The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-04-30
CHAPTER XVIII.

Mr.. Howell came back from Roscoe
with the look Of a whipped hound,
though he brought Mr.. Topmark the
wished for message But when he had
delivered it he went on: "You have not
got nice job before you, Topmark.
That young woman will not be bullied,
even by you. Confound herl She came
nearer putting me in blue funk than
ever supreme judge did. I shall not
know whether to envy or pity you if
you get your own way with her, of
which have my doubts. -
Mr.. Topmark was more hopeful when
he saw Rob, white and heavy eyed. She
made no pretense of greeting, but went
straight at the heart of things. 81 want
money, $4,000" she said. "You know
what for. Will you let me have it and
take the land for itwhen it comes to be
mine?'
"Well, you see, So, 900 is err heap er
money, er mighty heap er money!" Mr..
Topmark answered slowly. "It would
be the wust sort err thing fer my BUSH
ness ter sink that much in err remainder
in trus'. But then thar amt nothin
hardly won't try ter do ter 'blige good
neighbors. Fact is, l been tryin ter jew
down that thar lawyer. I told him he
hadn't no conscience whatever"-
$50 he said" Rob broke in. "Excuso
me, but / am SO anxious. "Mr. Top
mark, please say simply yes or no. If
you cannot oblige me, must try else
where. sent for you because l know
you have ready may. Besides the
place lies so il is 18th more to you
than most people. -
eyes, I'm bound ter say it is" Mr..
Topmark admitted impartiaIly, with
the air of one comforting favor. "But,
you see, er remainder in trus'- amt
meanin the least disrespec', Miss Rob.
l know your words better'n er bond.
But the place won't be yours till the ole
gentlemans gore. S'posin you died
first''-
"You shall not suppose such thing"
Rob said, with quick SILVER. 'To do
itwould be to deny the mercy of God. I
shall live to take care of him. l will do
it in spite of everything. What you
have said, though, shows me the case is
hopeless, so far as it concerns you. can
only beg your pardon for having trou-
bled you.
"You know it amt no trouble, not
the least Why, Miss Rob, I'd do jest
anything fer you an glad er the chance"
Mr. Topmark said eagerly. "Now, don't
you fret an think you're goin ter be
turned out er house an home. That
shan't never happen while Ben Top
marks yours ter commando
excuse me. You must know can
not accept any but such help as may
come strictly in the way of business"
Rob said, her eyes beginning to shine.
"Forgive me if 1 seem bold, Mr.. Top
mark, but 1 must say in justice to my
self that in thus applying to you took
account not of your gallantry, but of
your well known shrewdness. am Of
fering you for So, 900 what know you
want very much and otherwise would
not get at ALL"
"You mean jest Roscoe, s'pose,"
Mr.. Topmark said. grinning. 81 do
want it, Miss Rob, but, Lord, not half,
not er hundredth part, as bad rs 1 want
you. Now, don't you try ter stop me.
You sent fer me, remember. l got er
right ter speak. know you don't keer
nothin in the world erbout me, an I'm
er fool ter keep on arter you like do. I
amt no handsome young sprig ter take
your fancy. Neither / amt er p'ison
snake. So you jest say you'll eben con-
slider me, an pledge you my word you