The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-12-06

story the old mans cane fell with mighty
crash to the floor. Up went the glasses
once more, and the pipe was quickly removed
from his lips.
"Confound it, confound it, say" uttered
Mr.. Vandible.
'sIt isn't really safe for young girl to GO
out unattended" asserted Fingal, after a
moment.
''No, it amt, that's a fact. I've talked
till all was blue to keep Grace from running
wild in this way, but might just as well
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, ''I've tried
TO have Grace marry a protector, have"
Such comical look came to the old fell
lows face as to bring smile to the lips Of
Fingal in spite of his efforts at gravity as
beftted the occasion.
''Could she do thats" queried the young
man, quickly, in order to escape being
thought rude.
'Could shea Could Grace Penroy marryl
Great Mahomet Young chap, there isn't o
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, say, and at once. I want this
trouble off my mind. This looking after
one girl is q 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 furlously.
Fingal felt that he had found an original,
and was immensely pleased.
~ suppose" he ventured, "that Miss
Penroy has suitors in plenty, then!'
"Suitorsl Young man, why shouldn't
she havea Fortune hunters, though, the
most of 'em; devilish fortune hunters, and
I'll have none of 'em, none of 'em, say,
that WON'T
"Isn't there one you approved"
eyes, there is one"
Puff-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 isl
"Captain Starbright"
Then the old man removed his pipe and
caressed his companions knee tenderly.
"You never saw the captain, sirs''
"Inever 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?''
"Oh, she likes him well enough, OF
course, but she's little backward about
acknowledging it. That's natural, you
know, perfectly natural. Girls of to-day
are so timid'
ITO me Grace Penroy seems quite brave
Mr.. Vandible.''
sch? 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 claim as one of his granddaughter
suitors. The young fellow seemed danger.
ously handsome, to say the least, and at the
end of his examination the old man frowned.
Before he could speak again the sound OF
wheels fell on the ears of the twain. Grace
came out on the steps as a rumbllng stage
coach halted, with steaming horses, at the
gate A heavy trunk was dumped" from
the rear of the vehicle, and then the 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 toe
late now too ask the driver, suppose. That
must be my Cousins trunkn
81 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
'The gal I'll come to'ards night" said
Jehu, in answer to Fingars question.
'Yaas, the chist was bern. She'll be along
with a private rig, l was told.''
And Fingal brought this information back
to Grace and her grandfather
"Fd pesky sight rather she'd stay away
altogether" grunted the old man.
"Why, grandpa!' cried Grace.
II had, though. Her mother was the
worst female l ever saw. She'd q cata,
mount temper, and gave poor Jonas, her
husband, no end of trouble. If Luras apy
like her mother want none of her. Nav be,
though, she's like meek Jonas. If so. ii
wouldn't take much of a hand to manage
her."
"Grandpa, remember, that Lura hasn't
any father or mother now, an that we must
be kind to the orphan"
eyes, yes, that's true, Oracle. Well be
kind to her, and she shall have half nv fort
une if she behaves herself. say that and
mean it, do"
The old man had various moods. At one
time he seemed harsh and stern, while per
haps the next minute he would be oil sym.
pathy and compassion. He had one soft
spot and that was love for his grand
daughter.
Fngal excused himself and was about tt
depart, when Mr.. Vandible said, suddenly:
boy, l haven't settled with YOU fo.
smashing the head of the tramp who in
suited Oracle. How much do 1 owe Won,
Name your own price now. Don't be bash
tul; can pay any amount from a dollar ur
to a million, CAM
The Old man drew a-well-illed wallet
from his pocket and proceeded to open il
with pompous elaboration.
"Why, grandpap' 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."
ne SAID with laugh. II may crave vour
hospitality on more than ono occasion
winch, coupled with friendly smile from
Aiss Grace, will be ample reward
1es, yes; but, confound 1t, that's lust
Mnas don't want. The girls got more
Youngsters hanging round her now than
she can manage"
"Grandpa, why will YOU
S0op! stop! stop!" commanded the old
man, humping the boards with his cane
ne iooked very angry, and poor Grace was
oompieteiy crushed. She dared say no
more and with parting word Fiuga.
walked away.
"High-strung young buck" muttered the
o'u am man. after the young hunter was gone.
1,anopa'" protested the girl, 'syou have
offended the gentleman. lam snra ha ,,,;l,
never come here again..
That's exactly right" chuckred Mr..