The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-12-07

out the richest merchants or manu-
facturer's daughter, become acquant-
ed with her-there are scores of ways
of doing that, subscription balls, tables
d'hote, and such like; make up to her,
and if the old people object to your
suit run away with heri It's the east
est thing in the world, assure you, to
man of some birth, appearance and
cuteness. did it myself years ago.
| was quite boy then, and | hadn't
the benefit of good advice like you,
but then, you see, always knew my
way about. Nobody ever outwitted
Charlie Stuart Starcher, l can tell
you"
81 never looked at the matter in this
light" said Frank, in reflective way.
"Well, now that I've given you the
dea,' replied his guide, philosopher,
and friend, ''do look at it, Ill give
you any little tips can, and mind l
can give you every tip worth know
ing. If you want to humbug the old
people, or to carry off the girl, just let
me know, and I'll put you on the
proper track"
"By George" Exclaimed Frank, "it
would be worth trying, if only for the
fun of the thing. But it would cost
money, and Pm devilish hard up just
now, and there's no use going to the
money lenders. y
The old dandy heard this with a
leer; he had no intention of lending
Frank anything but the use of his
wits.
"Oh, it won't cost much, my boy
he answered. "You have plenty of
jewelry. You can raise enough on q
third of it to do the whole business if
you get to work at once
For some time Mr.. Stuart Starcher
heard or saw no more OF the Hon.
Frank. What had become of him the
superannuated fribble did not know,
ami again he did not care. Ho was
too much used to seeing his friends ego
under" as he called it, to be particu-
larly moved by the collapse aud disap-
pearance of one of them.
About six weeks had elapsed, when
one afternoon Mr.. S. Starcher was
surprised by the Hon. Frank walking
into his room.
"Hillo! is that your he said, rather
coldly. "What have you been up to
this long time? Cad, l had nearly
forgotten YOU
"Ob,' replied Frank, 81 have been
carving out your advice
"Indeed?" said Mr.. Starcher, becom-
ing interested. "And how have you
succeeded"
"Splendidly," replied Frank.
"Eh. You don't mean it!' cried
Mr.. Starcher, springing to his feet and
clasping Franks hand warmly. "By
Jove. l congratulate you, my boy.
Is she big cateh--a regular sea SER
pent? Eh? Who is che, my boyf
and is everything settled?'
"Not so fast, Starch" said Frank,
laughing, "not so fast. To answer
shortly, she is big catch and every
thing is settled-at least, 80 far as she
aud | are concerned. What the papa
will say is a different matter, but we
don't intend to consult him."
"Oh, it's a runaway business is it,"
eyes; I'm afraid it must be-"
"Why, this is delightful cried the
old man, enthusiastically. "You can
command me, my boy, don't forget
that, don't forget that. But; come,
tell us all about it. Who is she'
Where did you fall in with herr"
CAT Brighton. went there and
did as you advised me. And, at one Of
the Pavilion balls I fell in with her
not only fell in with her, but fell il
love with her.
81 know" said Mr.. Starcher, with 6
wink. sin love with her pile"
"No, seriously and truly with her
self" answered Frank earnestly
"She is a charming girl. Charming
enough to turn any fellows head il
she hadn't farthing,"
"But she has several. eh'" said Mr.
Stuart Starcher, with another winl
and a sly leer.
"Oh, yes, she's heir to all her father
has, and besides she is entitled oil
coming of age to considerable for
tune under her mothers will"
"That's the sort of thing, my boy
that's the sort of thing. You ought tc
let me go halves with you for giving
you such good advice, 'pon my wor.
you ought. That shows you, my lad
that when you want wrinkle yo,
can not do better than come to oil
Starch; he's as cute as they max
them. But what is she? A manu-
facturers daughter?"
"No," replied Frank, with slight
troubled look, "that's just the difficul
ty. The fac is, she's the only chill
Of man whom know pretty well
and from whom have received man
kindnesses,'
"Welll And what's the difficult
there?' asked Mr.. Stuart Starcher, al
suming puzzled look.
"Wel,, you see, it seems to me tha
to run away with a friends daughte
is rather shabby return for his kind
ness to you. In fact, it seems hardl
honorable"
sob, ho!" cried Mr.. Starcher, with
loud laugh, sis that allY Well, 20
are ninnyl You don't mean to ga
you let that disturb your mindf'
"I'm afraid ] do," answered Fran
gloomily.
"Well, you're a fool for your pains
, "But, under the circumstance
would you run off with her1"
| "Of course l would
The Hon. Frank was silent M
; ment. Then he said: "There
another point on which | want to 60
e suit you. She's not yet of age, al
I I'm afraid the father might prosecu
: me for carrying her off. l believe
!. could"
}. "Yes, l suppose he could al
y would, too" replied Mr.. Starcher, 9
!, he caught you while his blood was u
}. But you should take her abroad, al
y remain out of his reach for month
two"
t "But that would cost money! o
u jected Frank, "and neither she nor
It have any just at present. 1t will
/. very different, OF course, when g
o comes of age"