The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1893-07-12


CHAPTER XL-CoHTINUED
"Some of my friends!" thought North,
in despair, as he cast another specula-
tive glance up and down the street.
"Heavensl what n ituation--dunned
on the public highway in this belliger-
ent manner! How could Noll have been
so negligent? But then, it's just like
him-'an unpardonably careless fellow
in money matters as Wee said. Some
of my friends'-to whom can apply?
Clipper? No, he's an editor; it would
be setting aside all the traditions of the
craft to assume that he has any idle
cash. Warner? have no means of
estimating his financial basis; he might
be millionaire or church mouse, for
anything that his appearance indicates.
Wee? 1t is the widest nonsense to
think of himl Col. Dayton is forever
growing about the hard times; heard
him saying only this morning that it
was as much as he could do to keep his
head above water. To be sure, 1t would
be simply loan, to be repaid as soon
as I can receive telegraphic check
from my banker in New York; but
shall feel little delicate about asking
even that. Wymer7 He is probably
putting too much into the campaign
fund 10 have any money TO spend for
other purposes; and besides, he
wouldn't do me this friendly service
Well, my list of acquaintances is can
vassed, and TO no purpose. In the name
of all the unmerciful fates at once,
what am TO do2"
His despairing question was answered
most Unexpectedly. It had scarcely
been formed in his mind when Warner
appeared upon the scene, sharp, busi-
ness-like and observant as usual. He
, greeted North in a cordial way; then as
he perceived Mr.. Archer's aggressive air
and North's perplexity and annoyance,
and recalled Mr.. Wescott's reference to
his own encounter with the old gentle
man, Warner comprehended the situa-
tion at once
81 say, North" he exclaimed, N his
impetuous way as he lrew North aside
confidentially, "is old Archer pushing
for that money!"
North assented with an expressive
shrug Of his shoulders.
Hell not give me time TO turn
around" he continued in an undertone.
"The note is overdue, ! admit; but he
insists upon immediate payment, and
haven't got the money in hand and
can't get it without considerable delay"
HE won't waltz" interrogated War
ner reflectively.
"Not ten minutes. He threatens TO
bring suit against me II | do not satisfy
his claim at once"
81 say, now, that's rough! You'll have
20 lose II, won't you? OF course you'd
have heard from Amity before this, II
he were ever going TO answer your let
ter. He has acted confoundedly mean
after the handsome way you treated
him when everyone else was kicking
him out of theway. What's the amount,
NorthP"
1.-TWO hundred dollars"
"That all?"
"It's all, but IL happens TO be enough
TO embarrass me for the reason already
specified"
Warner looked rather blankly at
North for an instant; then as II dis
missing all idle speculation from his
mind he said:
"Now, see here; my bank is just
around the corner, and all I've got to
do TO make this thing straight with old.
Archer is TO scratch my name to a
check. What dye say, North-shall !
do it?"
It is needless TO say that North &C
cepted this delicately offered assistance
with hearty:
"Thank you, Warnerl I'll make II
all right with you before night"
.'IIold on minute-be back soon,"
were Warmers parting words as, with
both arms swinging energetically and
his nose high In the air, he started
around the corner at an alarming pace.
"Warner is my good angel; judge, oh
70 gods, how dearly | do love himr'
thought North, in grateful paraphrase;
thnn turning to his relentless creditor
hc added aloud
"This matter will be adjusted In a
very few moments. Mr.. Archer"
wall, wall, now,-ahem-I amt
talln' on about II. Mr. North, since
see you're willing to ack fair an
auare," said Mr.. Archer in modified
tones and with an obvious wish to
pike peace. II hope you won't take
otfense at what I've said, sir. Busi-
ss Is business. you know, and ha. got
bc tended To-"