Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-08-23

ond interview between Mr.. Chelm and
Mr.. Prime for several reasons. | was
curious to have another look at my ben
ficiary, and | had an impression that
Mr.. Chelm might feel his legal con-
science prick him, and so spoil the plot,
if were not within earshot. When the
interview took Place, however, the law
yer took mild revenge by toying with
his visitor little at first, as though
about TO give an unfavorable answer,
aud shall never forget Mr.. Primes ex-
preston when the true state of the case
was made known to him. After sitting
I'm silence for moment, as though en-
deavoring to grasp the facts, he gave a
short, incredulous laugh, and STOPPING
down to pat Ike, said nervously:
SIS this joke? CHASTITY, practical
joke?"
ut sounds like one, doesn't it?" said
Mr.. Chelm, and be grInned from ear 10
ear. IL fancy, though, that you are not
in a node to be trifled with. No; you
have fallen on your feet this time, young
man. What have tod you is all true"
"Do you mean to say that your friend
wishes to advance me $685. to found
a banking houce?"
"Precisely."
"But have no security to offer"
81 have already told you that no Sc.
curity would be required"
excuse me-eh-but is your friend
of sound mind?"
81 don't wonder you nsk, ha! ha! But
I am compelled to answer yes. My
friend is a philanthropist. That may
make matters clearer"
at is like fairy story. isn't IL, Ike?"
Let me rehearse the conditions again, so
as to be sure / am not dreaming. With
this loan, which shall never be called
on to pay back unless choose, am TO
establish in New York the house Of
Francis Prime and Company. l am to
devote my energies, first, TO becoming
abnormally rich, and after that simple
result is accomplished to carry out the
theories have as to how one In that
position should live. Meanwhile am
to pledge my word never to dIvulge the
circumstances OF this interview, and on
no pretense whatever TO seek TO dis
cover the name OF the person TO whom
l owe my good fortune. Have l omitted
anything?"
You have stated the case exactly"
"Umphl should like to ask sin
gle question. Is my benefactor q man
or woman"
Another question like that would
Justify me in withdrawing the OFFER"
answered Mr.. Chelm with gravity. "My
client wishes to have no identity what
ever. Come, sir, my time is precious.
await your decision"
"The proposal is so sudden and unex-
pected. To ascend In a twllklIng from
the depths OF despair 10 the summit of
hope leaves one trifle bewildered. But
you are right. / have no claim on your
time. Yon want an answer"
He laughed again In nervous man.
ner and stroked Ike"
81 do not wish TO hurry you unduly.
have letter TO write which will take
me few minutes. Think the matter
over until / have finished"
Thank you. / will. But since have
imposed upon your good nature so far
do me one more kindness, Mr.. Chelm.
What Is your own opinion in this mat
ter? Do you advise me 10 accept?v
listened eagerly for his reply. It was
in his power to spoil all.
Really. / feel embarrassed how to
answer. As have already implied TO
you. the proposition strikes me, as a law
yer, as being the most preposterous
piece of extravaganza ever heard ssg-
gested. | will tell you frankly that I
tried my utmost TO dissuade my client
from making II. 1t is thoroughly nm
business like and absurd. That ia nv
view OF the matter from a professional
standpoint.
81 see," said Mr.. Prime.
But" continued Mr.. Chelm-and
here he stopped and gave an amused
chuckle-''It Is a rare chance for a
Young man, rare chance. NV client
will never mind the loss OF the money.
and would feel genuine disappointment
know, II you were 70 decline. This
being the case, and feeling as do that
you are In earnest in your desire 10 sue
coed despite your aristocratlc tenden-
cies, am tempted on the whole to uroe
you TO accept the good fortune which IL
thrust upon you. 1t is for my clients
sake as much as for your own that I
advise this, for can see that she has
set her heart"-
He stopped short. There was \ de.d
pause, for / felt the blood rush TO nv
| cheeks.
"WeIl!" he exclaimed. II have let the