Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-11-13
the payment of nearly 600, 900 barrels
at prices ranging from 3s. to As. each.

John Markham was we'll satisfied with
himself-matters were flowing very
smoothly with him, his business en-
gagements lie calculated would bring
him in comfortable fortune, and so
far as he could see no cloud appeared
upon the horizon of his prosperity.
In his hours of leisure the thought
OF Norah Merrion and her fortune
brought smile of triumph to his face.
Once welded to her and the turmoil Of
business would involve him no more,
and if q doubt of the success of his
matrimonial schemes crossed his mind
the perusal OF Wilfred Merrion's con-
fession instantly banished it.
"She will we'd me to save her
brother. Crawford is out of my path.
so L have nothing to fear"
But the plans of the cleverest men
sometimes go astray, and when John
MAJ hhaiii aSss...r.@--.a 30 roaatiata for
barrels in which to store his oil. he
suddenly aw0ke to the fact that some
smart firm had cornered the market.
His contracts had to be fulfilled dur
ing the next three months. Unless he
had.barrels to send his oil away III,
the contracts would fall through and
he would he ruined.
But when he discovered the name of
the firm, his rage knew no bounds.
The delay of few hours had placed
him at the mercy of Norah Merrion
and Charles Crawford.
Toward the end of the month, when
the first contract became due, he poe
keted his pride and wrote to Merrion,
Crawford n Co., asking for quotation
of 100, 900 barrels, and when the an
swer came back, "10s. per barrel" he
felt that he was really in the hands of
the enemy, and utter despair took pos
session OF him.
The next day he received rote
from Crawford: "If John Markham
will come to Benger's Court, at ~
o'clock, matters might be arranged to
suit both parties"
When at IL o'clock he was ushered
into the private Office at Bengers
Court he fonud himself in the pres
ence of Norah Merrion.
As he came forward to take her
hand, she rose and motioned him to a
seat.
For moment there was silence.
"We meet under somewhat different
circumstances, Mr.. Markham" He
bowed in assent.
'It is not my wish," she continued,
''to indulge any idea of revenge which
would probably recommend itself to
any other person in my position. I
understand from Mr.. Crawford that
it depends upon this firm whether you
become rich man OF bankrupt"
''That is So"
II have certain terms to offer which,
if you accept, we'll and good-if not"
"Name them!'
''In the first place you must hand
me the confession written by my
brother, and sign document promis-
ing not to modest him in any way
''And then?"
'Tn the second place, this firm has
contracts on which Will bring in con
siderable sum; you have engagements
which I understand will make you
practically independent Agree to my
first proposition and take Mr.. Craw-
ford into partnership; that is to say,
combine the two firms, work off all
the contracts, and then dissolve
each to have half the profits. DO You
agree?"
"You are too generous, but what
does my nephew say?"
"Here is Charles to answer for him..
SELF"
"I say let us bury the whole of this
miserable business and ring peal of
bells over its grave. Norah and are
to be married next week, uncle; will
you come and dance at our wedding?'
81 will, my boy, and 1 ask pardon
from both of you for the unhappiness
L have caused you. 1t has been case
of diamond cut diamond. 1 envy you
your happiness, and L shall never
forget that it was your generosity that
brought to II triumphant issue my
deal in petroleum. '"-London Tit.
Rits