Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-01-26
A FORTUNE HUNTER.

Ray Masterman was law graduate
pulled up with the pride of youth.
Cause and effect abnormally developed
his character, while poverty made his
struggle for existence as merciless as
it.was bold. He shrewdly manipulated
the cause and thereby produced the
desired effect. Motive with ego be-
hind him governed all his actions
People lived-he was sure of that;
as long DIS hey existed why should
they not be useful stepping-stones for
his advancement? His soulless dis
position was all the more dangerous
because it was hidden behind the pol
ished manners of gentleman.
He was not backward in coming for
ward when he offered his legal services
to the citizens of Blackjack. His ar
rival was chronicled with a liberal
supply of printers ink. His shingle
was modest. When l say modest do
not wish to convey the idea that he
lettered it himself, or even used a
piece of stiff card board with a block of
buildings in flames Autographed on
the other side. Not bit of it! He
ordered sign with japanned back
ground of black, ornamented with
esthetic gilt letters. He boarded at
the best hotel, wore the most fashion
able taIlOr-made suits, and lived in I'M
real life. He weighed the world in his
little balances, and. was sure that it
owed him comfortable living, con-
sequently he played his bold game
with all the confidence of a million
aire.
He exhibited an aristocratic con-
tempt for money, and always averted
the evil day o. settlement by borrow
ing from Smith to pay Jones. He
strengthened his financial standing by
bargaining for valuable property, but
was careful to find some plausible OBJ
lection to it just in time to bridge over
a calamity.
He Judged human nature with the
! wisdom of q philosopher; his ways
had 4 fetching influence, consequently
business prospered at the expense of a
brother limb of the law, whose office
was just across the street. He cared
little for Harding ROllevy or the fact
that his mother was widow, her only
support the industry of her son, who
copied briefs, recorded deeds and made
a comfortable living out of his prac-
tice.
Masterman laughed at Hardinc's
baggy, shiny trousers and ridiculed
the seedy coat which had been neatly
| patched. cracked jokes at the faded
| Derby that covered the clustering
brown curls ard shaded the handsome
face. With all these evidences Of close
| economy Harding possessed what mo-
ney could not Duy-a sterling, honest
character which prompted him to live
within his income. he paid debts.
never borrowed, was genuine, kind
and obliging.
How different the character of the
enyious. grasping and hypocritical
Masterman! He was always contrast
ing his bookcase with the rude shelves
of his rival; always comparing his
oiled walnut ia ole with the homemade
affair over the way. He complacently
eyed his neatly painted office and then
bestowed a contemptrous glance at
the dingy rookery from which the paint
had long since disappeared. These
differences produced their effect upon
weak human nature. and the poor
lawyers clients dropped off until his
practice was reduced to a minimum.
Masterman went further; he courted
sweet Idelle Manaver, the wealthy
squirrels only child by former mar
rage. There we're girls in Blackjack
more attractive, more beautiful, but
this particular star could score n dot
in her own name. By means Of this
dot he hoped to mend broken lance
and secure the management OF the
! squirrels estate.
He captivatel the old people with
his cleverncss and brilliancy. but failed
to interest Idellc, because her Heart
was true to her first love. Harding.
| whose natural oiflidenCe WAS so much
material for Ray to mould into oppor-
tunities. You may be sure he made
good use of the chance to belittle his
rival and advance his own pretensions.
He did not do this in a bungling man.
ner. On the contrary, he applied the
skill of courier to accomplish his
end. The thrusts were dangerous be-
cause they were made under the cloak
of friendship.
But Masterman overreacned the
bounds of prudence; Idelle was not
deceived; she soon detected the shall
lowness of his character; yet she en-
. Outraged his sordid attentions, hoping
by this means to draw Harding nearer
to proposal. The little strategen
!, produced a reverse effect
The widows son passed three times
day along the grassy lane on the
north side of the squire's stately home
The narrow path was smooth. and hare
as floor; clustering mat of verdur,
bordered it with rustic beauty. Tn,
embankment was shaded bv Ions