Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-05-19

gested that you should capture the
prize, gave an unwilling consent to
the proposition. Now, young man, if
have any influence with your aunt, you
shall pack off back to your place be-
hind the shop-counter which you never
ought to have Left
''Peste! my uncle, there is no reason
ing with you: the girl is adamant, tell
you. Moreover, 1 was not the first in
the field. This American
''Pshaw! we will arrange that mat
ter, if you think there is a chance for
you. Whatso easy as to-tonneres! I
have an idea-an inspiration-what
sort of a person is this Dunbar?"
'Oh, great, strong. hulking-"
81 mean as to his disposition. Is he
one who is likely to be alive to his own
interests, or some soft fellow over
burdened with an exacting conscience?"
81 cannot see what you are driving
at; but 1 should imagine that he is not
over well off, and probably not incom-
NODDED with scruples- 1t would be
something unusual. wouldn't it, to find
Yankee who was not open to a smart
deal?'
''You are right. Now, Leon, don't
wish to hurt your feelings, but I've no
faith in you. This Arthur Dunbar is
made of stronger stuff; and, as half a
loaf is better than no bread, if / could
see my way to dealing with him, I'd be
all for substituting this smart Yankee
for my graceless nephew"
'sEh, what! and leave me out of the
swim altogether? won't stand that -
''You will have to follow the pro-
gramme just as your aunt and I ar
range it. But, don't cry out till you
are hurt. We must not count our chick
ems before they are Matched. First it
will be necessary to find this will of a
wisp of a Dunbar and sound him. If
he is a man Of business, open to profit
able transaction, there will not be
much difficulty in coming to terms;
but, under any circumstances we
shall want you to stay at the farm to
help things along, and, if you choose to
f1irt With the farmers daughter, have
no objection. She won't be a great
catch like Kate Grahame, but she will
| probably have snug little dover,
which with what you get from the Ora
hame enterprise will set you up in the
world.''
''Then success to your plot, my gal
liant uncle! Count on my entering heart
and soul into your new plans, for Nellie
| is good deal more to my taste than
your whimsical heiress.''
"Well, don't be too hasty in your sat
! isfaction; it all depends upon what we
can do with Dunbar
bah! am sure of him, uncle. He
is young, he has the world before him;
he is no FOOL
''Then, you must stir yourself, Leon.
Be up with the lark tomorrow morn
ing and find his address. shouldn't be
a bit surprised if he didn't show up at
the hotel he was stopping at in ebert
sey."
II will go there the first thing in the
morning and make inquiries" the
young man cried, exultant at the turn
events had taken
mo, not till come up to the farm.
On second thought, it will not do to
take any steps until I have talked mat
tiers over with your aunt. So, though
! the hours are golden. you can enjoy
your beauty-sleep tomorrow morning,
my nephew" Francois said. rising;
| land that you may have your wits
] about you, you had better be going, for
you have a long walk before you.
| Au revoir, mon enfant.''
Arthur Dunbar waited until their re-
ceding footsteps died away and then
crept noiselessly into his own apart
nent, where he sat for full half-hour,
trying to collect his distracted thoughts.
There was evidently base conspir-
| acy ct work, of which Miss Grahame
was the victim. He knew little or moth
ing about her history. and consequent
j ly the allusion to Sir Harry Grahame's
| existence failed to arouse his interest
All he could make of it was that Kate,
who he had been told by Leon was de
| pendent on Miss Balderstone's bounty,
| was heiress to q large fortune, of which
! fact she and her friends were ignorant;
that Nile Campignon, the swarthy
! stranger, and Leon d'Estreville, whose
proper rarne was Jobard, and who was
an assistant In a store, were in COLLISION
to rob her OF her Inheritance. He
chuclxled to think that there was like
| lihood of including him in their designs
| Arthur Dunbar was man of quick
resolves. He would beard this lion in
his den.
lro BE coN-AUR.l