Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1899-02-16

ing to make capital out OF it,
why not? l am not at all sure
whether 1t is not my duty to Gre
ville."
The major turned pale. For heav-
ems sake" he exclaimed. keep quiet
about it. Hang it all. it wouldn't be
fair to take advantage OF such
thing"
Everything is fair in politics" he
piled Dick, sententiously. Just think
of the placards all over the constitu-
ency headed with The Teetotal Candi-
date on the Spree" or something OF
that sort!"
The major squirmed. You call
yourself a friend of miner" he urged.
Think for a moment how such story
would affect my reputation"
An idea had been lowering in Dicks
mind for several minutes. He now
gave expression to 1t. "Of course, ne
said, slowly, II should not wish to In
jure your reputation II / thought there
was any chance of your becoming
relative of mine some day"
What do you mean?"
II mean that IL you would consent to
my engagement"
"You are threatening me" clustered
the major.
81 never threaten. By Jove"-he
broke off suddenly, as he glanced to-
ward the door. Maj. Worthington
turned his eyes in the same direction
and saw Walter Greville.
Dick smiled. This brings things to
a climax" he said. "Greville is bound
to see us. If you will give your con-
sent, l will explain everything away"
but this is blackmail-"
"Blackmail is a nasty word" replied
Dick, calmly. Nov, for the last time,
will you submit?"
mo, I'm - If / will" cried the
major" determined to face it out.
When it came to the point he never
allowed himself to be bullied.
At this moment Greville caught sight
Of them and came across to shake
hands with his opponent and Dick.
Stay here, Greville," exclaimed the
latter, land help me with this bottle
of Pommery. l can't persuade the
major to. You know his cast-iron
principles. eh?"
A great look of relief passed over
Maj. Worthingtons face. He was re-
proved for the time being.
The election took place on Tuesday,
and resulted in the triumphant return
Of Walter Greville by a large MAORI
ty. Dick was glad, of course, but he
could not help feeling sorry for the
poor major. A few days later he re-
ceived a note from the defeated candi-
date asking him to call as soon as
he had an opportunity. Dick won
dered what the major had to say to
him, and he called with as little delay
as possible He was shown into the
library, where the major welcomed
him warmly. AS soon as the door
had been closed, he came to the
point.
II was fairly beaten he said, "and I
want to thank you for the way you
have behaved. You have saved my
reputation"
Nonsense replied Dick, heartily
did you think that l was BLACKBOARD
enough to SANDER a friend? Besides,
what could l have said, anyhow? You
never had the champagne, you know"
There's something else l want to
say" went on the major, after a pause.
Il like you, Dick, and | am going to
give my consent to your engagement
to Mabel"
Dick sprang forward with cry Of
joy. How can ! ever thank you
enough?" he began.
Don't thank me" said the major,
cutting him short. He pressed the
bell, and told the servant to request
Miss Worthington to come to the Ii
brary. Her surprise was great at see
ing Dick, and as she shook hands she
noticed an extra pressure. She looked
toward her father a little expectantly
Presently he spoke. Il am going to
leave you alone with Dick for little
while" he said; 'he has something to
tell you"
Then she understood, and threw her
arms round the majors neck. He
gently released himself, and said,
Keep that for Dick" In another
moment he had left the room.-W. f.
Winckworth.