The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1895-11-28
IMPERIHL MILLIONS
By JULIAN HAWTHORNE

tCopyright, 1901. BY American Press Assocaa-
| toni
"You have told me an interesting
/ story" remarked the count, ssand be-
cause appreciate it l will buy some of
the young lady's pictures myself You
shall give me the name of the shop
where they are to be sold. She shall
also paint picture to order for my
house."
''That's right good of you," said Tom
heartily. ''She's nice girl, but de-
serves bit turn of the wheel. But beg
your pardon for getting off the track of
the house; you happened to touch me on
spot right over my heart. What rent
would you like to pay?"
II want to buy the house."
'To buy it! That'n cost you some
thing. You might get it at reasonable
rent, as the house is under a cloud just
now, as l was telling you; but when it
comes to buying, it's another thing.
Property up there is rising, and doubt
you would buy the house for less than it
cost to build it-and that's not far off
4 half a Million
"Who owns the house?' asked the
count.
''It'l be his widow, l Sally
/ Matchin that was"
81 wish to say no more than is neces-
sary; but must have the house for my
own in any case. 1t is probable may
desire to make alterations in it. And if
property becomes more valuable then !
| oet or1
eyes; that's true. You'll pay half a
million, then, if it's not going for less?"
'.You will have the power of attorney;
you can draw for whatever is needed, ''
said the count, buttoning up his coat.
eff you please, let it be done by tomor-
row. The season is now near, and |
wish to be at home this winter"
every well. Here is the receipt for
the ten thousand dollars. Eli say moth
ing about thanks, but I'll do my best to
keep my end up. The power of attorney
will be at your hotel for your signature
this afternoon. I'll step over to Carriage
Brownies Office and see about the house
before lunch, and here's the address of
the dealer where the pictures are for
sale. It's not far from your hotel
t'What is your own private address,
Mr.. Bannick?' inquired the count.
SIT won't be long in the place where it
/ is now," returned the Irishman, his eyes
twinkling, and indicating by nod Of
the head the little pile of banknotes that
lay on the desk 81 shall move this
week, and give my wife and our friends
the Ravens some elbow room of their
own. But we shall be happy to see you,
sir, wherever we are. and whenever it
suits you I'm in East Thirteenth street
! just at present"
The count rose slowly. ~ thank you;
I will not incommode you until you are
settled" said he. 'It came to me-" he
added. with some hesitation, ''that if
find the pictures of this young lady to
have merit, and 1 therefore decide to
give her an order for one, it would be
necessary for me to have personal in
terview with her. Would tnat be con-
venient to herr"
Indeed, then, think it would!' ex-
claimed Tom with chuckle. "And
you'll find her acquaintance as well
worth making as any girls in New
! York"
The count bowed. "And it," he add
ed, "you should find any obstacles in
the way of obtaining possession of the
house-any, mean not with reference
to the price-it would give me pleasure
to wait upon Madame Trent. She and
could, perhaps, come more quickly to an
understanding than through the medium
! of an agent"
ats quite on the cards she may find a
reason for seeing you," Tom returned,
rubbing his chin; "but as for She money,
fancy she'll take it, so there's enough
of it. However, you'll get a full report
this evening""
''Then 1 will detain you no longer"
remarked the count, stepping toward the
door.
''Before you put on your gloves I'd
wish TO shake hands with you, Count de
L1sle," said Tom, advancing with his
hand outstretched. s'There's four of us
at least that you've made happy today,
and if that's your custom all have to
say is New York will be sad to part with
your
De IIis1e took the Irishman's hand and
gave it a powerful grasp.
II have had enemies" !" said he. 81 have
felt the hostility of the world. Now that
I have power. it is my wish to make
friends. Not to buy them, Mr.. Bannick:
I know how to exact the value of my
wealth, when that is my cue. But
should be glad for few people to feel
that there is something in me to like and
respect besides my money. 1t is great
deal for rich man to hope that he may
be thought of as anything except rich
man; it is a penalty of great riches. But
have ventured to hope it this morning.
''And by George, you were right!' re
piled Tom, with tears in his eyes
.There's stuff in you better than evel
came out of gold mine. So good lucl
to you"
''To you also," returned the count; and
then the door closed, and he was gone
The rest of that day passed very pleas.
antly to Tom Bannick. He deposited
his ten thousand dollars in the bank
and then drew out one thousand dollars
in the form of twenty dollar bills. One