Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1896-05-21


themselves look SO formidable some
how! Eva had always made the worst
of every thing. and-Heaven forgive him
had been manager. It was amazing
what difference her removal caused
in every way! He was satisfied with
life and-he knew he did not want to
die.
At last he determined to go to Orkney
and ask him to release him from his un-
Gertaking. It was an unpleasant task,
but the alternative was more distasleful
still.
Mr.. Orkney looked at him in blank
disapproval when he had stamlnered
to a conclusion.
''This is very unbusiness-like," he
said; very unbusiness-like, indeed!
You put me in & very awkward situa-
ton, Collier. / don't want to see you
die, of course-I-I hope have heart
but an agreement is an agreement,
and I have great occasion for e 200.
AS it happens, have bill"
"In other Words said Collier, rising,
you won't consent?"
II regret," said Orkney, 81 regret very
much that you should have put such a
suggestion forward, because l am un-
able to consent to it, and it is par
tcularly painful one to refuse. do not
think it was delicate, Collier"
FINALLY, you insist on your pound of
flesh?"
Finally" responded the lawyer, II
repeat that if you are man of honor
only one course can be adopted. Good
day.
He touched the bell on his table and
Collier passed out.
ITO Be or Not to Be-" "The Pound of
Flesh"-what a number of titles sug-
gested themselves for the story that
might be written! He could not put
the thought of it away from him, and
ore evening he actually found himself
sitting at his desk commencing it. 1t
was foolish proceeding, but it occu-
pied-more, interested him, and his pen
flew rapidly. He treated the subject in
a serious narrative.
AT one o'clock he came to the point
where the end must be led up to. But
how was it to end? He rose, and began
to pace the room, mechanically charg-
ing his pipe. afresh. 1t would not draw
where were the wires? He could not
think if he did not smoke, and the thing
was stopped up.
The wires could not be found; per-
Laps he had used the last. Formerly
lie had annexed his wife's hairpins in
such emergencies, and, as a last re-
source, it occurred to him that if he
looked in the wardrobe where her be-
longings had been put away he would
find some.
There were some hairpins scattered
At the bottom. There was also a bundle
of letters, tied together with ribbon,
and directed in handwriting that
looked familiar. Collier stared at it.
Mas he making a mistake-or what had
been the purpose of this correspon-
Gence? He turned white, and pulled the
letters out.
The dates they bore were of the last
two years. There was nothing criminal
in them, despite their lengthiness, but
they were a mans confidential COM
munications to a woman of whom he is
fond. They spoke of the writer's sym
pathy," of his regret that he could do
nothing to alleviate the dreariress of
her lot; there were frequent illusions
to what might have been;" and they
began, Dearest Mrs. Collier" and were
signed, yours with affection, Horace
Orkney"
George stumbled out of the bedroom,
and returned TO the workshop" where
he sank into his chair, with knitted
brows, thinking. After awhile he
picked up his Pen again, but he did not
continue the tale.
Dear Sir" he wrote, 81 restore you
the inclosed letters, for which / have no
use. Henceforth I shall make my home
III the country with my daughter. I
perceive that her mothers untimeiy de-
cease frustrated your hope of marrying
Il widow whose attractions would have
been accentuated by the possession of
1900, and tender you my coincidence.
The bequest in my will will stand, as
you pointed out yourself once, l may
live, in the ordinary course of events,
for another 40 years. Believe me, l have
every intention of doing so if ] can.
Yours truly, George Collier
And he did, and became a very sue
Cessful man.-Chicago Tribune.
Where 1t Is Really Cold.
~ Ia