Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-06-05

tearfully to DR.. Edwards "Everythin!
belongs to Mr.. Willis. / hate to spent
one hour under his roof"
'It is not his yet,' asserted the doc
tor, unwilling to resign hope, though III
felt there was little room for it. "W,
won't abaicate just yet. I'll run up t,
to the city and consult Hollingswortl
and Barton. They must know some
thing of the matter"
He smiled reassu.ingly, but Bessie
looked pitifully dubious.
And so Barton had come. Though
his coming seemed to have brought nc
particular enlightenment,ye yet he devoted
himself to the search heart and soul.
The house was vigorously overhaued.
From, garnet to cellar not square inch
of space was overlooked.
I'm completely puzzled" was TOMS
mental conclusion. Horton never hid
that will, I'm willing to swear to it.
Now the question is: How did it get out
of his safe, and where is it at the pres
emit moment? Confound Willis, I'm
tempted to believe he knows more than
he ought to about this matter. That
smile of his means something"
Butin spite of suspicious Tom could
find no evidence against Willis. He
liked him none the better for this. and
took no pains to disguise his feelings
what have you come for?" he cried
quite angrily one morning as Willis
came upon him in tho library.
Rather strange, isn't it?" questioned
Willis ironically. "1Iost upheard-
of, that man should think of entering
his own library. I'm the most long
suffering fellow alive to put up with all
this business. Now you know us we'll as
L do, that will won't be found. I'm
tired Of this muss, if you are not. 1t is
my opinion Uncle John recognized my
claims, and destroyed il himself. Rather
On idea, isn't it. Enough to make the
old man rise out of his grave. What do
you think?"
"That you are heartless scoundrel,"
cried Tom aroused to resentment by
this unfeeling allusion to his dead
friend.
$50, So" repeated Willis, knocking
the ashes from his cigar. Better not
get.too warm over it. Take things coolly
as I do, and follow my advice. Don't ex-
haust YOUR energy in hunting for
what will never turn up. Just go
quietly back to the city. I'm sure
it must be pining for your presence, and
Bessie, if she knows which side her !
bread is buttered on, (and she's q shrewd
one. I tell YOU, will marry me.
Then"
"You cowardly sconndrel," burst out
Tom in wrathful tones. How dare
you-?"
well that's good" rejoiped the
imperturbable Willis. Every good in
deed. How dare 1suggest such thing (?
l suppose you were about to say, very
daring, truly. Here I am, young and
good looking, as some Of my fair
friends have been kind enough to de-
clare. Lifted with fair share of brains,
and q large share of money. Not
saint, you think. Oh no, far from it;
but my dear fellow, the world holds
many a greater sinner. Now I offer
these advantages, not to mention my
heart, to girl who is eating the bread
OF charity, ! may say. Keep cool. have
the floor. II she becomes my wife she'll
have the best money can buy. II she
IF she refuses?" repeated scornful
voice.
Both turned with start, to see Bes-
sic standing in the doorway.
GLOW dare you'll" she cried with
curling lips and flushing eyes. How
dare you. l."
Unable to proceed further, Bessie be-
slowed upon the slightly discounted
Willis a glance of ineffable contempt.
and rushed from the room. Tom fol-
lowed precipitately.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
feeling his heart in his throat.
ITO DR.. Edwards" she replied, turn
ing her fearful eyes from his sympa-
thetic face. After that L"
"Never mind" he said, reassuringly,
II am going with you. Shall I thrash
the scoundrel. Just say the word, and
one of us will have broken head in
two minutes"
ooh no. Please don't have any words
with him. He isn't worth it.
AL right, 1 won't. I must get my
hat, however"
"Well," sneered Willis when Tom re-
turned for his property, what do you
intend to do?"
Mot waste any time on you, certainly.
/ shall return for my traps presently.
After that Hollingsworth & Barton
desire to resign the management of this
estate"
"Let Hollingsworth g. Barton 90 to
the devil"
Ten minutes later Tom and Bessie
were walking in the direction of DR..
Edwards home. There were traces
of tears on Bessie's cheeks, but Tom
seemed highly elated and was talking
in this wise:
"I'm not rich, dear, and I'm not hand
some, bat 1 do love you dearly. We
could be very happy you and L We'd
have a nice home in this very neighbor-
hood if you like. I can imagine It now.
A dear little cottage with lawn in
front, and honey-suckle over the piazza,
and you sitting there, and me coming
home and"
Toms imagination was getting the
better of his grammar, so he went back
to his starting point, and after remark
for the second time. that he was not