Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1895-11-21
6Y. 4. CONAN DOVE


He waited eagerly for a letter
from the Saint Lawrence Shipping Com
pany, and in the meanwhile he gave his
landlord quarters notice. Hundred
pound year houses would in future be
luxury which he could not aspire to.
A small lodging in some inexpensive
part OF London must be the substitute
Tor his breezy Norwood villa. So be It,
then! Better that thousandfold, than
that his name should be associated with
failure and disgrace.
On that morning Harold Denver was
10 meet the creditors Of the firm, and
TO explain the situation to them. 1t
was hateful task, a degrading task,
but he set himself to do it with quiet
resolution. At home they waited In in
tense anxiety to learn the result of the
meeting. 1t was late before he returned,
haggard and pale, like man who has
done and suffered much.
What's this board in front Of the
house?" he asked.
we are going to try a little change
OF scene," said the Admiral. ''This
place Is neither town or country. But
never mind that, boy. Tell us what hap
pened in the city"
God help me! My wretched business
is driving you out of house and homer
cried Harold, broken down by this fresh
evidence Of the effects of his misfor-
tunes 1T is easier for me to meet my
creditors than to see you two suffer-
ing so patiently for my sake"
Tut, tut" cried the Admiral.
There's no suffering in the matter.
Mother would rather be near the thea
tiers. That's the bottom of it, isn't 1t,
mother? You come and sit down here
between us and tell us all about it,"
Harold sat down with loving hand
in each Of his.
Its not so bad as we thought" said
he, land yet it Is bad enough. have
about ten days to find the money, but
don't know which way to turn for it,
Pearson, however, lied, as usual, when
he spoke of $4,000. The amount is not
quite $4,000"
The Admiral clapped rs hands. IT
knew we should weather it, after all!
Hurrah, my boy! Hip, hip, hip, hur-
rahw
Harold gazed at him in surprise, while
the old seaman waved his arm above
his head and beloved out three stem
torian cheers. Where am I to get
seven thousand pounds from, dad?" he
asked.
Never mind. You spin your yarn"
well, they were very good and very
kind, but of course they must have
their money or their moneys worth
They passed vote Of sympathy for
me, and agreed to wait ten days be-
fore they took any proceedings. Three
of them, whose claim came to f3,50O
told me that If would give them my
personal /. o. u, any pay interest at
the rate Of five per cent, their amounts
might stand over as long as 1 wished
That would be a charge of f175 upon
my income, but with economy 1 could
meet 1t, and it diminishes the debt by
one-half."
Again the Admiral burst out cheer
ing.
There remains, therefore, about e.
200 which has to be found within ten
days. No man shall lose by me. 1
gave them my word in the room that
If worked my soul out of my body
every one of them should be paid. I
shall not spend penny upon myself
until it is done. But some of them can't
wait. They are poor men themselves
and must have their money. They have
issued a warrant for Pearson's arrest.
But they think that he has got away
to the states"
"These men shall have their money"
said the Admiral.
"Dadw
Eyes, my boy, you don't know the
resources of the family. One never does
know until one tries. What have you
yourself now?"
II have about thousand pounds in
vested"
"All right. And have about as much
more. There's a good start. Now,
mother, it is your turn. What is that
little bit Of paper Of yours?"
Mrs. Denver unfolded it, and placed
1t upon Harold's knee.
give thousand poundsw he gasped.
"Ah, but mother is not the only rich
one. Look at thlsp' And the Admiral
unfolded his cheque, and placed 1t upon
the other knee.
Harold gazed from one to the other
in bewilderment Ten thousand
poundsw he cried. Good heavens
where did these come from?"
you will not worry any longer, dear"
murmured his mother, slipping her arm
round him.
But his quick eye had caught the
signature upon one of the checks. Doc
tor Walker!" he cried, flushing. "This
is Clara's doing. Oh, dad, we cannot
take this money. 1t would not be right
nor honorable"
mo, boy, am glad you think so. 1t
Is something, however, to have proved
ones friend, for real good friend he
is. 1t was he who brought 1t in, though
Clara sent him. But this other money
will be enough to cover everything, and
1t is all my own"
"Your own? Where did you get 1t,
dad?"
Tut, tut! See what 1t is to have a
city man to deal with. 1t is my own,
and fairly earned and that is enough"
Dear old dad" Harold squeezed his
gnarled hand. "And you, mother! You
have lifted the trouble from my heart.
feel another man. You have saved
my honor, my good name. everything.
can not owe you more, for I owe you
everything already"
So while the autumn sunset shone
ruddily through the broad window
l..