Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-05-13

heartily. "ohes a nice girl, but de-
serves a 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?"
IL want to buy the house"
''To buy it! That'll cost you some
thing. You might get it at a reasonable
rent, as the house is under 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
half million"
"Who owns the house," asked the
count.
"It'll be his widow, 1 think-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 moro valuable then
could sell it afterward perhaps"
"Yes; 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.
IF you please, let it be done by tomor-
row. The season is now near, and l
wish to be at home this winter"
every well. Here is the receipt for
u, 81 h.
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"
"What is your own private address,
Mr.. Bannick?' inquired the count.
ut won't be long in the place where it
is now" returned the Irishman, his eyes
twinkl1ng, and indicating by a nod Of
the head the little pile Of banknotes that
lay on the desk ~ 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 SEQ 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;
| will not incommode you until you are
settled" said he. 1T came to me-" he
added, with some hesitation, chat II l
find the pictures of this young lady to
have merit, and | therefore decide to
give her an order for one, it would DO
necessary for me to have personal In
terview with her. Would that be con-
venient to herr?
"Indeed, then, think 1t would" ex-
claimed Tom with chuckle. "And
you'll find her acquaintance as well
worth making as any girls i'll 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 front. She and |
could, perhaps, come moro quickly to an
understanding than through the medium
of an agent"
"It's quite on the cards she may find
reason for seeing you," Tom returned,
rubbing his chin; "but as for the money,
| fancy she'll take it, 50 there's enough
of it. However, you'll get a full report
this evening""
"Then l will detain you no longer
remarked the count, stepping toward the
door.
"Before you put on your gloves ia
wish to shake hands with you, Count de
Lisle," said Tom, advancing with his
hand outstretchcd. There's four OF us
ut 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
you'll"
De Lisle took the Irishman's hand and
gave it powerful grasp.
Il have had enemies" said he. II nave
felt the hostility of the world. Now that
I have power, it is my wish to make
friends. Not to buy them, Mr.. Bannlck;
I know how to exact the value OF my
wealth, when that is my cue. But
should be glad for q few people to feel
that there is something in me to hAs and
respect besides my money. 1t Is great
deal for rich man to hope that he may
be thought of as anything except r1ch
man; it is q penalty Of great riches. But l
have ventured to hope it this morning"
And by George, you were right! re-
piled Tom, with tears in his eyes
''Thore's stuff in you better than ever
came out of gold mine. So good luck
to you!' =,
ITO 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
of these he presented to his office boy,
surprising the latter out OF cyniclsm on
the spot. The remaining forty-nine he de-
posted in the hip pockets of his trousers.
He would have preferred the jingle of
gold in California fashion; it seemed SO
much more like real wealth, he sand, but
the bills were new and he took a subtle
uellght III CruulpilHS theLu ouC VI 'AoiA
crispncss.
After attending to the counts bust
ness he walked to his tailor's and was
measured for couple Of the best suits
to be had. On his way uptown he
stopped in at various emporiums OF
fashion and bought such things rs a
lady's sealsllin coat, full length; a couple
of dozen pairs of the finest silk stockings;
half dozen changes t. ladies' cambria
and silk underwear; handkerchiefs,
gloves and scarfs in quantities to suit,
and Of quality extra superfne; and he