Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-02-02
FORTUNE HUNTER.


was law graduate puffed up with the
pride of youth. Cause and effect alb
normally developed his character, While
poverty made his struggle for existence
as merciless as it was bold. He ShreWd-
Iy manipulated the cause and thereby
produced the desired effect. Motive
with ego behind it governed all his ac-
tons.
People ived-he was sure Of that; as
long as they existed why should they
not be useful stepping stones for his
advancement? His soulless disposition
was all the more dangerous because 1t
was hidden behind the polished manners
Of gentleman.
He was not backward in coming for
ward when he offered his legal services
to the citizens Of Blackjack. His arTi-
val was chronicled with a liberal sup
ply of printers ink. His shingle was
modest. When / say modest l do not
wish to convey the idea that he lettered
it himself, or even used piece OF stiff
cardboard with a block of buildings in
flames autographed on the other side.
Not a bit of it, He ordered a sign with
japanned background of black, orna-
mented with eSthetic gilt letters. He
boarded a the best hotel, wore the most
fashionable tailor-made SUITS and lived
In unreal life. He weighed the world in
his little balances, and was sure that 1t
owed him a comfortable living, conse-
quently he played his bold game with
all the confidence of a millionaire.
He exhibited an aristocratc contempt
for money, and always ayerted the evil
day of settlement by borrowing from
Smith to pay Jones. He strengthened
his financial standing by bargaining for
valuable properly, but was careful to
find some plausible objection to 1t just
in time 10 bridge over a calamity.
He judged human nature with the
wisdom of Il philosopher; his ways had
i fetching influence, consequently bust
ness prosperel ut the expense of q bro
Their limb Of the law, whose office was
just across the street. He cared little
for Harding Rolleyy or the fact that
his mother was a widow, her only sup
port the industry of her son, who copied
briefs, recorded deeds and made Il com
Portable living out of his practice.
MaSterman laughed at Hardings bag
gy, shiny trowsers and ridiculed the
seedy coat which had been neatly patch
ed, cracked jokes at the faded derby
that covered the clustering brown curls
and shaded the handsome face. With
all these evidences of close economy,
Harding possessed what money could
not buy-a sterling, honest character
which prompted him to live within his
income. He paid debts, never borrowed
and was genuine, kind and obliSing
How different the character of the en-
vious, grasping, and hypocritical Master
man! He was always contrasting his
bookcase with the rude shelves of his
rival; always comparing his oiled walnut
table with the homemade affair over
the way. He complacently eyed his
neatly painted office and then bestowed
a contemptuous glance at the dingy
rookeIy 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 re-
duced to a minimum.
Masterman went further: he courted
sweet Idelle ManaYer, the rich squire $
only child by Il former marriage. There
were girls in Blackjack more attractive,
more beautiful, but this particular star
could score Il dot in her own name BY
means of this dot he hoped to mend a
broken lance and secure the manage
ment of the sQuire's estate.
He captivated the old people with his
Aeyerness and brilliancy, but failed to
interest Idelle, because her heart was
true to it's first love. Harding whose
natural diffidence was so much mater
ial for Ray to mould into opportunities.
You may be sure he made good use of
the chance to belittle his rival and adj
vance his own pretensions. He did not
DO this In a bungling manner. On the
contrary, he applied the skill of a cour-
tier to accomplish his end. The thrusts
were dangerous because they were
made under the cloak of friendship.
But MaSterman overreached the
bounds of prudence; 1delle was not de
eeiyed; she soon detected the shallow
ness of his character; yet she encour-
aged his sordid attentions, hoping by
this means to draw Harding nearer to
q proposal. The little strategem pro-
Suced i reverse effect.
The widows son passed three times
3 day along the grassy lane on the
north side of the squire's stately home.
The narrow path was smooth and hard
as a floor; a clustering mat of yerdure
borderd it with rustic beauty. The emf
bankment was shaded by a long row OF
naples that extended to his cottage
door.
one day Idelle peeped at him from
the bow window Of her room. 1t panied
her to see the Respondent look on his
face, where every emotion was mirror
ed. The forlorn tenderness, so mute,
SO pleading, touched her heart and tears
fell from her dropping lashes.
She was conscious the error she
nad committed; perhaps Ray would not
have been 50 persistent in pressing his
claim if she had not fooGshly encourag-
ed him. He had all the advantage, be-
cause the old people were infatuated
with the young man. The entire colu-
1nunity sanctioned the union and voted
her away as if she had no will of her
own. She had already rejected him
three times, and prepared herself for
the stormy scene soon to be enacted in
the room where her parents were await
.ng her. She bathed her eyes in cold
water and answered the summons