Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-10-15
treacherY which masks Itself under the

wear before he had met at the Mardi
Gras carnival in New Orleans young
man whom in his boyish days he had
known as the son of Texas planter. on
whose ranch Derwent with his cousins
from, Louisiana had once spent week
or SO. Mutual "reminiscences and in
otiries had elected the fact that young
Morell was now sojourning in Mexico
Il am specializing in mining properties,
he said frankly. "You see. l speak Span
ish and know the people pretty well, so
can find things that a stranger could
not Have done good busiaess7 Yes,
40 far have been fairly successful but
hope to do better yet If you ever
want anything in my line let me know;
or if YOU come to the City Of Mexico
and lots of tourists are coming now every
winter-look me up. Here is my adj
dress
The card he placed in Derwent's hand
had luckily been preserved by the latter,
who wrote at once inquiring of Morell
about mining properties, stating clearly
what kind of mines he desired and
giving a margin of price. Moren replied
promptly and encouragingly. He had
Just the property for him-a very valu-
able mine in an almost unexplored min
eral district, mine that in the great
markets Of the world would easily bring
half a million, to be had for twenty
thousand dollars because its Mexican
owners were not able to obtain the ma
chinery to work it with profit. There
could not possibly be finer speculation
than this property. he wrote. land, as
take it for granted that you want it to
sell again, advise you to lose no time
in securing 1t. The report inclosed was
of such nature that Derwent inmedi-
ately made his preparations for depar-
ture, and when all his affairs were in
order told his mother that he was going
TO New Orleans on business and would
probably take a run into Mexico from
there
Mrs. Derwent was surprised and not
very well pleased by this. She not only
adored her handsome son. but she de-
pended upon him in way common
enough with women who have never
known what it is to stand alone. Men
like such women better than those who
are more self sustaining. but there are
times when this clisging dependence be-
comes a little trying Fond as he was of
his mother. Derwent felt that he suffered
in his freedom. and. although he had
prepared himself for the protest certain
to come. it nevertheless annoyed him
my dear boylr in an accent of min
gled establishment aud remonstrance.
why should you 90 to Mexicoy'
My dear mother. he replied. smiling
and endeavoring to keep the annoyance
he felt out of his voice, why should
not go--for little changer The country
is becoming immensely popular as
place of travel, and must be very inter
esting. shall probably not be gone
more than a few weeks"
lit is terribly uncivilized country"
said Mrs. Derwent Just think of the
brigandsl And the rev.
oluuonsl II You go. shall be miser-
able about you all the time.
II hope not. said Derwent There
is not the faintest reason why you should
be. The country. from all that | can
gather, is quite as civilized as our own.
and the people are eminently kind,
and not at all given TO brigand-
age. You remember how delighted the
were with their visit there last
winter
81 remember that they brought back
some very pretty things; | did not pay
much attention to what they said about
the country But why should you CO.
and leave me all alone? do not think
you ought 70 leave me alone. Geoffrey
Your father would not have done it,
A black edged handkerchief was lifted
to pair OF violet eyes that time had not
robbed of their beauty: and Derwent
with an aspiration for patience. could
only reply:
You ought to know that should not
ihink of leaving you alone. Sibyl Lenox
5 ready to come to you at any time and
aalbert"-this was a cousin-"will look
litter you in any contingency that might
lrise requiring masculine assistance"
Why should Frank Halbert be en-
Dected to look after me instead of my
own SOM demanded Mrs. Derwent with
'earful dignity. But all young men
ire alike in these days-all selfish and
linking only oftheir own pleasure"
If you believe that am thinking of
ny own pleasure. you are greatly mis-
aiken. said her son gravely. Il was
never less disposed for pleasure in my
life. wish you would trust me and be-
ieve that would not go away in this
manner without good reason"
Something in his Lonesome uninten-
ional betrayal of the constraint he was
'utting on himself-made Mrs. Derwent
orget her petulance She looked at him
With quick. solicitous glance. is
nything the matter. Geoffrey?~ she
sked
Nothing, mamma" he answered ca
essingly. except that | am sorry to
worry Won in any NAV ,,,a 80 - l.