The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-09-25

| had decided to be present at the sec
ond interview between Mr.. Chelm and
Mr.. Prime for several reasons. Twas
curious to have another look at my ben
efciary; and | had an impression that
Mr.. Chelm might feel his legal con-
science prick ham, and so spoil the plot,
| if l 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 unfayorable answer,
and | shall never forget Mr.. Primes ex-
preston when the true state of the case
was made known to him. After sitting
| in silence for a 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? A CHASTITY, practical
| joker"
at sounds like one, doesn't it," said
Mr.. Chelm, and he grinned from ear to
ear. Il fancy, though, that you are not
| in mood to be trified with. No; you
have fallen on your feet this time, young
man. What have told you is all true. !"
'Do you mean to say that your friend
wishes to advance me $3.50, 900 to found
banking house?"
Precisely"
But have no security to offer"
Il 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 ask, ha! ha. But
| am compelled to answer yes. My
friend is philanthropist. That may
make matters clearer"
1T is like fairy story, isn't it, 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 Fran
els Prime and Company. l am to devote
my energies, first, to becoming abnor-
mally rich; and after that simple result
is accomplished to carry out the theories
l have as to how one in that position
should live. Meanwhile / am to pledge
my word never to divulge the circum-
stances of this interview, and on no pre-
tense whatever to seek to discover the
name Of the person to whom l owe my
good fortune. Have I omitted any
thing?'
you have stated the case exactly.
.'Humph! | should like to ask sin
gle question. Is my benefactor a man
or woman:"
Another question ike that would
| justify he in withdrawing the offer, !"
answered MIR. Chelm with gravity. my
client wishes to have no identity what
ever. Come, sir, my time is precious.
l await your DECISION"
'The proposal is so sudden and unex.
pected To ascend in a twinkling from
the depths of despair to the summit of
hope leaves one a trife bewildered. But
you are right. / have no claim on your
time. You 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. Twill. But since have
imposed upon your good nature so far,
do me one more kindness, Mr.. Chein.
What is you own opinion in this matter?
Do you advise me to accept
listened eagerly for his reply. 1t was
in his power to spoil all.
Really, i feel embarrassed how to
answer. As have already implied to
| you, the proposition strikes me, as a law