarded
her fortune as practically within his
grasp. That very evening. In fact, on
his return TO his unclo's house in Cam
den town, he commenced TO make dis
erect inquiries about the Smith family
Not n word did he breathe ~ Mt
Smiths fortune, and Nc was the more
cautious hccause II seemed that the OK
tent of II was not generally known.
But he learned sufficient to feel con-
vincod that the old gentleman was a
wealthy miser. He was described as a
taciturn and rather eccentric person,
who had resided many yeats IN Hill
drop-crcscent with his daughter and n
maiden sister He was supposed to be
comfortably of, for he paid his way
and lived at his ease, but he was cora
tainly not suspected Of being million
aire.
Augustus wisely determined to look
well before he leapt in this instance,
and he therefore set 20 work to ascer-
tain whether Mr.. Retainer knew any
thing about Mr. Smith and his affairs.
Accordingly no laboriously prepared
the draft OF Mr.. Smiths win himself.
and vcntured TO take il into Mr.. Re-
iainer's sanctum. The learned con-
struck, perhaps, by the un-
wohted zeal of his least promising pu-
pil-good-naturcdly put aside the pa
pers he was engaged upon. and in
vitcd Augustus to stand by while he re-
vised the important document. This
method Of instruction was particularly
CALLING TO Augustus, for Mr.. Retainer
was accustomed to make minccmeat of
his pupils youthful efforts, and was
cruelty frank in his criticism. On this
occasion, however, Augustus bore the
ordeal with cdifying meekness, being
entirely prcoccupied with the moment
Gus inquiries he desired to make.
When Mr. Retainer, after good deal
contemptuous "pishing" and "pshaw-
ing" accompanied by vicious scratch.
ings OF his broad-nibbcd pen, threw
the document aside, Augustus said,
rather awkwardly:
sirP"
"All right2 No; of course not, It
requires to be entirely rcdrawn. You
might have saved your time and
trouble, sir. rs well as mincr re-
turned Mr.. Retainer, quite savagcly.
81 mean, do you think it is a hoaxP"
continued Augustus, feeling very small
indeed
"You know best sirr' exclaimed
MIR. Retainer, glaring at him.
81 was referring to the instruc-
tions." Augustus hastened to explain,
pointing 20 the document
"There is nothing tho matter with
the instructionsm exclaimed Mr.. Re
tainer, staring at Augustus.
81 dare say not, as far rs the solic-
itors are concerned-" Augustus
blurted out.
''One of the oldest and most respect
able firms in London" interrupted
Mr.. Retainer, Indignantly. what on
earth are you driving at9''
"Well, mean, do sou think that
the testator has all the property TO
leave that he speaks OFF" said Au-
gustus, in desperation. IL have
heard of cases Of man making
sham will"
Not through a firm like Tape &
Parchment" cried Mr.. Retainer. quite
scandalized. what can have nut
such notion into your head2
Nothing, except that the testator
lives in Camden town 49, Hilldrop-
crescent. l know Hilldrop-cresccnt
slightly" added Augustus. hastily.
They are comparatively small houses.
and the pcighborhood is not fashion
able"
Mr.. Retainer looked rather amused.
He leaned back in his chair a moment
and regarded Augustus through his
spectacles rs though impressed by his
Augustus did not bear
the scrutiny very well, for reasons that
may BIZ imagined.
when you are older, Mr.. Nav. Won
will learn that il is not always safe 10
Judge by appearances, he said, with
smile.
Then you think, sir"
do not alarm yourself" interrupt
ed Mr. Retainer, turu'ng impatiently
10 his work. "Mr. Tape explained to
me the circumstances Of the case. 1t
Is all right"
Mr. Retainer dismissed Augustus
with nod rs he finished speaking. and
the entcrprising student left the room
with his doubts completely set ut rest.
It seemed that Mr.. Retainer had pri-
Vate reasons for knowing that the will
was trustworthy, and he was not man
given 10 jesting or to speaking without
nropar uaape ~ En,srI,J,-, A..
tus therefore resolved upon the spot to
obtain an introduction to Mr.. John
Smith without moments delay.
This did not prove more difficult than
he had anticipated; in fact, the details
1f his conquest over the susceptible
heart of Miss Arabeila Smith are too
TO need describing. Suf-
ice il 10 say that Augustus fascinating
his fashionable attire aud
iis performances upon the German
lutte combined 10 render him irresisti-
Die.
The Smiths turned out 10 be a re-
pectable family, without the least pre-
entiOns to gsntility. IL was evident
hat Augustus was the nearest approach /
o a gentleman they had ever been ac- |
luainted with, and their qualification |
i his polite attentions was undis- I
,used. No doubt the fact that he |
cry much exaggerated the amount Of 1
lis small fortune assisted TO facilitate |
lis cOurtship. Old Mr.. Smith. from
he outset. seemed content with the |
Prospect Of securing him for a son-in-
lw; and when Augustus, after COM |
aratiyely short acquaintance, avowed
Is passion for Miss Araballa |
mith, her father gave his consent
D the engagement without hesitation.
,ugustus was naturally clatcd by his
iccess. though the naive vulgarity
Miss Arabella rather distressed
I'M. But she seemed a good, honest
pit Of girl-not beautiful, certainly,
ct fairly presentable. Compared
.ith the solid fact that she was an