The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1892-10-22
THE LOST OBLIGATION.

Some men seem to take naturally to
whatever promises to be unfortunate
to them, and it must have been in a
blind obedience to this law that Charles
Day insisted on regarding Jonas
Terry as his friend. There was moth
ing in common between the two men
but a love for Josie Merritt, and such
circumstance is not usually conducive
to friendly feeling.
Charles had wavy brown hair, a
pleasant face and a fine tenor voice.
Jonas kept his hair cut after some peni-
tentjary fashion, his features were
thick and commonplace, and he had
short, stumpy figure. Their mental
differences were quite as great; Chas.
was rapid and bright, Jonas slow
and secretive; Charles also was atfec-
tionate and prodigal, Jonas saving and
prudent, and inclined to make merit
of always looking out for himself
Both were young men of some fortune
and position, but Jonas alone was in
business. Charles lived upon the rents
of his property, and devoted his time
to the ladies in general, and to Josie
Merritt in particular.
One evening in June they sat to-
gether in the library of Charles fine
house. They had been discussing some
summer plans, and Charles said:
Leave off grinding at that money
mill of yours, Jonas, and come with
me; we shall have pleasant months
cruise"
Il cannot possibly do it. To tell the
truth, | am in a very tight place, and
it is bad time for raising money!
''How much do you want?"
about twelve thousand"
"Will ten thousand do?'
"Yes, ten would put me out of
straits. In fact, ten thousand now
might be worth fifty thousand to me"
Charles walked to his secretary, and
unlocking it, counted out the amount
in bills, and handed them to his friend,
saying:
just give me your O U, Jonas, for
two months after date. Will that be
long enough?'
'.You don't mean this, Charles?"
"Why, yes, l do, old fellow. 1t is
not much of kindness, after all. You
see, Merritt paid me my quarters rents
to-day, and | shall be sure to spend all
before the quarter is over if keep the
money where | can get a. it. In two
months l shall be out of funds and in
the height of the season. 1t is plan
of mine to secure ten thousand for
clearing up in September
THANK you Charles, | will accept
the loan with pleasure, and if you
should need it before, why, just drop
me line. shall be out of trouble
long before September"
The young man then drew pen and
some paper toward him, wrote out the
lou. and handed it to his friend, OBJ
serving as he did so: Allow me to say,
Charles, that, it is foolish to keep so
much money here. Put it with ycur
banker.'
"Certainly. Merritt paid me this af-
ternoon. 1t was so hot when he left l
thought would not 60 down town un-
til the morning. There is no danger.
Nobody but you and Merritt and my
self knows anything about it..
Then he lifted the o u, glanced at
it, and rose to put it in the secretary;
but as he was crossing the room Jonas
said Il heard to-day that Josie Mer-
ritt is to marry Lieutenant Pierce.
1
thoughts were diverted from his money
affairs. He was much excited at the
information, refused to believe 1t, ana
went over and over, with passionate
earnestness, his reasons for being GER
tain that such thing could not be.
"Why,' he kept repeating, 81 have
known her ever since shaa was little
bit of a girl ! carried her books to
school; went with her to the dancing
class; her father has been my lawyer
and adviser; 1 have been at home in
Merritt's house as in my own. POOH!
the thing is impossible. Josie never
would treat me like that. l won't be-
lieve it,
''Go and ask her straightforward
question" "
Ican't. 1t is too late tonight. l
intended to have that matter fully un-
derstood this summer, but l was in NO
hurry. A love affair is all spoiled when
papa and mamma and the lawyer ana
the world come into it. l have told
Josie that, and she and understand
one another. viii you be calling there
soon, Jonas?'
Il will try if you wish it,
.'They leave town in few days, but
call before if you can, and send me
word if you see anything of the Lieu
tenant"
1 will. Lock up your secretary, Chas.;
/ see it still open. | am very much
obliged-very much.
'.All right. You are very welcome.
l am just putting ten thousand safely
away for the time need it. y
Charles was much annoyed at what
he heard, but he did not forget his
secretary. 1t had secret drawer, and
was capable of being fastened by three
intrisate locks. He carefully secured
all three, and then sat down to smoke
and think over again the absurdity OF
Josse caring for any one but himself.
, In half an hour he was satisfied that
the thing was impossible, and ne rose
rather YEARLY, determined to sleep
upon his faith in her love.
As he passed the table he saw a
piece of paper that attracted him; it
was Jonas I OU. He had forgotten
to put it away, and it was too much
trouble to unlock the secretary again.