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


fectly cut, with just a suspicion of dandy
ism in the fashion of the collar and the
design of the scarfpin. But dandyism
in foreigner is simply "foreign," and
bears no stigma. 1t was evident at
glance that Baron Lucien de Lisle was a
gentleman in the most exacting sense OF
the word.
Good morning, sir" said Tom, glanc-
ing from tho card in his hand to the visi-
tor before him. "Have u chair. Can
do anything for your
II desire it," returned the count. His
voice was quiet and grave and marked
by Gallo accent, perceptible at first,
but to which one soon became accus-
toned He spoke English, as Tom soon
noted, quite automatically, though with
a moro careful precision than native
would USE He sat down, put his hat
and gold headed cane on tho book shelf
and began to take off his gloves, which
were of the two button variety, and elab-
orately stitched ON the backs
II am in New York to stay some
time" he continued, land l wish a
house. Tho hotel, you comprehend, is
excellent, but not-not-not"- lie
made gesture with his right hand, on
tho finger Of which was large and
beautiful ring.
"Not enough elbow ROOM" Tom sug-
gested. "No, ! suppose not. But, by
the way, I'm not a real estate agent, I'm
a lawyer"
II comprehend. But am stranger
hire; find tho customs unfamiliar. |
thought, if get some one to act TOR me,
1t IL moro expej,ent and quicker. pay
each month so much, all is done and
make no mistake. Am | clear?'
IL understand what you mean,' said
Tom endeavoring to disguise his excite.
nent by rubbing his chin and looking
out of the window. "By George"
thought he to himself, "If this fellows
as rich as thoy say, may make money
out of him. Wonder how five thousand
a year would strike him? Courage, my
bow! Now or never! You would like
me to take entire charge of your bust
ness affairs while you are here?" he con
tinuel aloud. "Well, | suppose some
such arrangement could be made. But
there'd be great deal of work connected
with it, and prices are high in New
York, you know" He looked up at his
visitor with smile.
II shall hope there will be no dis
agreement about that said the count,
with slight inclination Of the head. II
shall submit to your demands; but had
intended Offering you ten thousand dol
lars'-
"Ten thousand o year." exclaimed
Tom, surprised into jubilant tone. In
a moment his warm Irish Imagination
had built hundred castles in the air.
pardon me; would not expect you
to accept that" said the count, gravely.
II had hoped to induce you to give your
time almost wholly to my affairs, and If
ten thousand dollars month, paid
monthly in advance, will secure your
services the arrangement will crafty
me-"
Tom turned his chair round so as to
face his interlocutor squarely, and looked
at him several moments in silence. "Do
YOU seriously propose, Count de Lisle,"
he said at length, "to offer to pay mo
salary at the rate of one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars q Year,"
The count inclined his head without
speaking.
"Well," said Tom, "rm afraid shall
have to decline it."
II should be sorry for that. May
ask why?"
aTll tell you just what's in my mind.
Of In
fession I've made it rule never to do
anything that would make me feel I'M
mfortable-ashamed to look myself in
the face. You can get any legitimate
business done for ten thousand year; at
any rate I'd do anything that didn't
hurt my conscience for that, or half of
it. But ten thousand month means
that you are after something that is not
legitimate, and I must tell you that
you've come to the wrong place for ltr'
The count listened to this speech very
attentively and it evidently pleased him.
81 see | have not been msinformed
about you," he said. II am glad you
have 80 frankly spoken. When you know
me better you will withdraw your retiec-
ton on my motives. l intend no CRIME;
nothing that your conscience or your
wife would not approve. Mr. Bannick,
l wish you to remain entirely lndepend-
ent. You will be at liberty to terminate
our agreement without warning, at the
moment when 1 suggest anything that
you may disapprove. But you must
meanwhile let me be judge of the value
of your service. An honest man Is not
easy to find, even in New York; and no
is therefore valuable. You will have
the meua4c1nont Of large interests and
the Offer | make you Is not more thah d
fair commission
81 can't believe it!' calculated Tom.
II mean-I beg your pardon-it seems
rs if there must be something behind. l
may be q fool, no doubt--in fact, that's
matter of course. l always have been"
"Cpme, Mr.. Bannick, let us not waste
time" said the count, unbuttoulng his
coat and taking out his pocketbook.
"This. is the twenty-fifth day of October.
By the twenty-fifth of November you
will know me we'll enough to know
whether you desire our relations to con-
tinue or not. Meanwhile | give you
YOUR salary for that first month. Next
month, if you be not content, we part.
Is that right"
Il have been poor man most of my
life," said Tom, clearing his throat and
looking steadfastly at the other. "lts
no use binding the fact that you are
making me a wonderful proposition. It's
not ordinary business, and l can't &C
count for it, If I had saved your life
and YOU wanted to reward me for it you