San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-21
The BaSSett Claim.
By HENRY f. ELLIOT.

y
tell yours first. for I've got bad news +"
"Whatw cried Stevens, his face chang
ing its expression instantly to one of
alarm and dis1nay. "Whst has hap
Peaca?"
''Oh, nothing to you," said Windward,
smiling at his friends quick apprehen-
sions; "but poor Blamms has committed
suicider'
is it possible? How terrible" ex-
claimed Stevens, Frightening up at once
and very much relieved. "Why, how did
that happen Whereupon Windward
sat down and told him the whole story,
and his purposes, so far as he had framed
them.
'Idon't see as you can blame yourself"
said Stevens. Pm sure you have been
very lsind and painstaking. And it will
be good and suitable for you to go on to
the funeral. And, as you say, suppose
you will all now be soon returning to
New York. | need not say that hate to
have you 60"
Windward smiled archly. That's Just
what Floy sald," he answered.
sob, did she, the dear-well, no mat
ter; but was that not good in her! Well,
now l can tell my news, and it fits in
very we'll"
Eyes, what is it?' asks Windward.
"Why, I've been to the genie today"
explained Stevens, "and told him all
about it. He was delighted, called me
brick. and hoped Buttons would hang
himself; but that is serious business
now, isn't it, Windward? Well, l told
him it wasn't done yet; and then l
begged right hard for chance to get
start in railroading. Very well, said
he, in his gruf way, I'll put you in the
New York Office, and what becomes of
you afterward depends on yourself So
am going there as soon as l can settle
up here"
Good for your exclaimed Windward.
sob, you are all right now; and how
pleasant it will be to be all together in
New York;
Splendid" said Stevens. "Oh, let
me tell you funny thing. The genie
and Iwere still talking when who should
come in but Atwood, just the same as
ever, full of work, and settle right down
as if nothing had happened"
well l don't understand itr' ex-
claimed Windward.
Nor Ileither," said Stevens laughing.
''But if the old Man can stand it l sup
pose we can"
And now Windward rushed over to
McArdle, to whom ne told again his
story. The colonel was interested, but
only nodded his head, and at the end
said, merely by way of comment, Zone
more unfortunate" Then, lowering his
voice, he continued, Mr.. Bassett, you
have made some changes in my family,
too"
Windward was startled. Had Louise,
then, told the colonel the discovery at
the agency
"Yes," McArdle proceeded; ''you have
lost me my only and beloved niece, but
you have given me-and l thank you for
the exchange wife"
''Is that possGle!" exclaimed Wind
ward, and very queer and subtle pang
cut through his heart as he spoke.
Perhaps Louise would rather tell you
the rest herself" said the colonel. II
think she is at home and would like 20
see you"
II congratulate you, colonel" said
Windward. 'She is noble woman"
"True," replied the laconic colonel;
and rose to bid his visitor good-by. Il
expect you, Mr.. Bassett, to make our
house your home when in Washington,
and hope to see you often-only don't
get the claim on the brain. And if you
find the Blamms people in need, as pre-
sumo you will, please let me know"
ga noble woman yes, she is"
thought the colonel, as he returned to
his work after this episode, land guess
that youngster was beginning at last
too late to find it out. At least it was
BEST to let him know the situation at
o1ce-even if his week of mourning isn't
quite out"
Louise, Windward found, was happy
woman. Armed with the coloneps per-
mission he plunged at once into the
midst of things, and after moments
hesitancy she sat down and frankly told
him what had happened, and how it had
happened, and Joined him in marveling
at the strange links of circumstance that
had brought so joyful a catastrophe.
She pressed him to stay to lunch, but
his limited time obliged him to decline,
and so with sincere regret he left her, to
hurry home to make the last prepare
tions for departure.
And now his stay in Washington was
measured by minutes. Once at home,
he bolted his lunch, settled his account
with the regretful Mrs. Elk, reciprocated