Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1894-02-10

other hesitates moment, then calls
him back.
"Franklin," he says, in a softer tone
than he has used before.
The brother stops.
"Well," he answers.
"Just one moment before you 60"
The wretched man returns to the
CRATE.
Il have spoken harshly perhaps"
begins the brother. but you incensed
me. Listen, am going to tell you
the truth. can prove to you that it is
the truth. ! have told you that it is
beyond my power 10 help you. ! spoke
truly, for although you find me sur.
rounded with every luxury, living in q
house magnificently furnished. with
servants to obey my every command.
yet. am a poor man. have been
guilty OF wild speculation. One week
ago learned that the company in
which had invested the greater por
ton of my capital had failed. Things
had been going to the bad for some
time. In order to pay up my assess
ments l had mortgaged everything OF
value that possessed, every acre of
land, every article of household furni.
ture. Now all is gone. unless inside
of six months can produce the
amount of the mortgages Tonight,
as stand before you am not pos
sessed of one hundred dollars in cash.
can live. true; my credit is good. the
state of my finances is not known to
any one. save you and myself. l tell
this so you can understand just how I
am situated"
He stops for moment and drinks
from q goblet of water which stand,
upon the mantel.
Franklin Dyke watches him curl
ously, looks about upon the rich sur
roundings, rs If doubling his brothers
words.
what do You expect to do?" he
asked, softened, curious.
The brother lowers his voice.
"Tor the last five years, our aunt.
Catherine Dyke, has made my
house her home. have be-
slowed every attention upon her,
devoted myself to her absolutely.
She has said that at her death,
her whole fortune should be be-
queathed to my oldest child"
But you have no children" inter
rupts Franklin. almost forgetting his
misery in his curiosity.
mo, not now, but even as we speak
my wife is suffering the preliminary
pains, incidental to childbirth. Before
morning shall be father"
lis this true?"
eyes. The doctor has been sent for.
Aunt Catherine has been confined to
her bed with fatal malady for long
time. She cannot last much longer;
you would scarcely know her, SO much
has sickness changed her. 1t is likely
that she will die before six months
have elapsed. Then. as the guardian
of nv son. shall have the handling
of the money in trust for him. In that
way only can avert ruin and dis
grace. So you see, | am nearly as poor
as yourself-depending upon the life OF
a weak old woman, the birth OF o
child, to save me from ruin"
The other looks into the fire.
1T is indeed a peculiar position to
be placed In, ne says. lOu spoke D
minute ago of being guardian of your
son. Are you sure the child will be o
boy?" smiling covertly.
The action of the brother causes him
to start. He sees him grow pale.
IF it is not, l shall be ruined" he
cries. "She has given me to under
stand that only in case Of one
being born who would keep up
the honor of the family name,
would the fortune be willed.
Much depends upon the sex of this. my
first child. A son alone can keep up
the family name"
He turns to the table and refills the
goblet from massive silver water
pitcher and gulps down the cheering
draught. Franklin Dyke watching
him. Then he says:
"Do not harbor harsh feelings to-
ward me. Here, will give you five
dollars. 1t will ut least provide a lit
tie for your family. l have told you
the precarious state Of my finances