Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-03-28

not to put herself in danger. I've warnet
her enough, yes, have. But there's no en'
Of trouble one has with the girls, confoun'
; 'em; yes, I say, conf0und 'em."
Then Mr.. vandib,e readjusted his glasses
} and petted his cane gently while he resumes
his smoking.
Fingal explained the meaning of Grace
words, and when he had modestly told hi
story the old mans cane fell with a mighty
crash to the floor. Up went the glasse:
once more, and the pipe was quickly removed
from his lips.
"Confound it, confound it, say" uttered
Mr. Vandible.
"It isn't really safe for young girl to e
out unattended" asserted Fingal, after &
moment.
mo, it amt, that's a fact I've talked
till all was blue to keep Grace from running
wild in this way, but I might just as wei
talk to fence-post, had. I'll tell you, my
young friend, one thing and the old man
laid his hand on Fingal's knee and regarded
him with queer quicker of the gray lips
speaking evidently in confidence, "Ive tried
to have Grace marry protector, have"
Such a comical look came to the old fel
low s face as to bring a smile to the lips OF
Fingal in spite of his efforts at gravity as
beftted the occasion.
could she do that!'' queried the young
|
| thought rude.
| ''Could shea Could Grace Penroy marry!
Great Mahomct. Young chap, there isn't a
gentleman in forty miles of Lone Hollow
| who wouldn't Jump at the chance to wed
| Morgan Vandible's grandchild. She's an
heiress, my boy, an heiress to millions.
| Confound it, sir, confound it, she shall
marry, I say, and at once. l want this
trouble off my mind. This looking after
| one girl is a torment, and to think another
| is coming. It'll be pandemonlum here after
| that; yes, pandemonium, say"
| The old man groaned, damned his glasses
once more over his eyes, resumed his pipe
and began smoking furiously.
Fingal felt that he had found an original,
and was immensely pleased.
81 suppose" he ventured, "that Miss
| Penroy has suitors in plenty, then?'
''Suitorsi Young man, why shouldn It
she havea Fortune hunters, though, the
most of 'em; devilish fortune hunters, and
Tll have none of 'em, none of 'em, I say,
that won't"
isn't there one you approve"
Eyes, there is one"
Puff-puf-puff
Fingal waited some moments for the old
man to proceed. He seemed in no hurry to
speak, so the youth broke the silence with:
"The gentleman whom you approve is
"Captain Starbright.''
Then the old man removed his pipe and
| caressed his companions knee tenderly.
- y on never saw the captain, sir!"
81 never did,
"a gentleman, every inch of him; one OF
the old school. You could hang your soul
on his honor and it would be safe, sir,
utterly safe, say"
"And Miss Penroy?'
<IO, Gbe 1ilynS HIM we'll a0ouCb of
course, but she's a little backward about
acknowledging it. That's natural, you
know, perfectly natural. Girls of to-day
are so timid.'
"To me Grace Penroy seems quite bravo,
Mr.. Vandible."
Eth! Does she? So you've taken the
pains to notice, have you:' and the old man
showed up his glasses and eyed his visitor
from foot to head sharply. Doubtless he
was wondering if this newcomer was to put
in a claim as one of his granddaughter's
suitors. The young fellow seemed danger
ously handsome, to say the least, and at the
end of his examination the old man froNned.
Before he could speak again the sound of
wheels fell on the ears of the twain. Grace
came out on the steps as rumbllng stage
coach halted, with steaming horses, at tho
gate. A heavy trunk was dumped" from.
the rear of the vehicle, and then tho driver
cracked his whip and the coach rolled on.
No one had alighted, and Grace gave eX-
preston to her surprise in words:
81 wonder why she did not come. It's too
late now too ask the driver, suppose. That
must be my Cousins trunk
II don't think it is too late,'' uttered Fin
gal, springing up and fastening in pursuit
of the stage. He was fleet of foot, and soon
overlook the numbering vehicle.
1.-THE gal IL come to'ards night said
Jehu, in answer to Fingals question.
"Yaas, the chist was hern. She'll be along
with private rig, 1 was told.''
And Fingal brought this information back
to Grace and her grandfather.
'rd pesky sight rather she'd stay away
altogether" grunted the old man.
'Why, grandpaH' cried Grace.
81 had, though. Her mother was the
worst female / ever saw. She'd cata-
mount temper, and gave poor Jonas, her
husband, no end of trouble. If Lura's any
like her mother want none of her. May be,
though, she's like meek Jonas. If so, it
wouldn't take much of a hand to manage
her."
''Grandpa, remember, that Lura hasn't
any father or mother now, and that we must
be kind to the orphan
eyes, yes, that's true, Oracle. Wen be
kind to her, and she shall have half my fort
une if she behaves herself. I say that and
l mean it, I do"
The old man had various moods. At one
time he seemed harsh and stern, while per-
haps the next minute he would be all SYM
patty and compassion. He had one soft
spot and that was love for his grand
daughter.
Fingal excused himself and was about to
depart, when Mr. Vandible said, suddenly:
boy, l haven't settled with you for
Oh no Of hn two, ,bn in,
suited Oracle. How much do owe you.
Name your own price now. Don't be bash
full; l can pay any amount from q dollar up
to a million, cam
The old man drew 4 well-filled wallet
from his pocket and proceeded to open it
with pompous elaboration.
''Why, grandpa!' exclaimed Grace,
shocked at the practically of the old gentle
man. But Fingal received the offer in good
part.
Don't trouble yourself, Mr.. Vandible,"
he said, with laugh. Il may crave your
hospitality on more than one occasion,
which, coupled with friendly smile from
Miss Grace will be ample reward"
Yes, yes; but, confound 1t, that's just
what l don't want. The girls got more
youngsters hanging round her now than
she can manage"
"Granopa, why will you
'Stop! stop! stop!" commanded the old
man, humping the boards with his cane.
He looked very angry, and poor Grace was
completely crushed. She dared say no
more, and with a parting word Fingal
walked away.
"High-strung young buck,'' muttered the
old man, after the young hunter was gone.
GRANDPA" protested the girl, ''you have
offended the gentleman. am sure he will
never come here AGAIN