The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-02-15

did she meant I'm sure the huzzy ought
not to put herself in danger I've warned
her enough, yes, have But there's no end
of trouble ono has with the girls, confound
EN-; yes, say, confound EN-"
Then Mr.. vandibio readjusted his glasses,
and petted his cane gently while he resumed
his smoking.
Fngal explained the meaning of Grace'a
words, and when he had modestly told his
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.
"Coufound it, confound it, Isay," uttered
Mr.. Vandible.
"It isn't really safe for young girl to go
out unattended" asserted Tingal, after Q
| 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 ss well
talk to q fence-post, had. I'll tell you, my
young friend, one thing" and the old man
laid his hand on FingsPs knee and regarded
him with queer quicker Of the gray lips,
speaking evidently in confidence, "rve tried
to have Grace marry protector, have
Such comical look came to the old fel
lows face as to bring smile to the lips Of
Fingal in spite Of his efforts at gravity as
befitted the occasion.
"Could she do thati' queried the young
man, quickly, in order to escape being
thought rude.
sCould she. Could Grace Penroy marryl
Great Mahomet! Young chap, there isn't a
gentleman i'm 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 shah
marry, cay, and at once. l want this
trouble of 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, jammed 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.
81 suppose" he ventured, shat Miss
Penroy has suitors in plenty, thens"
''Suitors! Young man, why shouldn't
she havei 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 approve"
"Yes, there is one"
Puff-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 is"
Captain Starbrlght."
Then the old man removed his pipe and
caressed his companions knee tenderly.
You never saw the captain, sirl"
"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"
Sand Miss Penroy!'
"Oh, she likes HIM well enough, 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."
ITO me Grace Penroy seems quite brave,
Mr.. Vandible''
''Ehl Does shel 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 ne could speak again the sound of
wheels fell on the ears of the twain. Grace
came out on the steps as rumblIng 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 too
late now too ask the driver, suppose. That
must be my Cousins trunk"
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 III come to'ards night" said
Jehu, in answer to Fingal's question.
''Yaas, the chist was hern. She'll be along
with private rig, was told.'
And Fingal brought this information back
to Grace and her grandfather.
'Td pesky sight rather she'd stay away
altogether" grunted the old man.
"Why, grandpaF' cried Grace.
81 had, though. Her mother was the
worst female / ever saw. She'd a 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, il
wouldn't take much of q hand to manage
her."
''Grandpa, remember, that Lurs 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. Isay that and
l 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 all sym
patty and compassion. He had one soft
spot and that was love for his grand
daughter.
Fingal excused himself and was about h
depart, when Mr.. Vandible said, suddenly:
"Boy, l haven't settled with you for
smashing the head of the tramp who in
suited Oracle. How much do l owe youi
Name your own price now. Don't be bash
full; can pay any amount from dollar w
to million, 1 CAM
The old man drew well-flled wallet
from his pocket and proceeded to open il
with pompous elaboration.
"Why, grandpar' exclaimed Grace
SuoChcu ot tHc proCbiCstlty VI tuc Olu SenlleS
man. But Fingal received the offer in good
part
"Don't trouble yourself, Mr.. Vandible,"
he said, with laugh. 81 may crave your
on more than one occasion,
which, coupled with friendly smile from
Miss Grace, will be ample reward"
Eyes, yes; but, confound it, that's just
what I 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 DOOR Grace WAS