Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-08-02
CHAPTER II.

Leon Morel returned from the govern
ment house, whittier he had gone Il
confer with the gold commissioner II
relation to the entry Of his mining
claim, which he had staked out ant
pre-empted under the name OF 1.-The
Pauline" He found his parents anC
sister comforting over some very weight1
matter, to judge from their pale ano
anxious faces.
Hello, what's up?" shouted Leon as
he swung himself out Of his saddle.
captain Roberts has been here"
"Well?" was Icons quick word OF in
quiry.
HE came to make formal demand
for Pauline's hand" continued Morel.
(Which, of course, you refused!
cried the young man Indignantly.
"He assured us that he is the owner
of mining claims worth several hundred
thousand dollars
"What, father" interrupted Leon,
''can it be you entertained his PROPOSE
tion?"
"Gently, gently, my SON." said Morel.
'T'm wiser than you in these worldly
matters. Captain Roberts is man OF
| position and power in the province and
a dangerous man to have for an enemy.
I tried not to offend him. | thrust my
self down and told him that a farmers
daughter would not make proper wife
for a British officer Of rank and wealth. "
THANK heaven" calculated Leon,
s'that you were strong enough to do
this. father! But how did il all eHd?'
"He grew violent" replied Mr.. Morel,
"and warned me to have a care how
made enemies in this wild and desper-
ate country. When it once became
known said he, that Captain Roberts
has been accepted as the future hus-
band of Miss Pauline, you and your
family will be- as safe in the province as
you would be in your native village.
He then promised to give you valuable
information as to the location OF
mining claims, guaranteeing that
YOU would return home mil
lionaire within a years time. To all
these brilliant promises returned firm
but respectful answer that the proposed
alliance was impossible. Whereupon,
thinking to make bold strike for the
coveted prize, Roberts called out: We'll,
friend MoreI, this way OF deciding
things may be French fashion, but 1t is
not our English way. Let Miss Pauline
have a word to say. She has assured me
that her heart is entirely free
cat this" continued Morel, "our lit
tie Pauline became very red. but 1
agreed to the proposition, aud calling
her to my side told her to decide her
own fate. She fixed her eyes on Cap
tain Roberts face, which became very
pale as he met Pauline's steady, honest
look.
"Tm grateful for the honor, Captain
Roberts, said she quietly, but it can
not be. I love-anOther.'
"Brave little Paulinew cried Leon.
"Spoken like a true Alsatian, but who
the deuce
Morel raised his hand and motioned
to his son to keep silence, and then con
tinued, "When Roberts heard these
words he broke out fercely:
"'Love another? What, can it ot
possible that you have allowed this I'M
known adventurer, who happened tt
save you from the grizzly Roberts
paused, fairly choking with rage, while
our Pauline grew redder and redder
Some desperate from the States, h'
blurted out, low riffraff that has drifteC
into the province since the gold was
discovered. Morel, you're fool, YOU'RE
a madman! But go your ways l wisl
YOU luck with your new son-in-law
He'll be credit to you!' and Selling nj
horses reins, he swung himself in TIT
/ .oddlo oDd rOda off ~
"We've made a dangerous enemy,
cried Leon, ''but we're honest folk, ant
have nothing to fear from anybody?'
"Roberts may not be as bad as hi
reputation" said Morel," I'm told h
has a son and daughter in the province
and that it's the sons influence will
the government which keeps the fathe
in command OF the mounted police"
"Come, come" exclaimed MADAM
Morel, testify, ''are you men neve
coming to dinner. Everything is get
ting cold. I've cooked stick full o
tortillas for you, Leon, and for you
papa, I've got lovely mess OF pigjere
(bacon and rice), so come one and com
all and let little Pauline's lovers tax
care Of themselves"
There was hearty laugh at Pauline
expense, and the family gathered aroun
the table, which was formed by. settin
stake under the tailboard OF the pac
wagon. Leon had much to tell thel
about his mine and how he was Ian
owner in the province. Turning to hi
father, he cried out:
"If we strike it rich, little papa,
shall yet be a French senator"
"And what shall be, hey?" inquire
Morel, ''plain Alsatian farmer, SUI
nose. with no other duty than to B
proud of his son and say to everybody B
meets: Have you read Senator Morel
last speech? That's my son, 70
know"
ssHow. nicely bottle of bon ordinair
would go with this pigjoree?" cried oil
Leon.
"Ah, dear old France" murmure
Madam Morel. 81 wonder when "
shall see her again?"
What, homesick already, little mott
, er?" INQUIRED Pauline. "Why, / thin
this is beautiful country"
"Fine country for grizzlies" saf
7 | Leon, 3J WHICH fduIiho Uot o oS "0i
Quickly lowered and deep blush ma
! tied her sweet girlish face.
"Let her alone, you men," cried Ma
, am Morel, "why shouldn't she be graf
, full to her reScuer?"
! Gratitude, mother" replied Leo
: olives next door to-
I But Pauline's little hand stopped b
: mouth.
> The rest Of the day was passed
/ looking over their mining outfit 81
: laying plans for beginning work
: Icons claim. The sun had set behir