The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-01-25

several hints of his sons proceedings
from this source, and when he invited
the young fellow to lunch with him, the
latter seemed, by his manner, to be in
no wise averse to undergo the catechls-
ing which he evidently anticipated was
the object of his host.
The old gentleman did not venture to
breach the subject he had at heart until,
after substantial and recherche repast,
he was seated with his guest in snug
corner of the smoking-room; and even
then he was acutely sensible that he
was acting in an underhand way. But
he endeavored to console himself with
the reflection that the end justified the
means, and he was relieved to find, when
he awkwardly blurted out his inquiry,
that his companion seemed neither an
CRY nor indignant. Indeed, Mr.. Stephen
Carlow, who was weak-eyed. beardless
young man, with receding chin and a
propensity for giggling, apparently re-
garded the old gentleman's parental anx-
iety as an excellent joke, and chuckled
for several minutes before he could find
words to reply.
$50 you've heard of it at last, have
you, Mr.. Brown" inquired the young
man, as soon as he could speak.
"Rumors have reached my ears" said
the old gentleman, greatly startled.
"What have you heard, eh?" inquired
young Carlow, abruptly.
well, nothing definite. I should be
very much obliged to you if you will
tell me every thing. You will be doing
a real service to your FRIEND" said Mr..
Brown, earnestly.
"Shall l though? Perhaps he may not
think So said the young man, sage'y,
as he contemplated his hosts anxious
countenance with humorous glance.
| ''He shall never know. l give you
my word of ho2or that l will not men
ton your name" cried the old gentle
man. who could scarcely control his
nervous eXcitement.
THAT won't quite do, either. You
\ got me into row once before, Mr..
Brown. l told you something in con-
| fidence, and Jack at once guessed where
you got it from. No, hang me if I'll say
a word" said Mr.. Carlow, with sudden
seriousness, evidently strongly moved
by some unpleasant Renaissance.
Il will comply with whatever condi-
ton you like to make" said Mr.. Brown,
lingering his cigar nervously.
iii tell you what; promise that you
won't say any thing to Jack about the
matter! There are more ways than one
of killing cat Your best chance of
stopping this little affair is to get at the
lady said Mr.. Carlow, with kno~ing
wink.
very we'll, I PROMISE" said Mr..
Brown, trembling at the mention of the
substantive feminine.
"It's Lola Bell he's gone upon.
you've heard that, SUPPOSE" said
Mr.. Carlow.
"Who is Lola Bell?" inquired the old
gentleman, setting his teeth.
Lola Bell! Don't you know? Why,
you can see her photo in all the shop
Windows said Mr.. Carlow, a little con-
temptuously. "a celebrated actress, of
course"
so, that is the lady, is it? Lola Bell!
said Mr.. Brown, endeavoring to speak
calmly.
THAT is her name at present, but
Jack is so gone on her that she may be
Mrs. Jack Brown by this time, for all l
know" said Mr.. Carlow, airilY.
Good heavens! You don't mean to say
| that he has married her?" cried Jacks
unfortunate parent.
mo, l don't think so, really" said
Mr.. Carlow, with deliberation. "But
he will"
"He shant, t." said Mr.. Brown, desper-
ately.
'"There is only one way to prevent it,"
returned Mr.. Carlow. IF you like to
leave it to me, Mr.. Brown, think can
manage it."
"You!" exclaimed Mr.. Brown, perhaps
a triie contemptuously.
Eyes, me. I've seen something of the
world, and l know how those things are
done. It's question of squaring," said
Mr.. Carlow, lowering his voice.
sob! you mean that you think the
the lady can be bribed," said old Mr..
Brown, with CLEAN of hope.
I'll manage it if you give me carte
blanche, Mr.. Brown" replied Mr.. Car
low, with easy confidence. but it's a
delicate business, and l expect she will
open her mouth pretty wide"
'What sort of fgure?" inquired Mr.
Brown, cautiously.
SIT might be five thou said Mr.. Car
low, blowing cloud of smoke, and
watching it with an distracted express
sion.
Five thousand pounds! Preposter-
ous," exclaimed the old gentleman.
Il say it might be; but daresay can
make her listen to reason, returned Mr.
Carlow. anyhow, you can rely upon
my getting you off as cheap as possible"
Old Mr.. Browns business instincts be-
ing fully aroused by the turn the con-
versation had taken, he began to recover
from the state of nervous excitement
into which he had been thrown by Mr.
Carlow's news, and to reflect with toler-
able calmness on the situation. His first
impulse had been to avail himself of his
young friends proffered services, but a
few minutes consideration caused him
to abandon the idea. He did not doubt
Mr.. Stephens honesty and good inten-
tions, but he had no reason to feel conf
dence in his tact and business capac-
ity, Beside which, it occurred to him