Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1888-06-14

CHAPTER XII CONTINUED
"Look here. Ingot. you have talked like
that before. II | said nothing, it was not
because l particularly favored you as a
prospective brother-in-law. l have never
thought that you stood shadowof chance
with Carol, but was quite willing that she
should have the settling of the affair. /
have no idea Of holding myself responsible
whatever her decision may be, and l GER
tainly shall not attempt to influence her in
your favor. It would probably do no good
ii tried, but l shall not try"
Instead of having his ger rearoused by
this speech, Ingot was put into a good hu-
NOR BIZ it.
''rll give you the odds in a bet that you
go back on your word" he chuckled. Here
we are at my turning-off place, but I'm GO
ing home with you instead. I've a keep
sake wait to show you. So you've been
on Bergman's side after all, and your good
words to me were only TO keep me snoothed
down till he got in his worke'
81 never believed he thought of her in
that way. l was sure she cared nothing for
him. Why, they never met above two or
three times until this past week. l don't
favor him, though | admit now l was jeaJ.
Gus OF him and perhaps that prejudiced me.
If Carol takes to him, don't sec but that
must make the best of it."
"You can continueto keep clear of him."
SAID Ingot, shortly.
81 am not even sure of that. He has as
good as accepted an offer Mr.. Everlcigh
made HIM to go into the bank"
.'The dlckens!''
81 think / recall his telling me that you
made him a proposition to go in under YOU"
Yes, but had a reason for wanting to
keep him under my eye, just then, which
haven't got now.'
Ingot made no effort to explain himself
further; he dropped into reverie and
spoke no more until they stood within Ly-
mans den. Lyman had but one desire-to
get rid Of his visitor. He did not wish to
mar the pleasant rccollections Of the even
ing by quarrel with Ingot, but he was not
pleased to have the latter's society thus
thrust upon him.
''Can't imagine what interest any keep
sake of mine has for you, eh;'' said the
book-keeper, jovially. ''Well, there it is.
Only key-a toy key at that-lost out Of
the little gold paddock you wear as q
watch charm. Carol gave it to you,
I've heard you say, on your last birthday.
Now. if you know where that key was lost
and found, You know why you'll do well to
favor my suit for your sisters hand" -
Had it been Blucbeard's key, and he the
lucklesS Fatina, the effect upon Lyman
Chil0er could scarcely have been more
pronounced. The color famed holly into
his face and then faded from it. His quiv-
cring lips opened and closed again without
uttering a word. He was conscious that
lngot's keen eyes were reading every sign
ne gave.
g Don't trouble yourself to say any
thing" put in the latter, with perfect good
hunor. Il can do all the talking. You've
gwen me sncer every now and then,
Chi!der. You've held yourself little bet
ter and higher than am. don't hold any
grudgo against you for it, though might,
if ! hadn't had this in my hands to turn the
tables on you whenever l chose. Now,
you'll admit yourself that I'm making gen.
crous use of it. All ask of you is to stop
any incoming between your sister and that
chap. Bring her home tomorrow and give
me a clear field. If I need any help from
YOU, I'll ask it in due time, and l don't think
you'll refuse no. in spite of all you said on
the way, don't think you'll refuse"