Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1894-01-17
BlGaChOf Faith.
BY HJALMAR HJqnTH BoyEsEN.

Perhaps there was even touch of
petulence in her motions, like that of
spoiled child who knows that every
thing it does is becoming. But Gunnar
was not discerning enough to detect
something trife STACEY in this assumed
youthfulness, nor did he observe the
languishing look that stole into her eyes
at odd moments, alternating with look
Of dreary fatigue. She wore long,
thin gold chain about her neck to which
watch was attached, stuck in Morse
fashion into the belt that encircled her
waist. Many an admiring glance was
stealthily sent toward her by the younger
clerks, whom she studiously ignored
But she firted with hysterical liveliness
with middle aged student recently ar
rived from Norway, whose deep beer
bass and jaunty manners had evidently
made an impression upon her.
Gunnar hated that man, and won
dered whether the time would ever
come when he would be able to talk in
such superior style and behave with
such magnificent nonchalance in the
presence Of lady. In the meantime he
had his hands full in maneuvering prop
erly with knife, fork and napkin. When,
in spite of his watchful observation of
his neighbors, he happened to put string
beans on his butter plate his anxious
glance instantly wandered to Miss Ton
neson and the student with the beer
bass. The former seemed to be ON the
point of exploding with laughter, while
the latters face exhibited only little
smile Of superior pity. Gunnar felt
the blood mount to his head, and
slight dizziness seized him. The great
world in which he now was launched
was more complicated affair than he
in his innocence had dreamed. He lost
his appetite, and contented himself with
taking notes on the appetites of the rest.
It was great relief to him when finally
the dinner was at an end.
The next day he went in search of his
friend John Lawson, whom he found in
. dingy grocery shop on Milwaukee ave-
nue., looking far less dazzling than ON
the occasion of their last meeting He
communicated to him his purpose to seek
his father, and asked Lawson if he could
now recall the name by which he was
known. The grocer, seating himself on
barrel of flour, fell into brown study.
"What1l you give me?" he asked. sud-
denly lifting his head, "if put you on
your dads track"
"Glve your" repeated Gunnar, feeling
/, fall klc%
have anything to give you"
"Well, you must be smart enough to
know that Hans Matson will scarcely
thank me for putting the old woman on
the scent of him."
"Do you mean to say" exclaimed Gun
mar wrathfully, "that my father is a
scoundrel?"
Hush, hush, young man; not SO fast.
l said nothing of the Sort"
Gunnar was in sore perplexity. A host
Of new ideas rushed in upon him. If his
father was living under an assumed
name it was quite obvious that he did
not wish his family to find him. 1t was
odd that that view Of the case had not
presented itself to him and his mother
his poor mother, who supposed that
shame, poverty or misfortune kept him
from returning to her! Well, come what
might, he was resolved to sound the
mystery to the bottom.
"Then you won't help me?" he said to
Lawson. who was yet sitting on the -four
barrel trimming i.is nails with a pocket
knife.
"rhat depends what you'll give"
answered Lawson, intent upon his task.
II have nothing to give. l have
scarcely enough to get along until l get
something to do"
"Will you give me your note of hand
for $500, payable in FIVE years, for value
received, if the clew furnish you is COR
rect, the note to be Cancelled if my clew
il not correct?'
"But suppose am not worth $500 in
five years."
"Ill take my chances ON that"
Gunnar pondered for some minutes,
then, with a reckless fling of his head,
held out his hand and said:
"Well, since there is no other way,
suppose shall have to agree to your
terms"
Lawson, rising, stuck his knife into
his pocket and grasped his visitors hand.
"Wait minute" he said, "and I'll go
with YOU"
CHAPTER VT