The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-06-04

attic bedroom.
You understand that I'll have to &c
to New York to collect this money!" he
began, when he was alone with his
client. "What am 1 to do with it, and
how much shall keep out for my fee ?'
A smile of child-lille surprise flick
cred for moment on the withered face
Of the old man. Fer you-uns' pay?-.
thort I done toll ye bout that thar,
long back yonder at the fust. lowed
to you-uns then that eff SO be ye cd raise
me $4,000 out'n hit"
But that's sheer nonsense, YOU
know" protested Philip. 81 should be
treating you worse than the others to
take such an advantage"
"Barg'in's a barg'in," insisted Kill
grow. firmly.
ut wasn't bargain, but I'll tell you
what will agree to; I'll divide this
money equally with you"
"How much d. We reckon that d be %
Fifty thousand dollars apiece"
The sum was still too large to be COM
prehensible to Kilgrow. and Philip
sought to help him. "If you put your
share into government bonds, the in
terest would be about 1900 year"
Theold man satin perplexed silence re-
volving his hat slowly in his thin hands.
II reckon l cayn't figure hit out eff l
try" he said, after a little. 81 wisht
you-uns d do whatsomever We think S
right weth hit"
"I'll invest it for you, if you like, and
the interest can be sent to Duncan"
81 reckon that'll be all right" Kill
grow rose and moved toward the door,
stopping on the threshold to ask a
question that troubled him more than
the disposition of his newly-acquired
fortune. "Ye reckon them fellers is
plum shore t lemme alone, now, air
YEP"
"Why, certainly. The things done
and settled, and they've no more reason
to persecute you now than if you'd
never owned the land"
THANK ye; that's what I keer fer
more'n the money. D. We low yell put
hit in them thar bon's?"
"That will be the safest investment
for you"
There was another pause and more
searching for the few common factors
of speech. I'm gettin' sort O. tol'able
OF, these days, an they amt nobody ter
come after me; I reckon they amt no
way ye cd fix hit so't the little gal
mought git hit wen I'm th'oo weth
hit ?'
You mean Duncan's daughter?"
Kilgrow nodded.
"Why, yes; I can buy the bonds in
her name, if you wish"
Thank ye; that thar's what rs pint.
in at" He nodded gravely and left the
room, coming back again presently to
hold out his hand across the table to
Philip. II cayn't jaw much-you-uns
done foun' that out fore now-but l
reckon you-uns kin sort O. lay hit out
in you-uns' min what-all I'd say eff on'y
| thess knowed how. 'Tain't many of
'em d "a TUX up fer pore OF to'n-up
wildcatter, nohow."
Philip grasped the extended hand and
wrung it heartily. Don't say q word,
Mr.. Kilgrow; the obligation is all on
my side: should be poor man to-day
if l hadn't won for you. And, besides,
you know I'm young lawyer and this
is my first case; ought to thank you
for giving it to rue. And I do-God
bless you'll"
Kilgrow was hardly out of the room
when Protheroe tapped at the door and
entered without waiting to be asked.
II beg your pardon if l intrude," he
said, bluntly, "but I've got to have
word with you before you go down.
suppose you'll think I'm cursed cad,
after all, but I can't help it if you do.
I've asked Elsie to marry me, and she
says she will"
He thought he had prepared himself
for anything that Thorndyke could pos
sibly say or do, but the forearming
had been altogether on the side of resis-
tance, and Philips enthusiastic out
burs: of hilarious approval left him
quite helpless.
by Jove, old man, that was the only
thing that was needed to make this the
happiest day of my life!"-Thorn-
dyke was wringing his hand till it
ached. God bless you-God bless you
both! And you're lucky dog, too: the
old mans just authorized me to put the
whole $4,000 in her name" He jerked
out his watch, breaking the chain in
his haste. Great Caesar! it's half-past
three, and that train goes at 4:35! Pro
theroe. if you love me help me catch it;
I've got TO start for New York to-day if
| have to walk!"
1t was hurried farewell at the farm
house and sharp gallop to town, with
o breathless scramble for scattered be-
longings at the hotel; but Philip
caught the train, and there was still
time for him to scribble telegram
which he thrust out of the car window
10 Protheroe az the wheels began to
turn. 1t was to Helen. and it read:
Please disregard my letter, and for
give ME if you can. I am on my wa
home"
THE END OF ALL THINGS.
Like n few other sensible DeODip