The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-12-01

were hastily secured and they were set
to work writing out duplicate contracts
in blank in anticipation of the arrival
of the answering kilograms.
The senior partner of the new firm,
in the person Of Miss Norah Merrion,
drove up in her brougham at 10 o'clock,
and few minutes later saw her and
Crawford in the private Office of the
bank manager.
The banking arrangements were
rapidly completed, and Charles left
with full power to draw upon the new
firms account for any sum or sums up
to e100,0 600.
On their return to the office they
found that a number of kilograms had
already arrived, and by noon the next
day the firm of Merrion, Crawford q
Go. found themselves responsible foi
the payment of nearly 600, 900 barrels
at prices ranging from 3s. to As. each.
John Markham was well satisfied with
himself-matters we're flowing very
smoothly with him, his business en-.
gagements he calculated would bring
him in a 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 aud her fortune
brought smile of triumph to his face.
Once welded to her and the turmoil OF
business would involve him no more,
aud if doubt of the success of his
matrimonial schemes crossed his mind
the perusal of Wilfred Merrion's con
fession instantly banished it,
"She will wed me to save her
brother. Crawford is out of my path,
so have nothing to fear"
But the plans of the cleverest men
sometimes go astray, and when John
Markham attempted to negotiate for
barrels in which to store his oil, he
suddenly awoke to the fact that some
smart firm had cornered the market.
His contracts had to befulflled dur.
ing the next three months. Unless he
had barrels to send his oil away in,
the contracts would fall through and
he would be ruined.
But when he discovered the name Of
the firm, his rage knew no bounds.
The delay of o 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 & Co., asking for quotation
of 10000 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: eff John Markham
will come to Benger's Court, at IL
o'clock, matters might be arranged to
suit both parties
When at ~ o'clock he was ushered
into the private office at Benger's
Court he fonud himself i'll the pres
ence of Norah Merrion.
As he came forward to take her
hand, she rose and motioned him to q
seat.
For moment there was silence.
"We meet under somewhat different
circumstances, Mr.. Markham" He
bowed in assent.
''It is not my wish, l." she continued,
''to indulge any idea of revenge which
would probably recommend itself to
any other person in my position. ]
understand from Mr.. Crawford that
it depends upon this firm whether you
become a rich man or bankrupt"
THAT is SO"
81 have certain terms to offer which
if you accept, we'll and good-ifnot-'
"Name themi"
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?"
SIN the second place, this firm has
contracts on which will bring in con-
siderable sum; you have engagements
which l 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 hall the pronts. DO you
agree2"
''You are too generous, but what
does my nephew sayP"
"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 aud dance at our wedding?'
81 will, my boy, and l ask pardon
from both of you for the unhappiness
1 have caused you. 1t has been case
of diamond cut diamond. envy you
your happiness, aud 1 shall never
forget that it was your generosity thai
brought to a triumphant issue my
deal in petroleum. '"-London Tit
Bits.
Sugar From Potatoes.