The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1899-10-19
course this warning will be held con-

Mary. "He is always on the verge of
some great fortune winner. He told
us that with your money his latest
scheme could be launched Sometimes
we feel sure he is only romancing.
This time his details were too perfect
to admit of doubt. He told us SO many
particulars about-about you"
MAY l ask what he saidY' inquired
Tennis gravely.
You will not feel offended? He said
you were young and quite inexperi-
enced, that you had just come into a
lot Of money, that you were flinging
it carelessly right and left and that
you would never miss the sum you had
promised him."
care you quite sure 1 am the person
he meant?' added Tennis.
"Quite sure. Mr.. Henry Tennis, in
the Mohican building
"And your father looks upon me as
lamb, eh?"
81 think l understand what you
mean. Yes. He said-I want you to
clearly appreciate the light in which he
regards you-that you were, to use his
picking"
Tennis laughed softly.
'Thank you very much, Miss Aus
TIM" he said and extended his hand.
She placed her own-a little reluctant
ly-in it. II assure you appreciate the
sacrifice you have made. Your warn
ing will not be wasted. l am sure
shall profit by it in more ways than
one. Good day"
AS her graceful form disappeared in
the elevator cage Tennis turned back
into his office. ~
"Well. by Jovew he murmured. He
slowly resumed his seat at his desk
and pulled the directory to him. In q
moment he had found this name:
"Vincent, Abner; promoter. Res. 212O
hillside avenue"
Then he carefully copied the address
on a card.
Six weeks later Abner Vincent and
his wife and Mary were sitting on the
porch of their modest little cottage. 1t
was early twilight, and the shadows
were deepening beneath the vines and
the naples.
II can't understand it a Bit" Abner
was saying in his fussy little voice.
"Here's young Tennis been coming
round more'n a month every night OF
two and pumping me all about that
new aerostatic company until l guess
there isn't a fresh question left for
him to ask me. Seems perfectly salts
cd hIlf no foi 10 TO
up the $4,000. By George, if he doesn't
come to time pretty soon I'll give some
other fellow the chance, or I'll bring
out one Of my other schemes. But !
want Henry Tennis. 1t isn't his money
alone-I want his name"
Are you always so particular about
the names of your-your victims?'
asked Mary with a sarcastic information
she couldn't suppress.
"Mary," said her mother in a sooth.
ing voice.
"Victim!' repeated her father queru
lousy. Henry Tennis victim.
guess not. Why, there isn't shrewd
er or more successful investor on the
street. If Henry Tennis goes into s
thing, there's money in it. And from
the very start, from the very moment
he sent for me to come to his office
he's seemed all wrapped up in my
latest idea. But he doesn't put up the
money"
Father" said Mary, trying hard to
control her voice. what did you mean
| by saying that Mr.. Tennis was young
and inexperienced and a reckless prodi
| galw
did l say thatY queried the old
man.
"You did" replied Mary, a ring Of in
dignation in her voice; "you said he
was easy picking"
well, that" shuffled Abner, twas
just figure of speech. 1 must have
said it before really knew him. But
hush, l think he is coming up the
| street."
Henry Tennis stepped lightly
through the gateway, hat in hand.
Good evening, ALL" he cried with
the easy air Of an old friend. "Ah, Mr.
Vincent" he added, 'if the ladies will
excuse us, want just word or two
on business with you.' [
|
bustling up. "This way, Mr.. Vincent
and he led the caller into a lighted
apartment.
1t wasn't long interview. When the
men came back to the porch, Tennis die
not take the chair that was Offered
him.
perhaps Miss Mary would enjoy 6
little STROLL" he said, looking toward
the dark corner Of the porch where
the girls white dress family glimmer
ed.
81 guess she would" said the father
and there was a nervous energy in hi:
tone that seemed quite unusual.
The girl hesitated. Then he aros
and fetched her hat, and the two wen
down the street together.
Miss Mary" said Tennis presently
II want to confess to you thatI an
an arrant fraud. [ have been comm,
to your home on the pretense Of bust
ness with your father-for it was +!
pretense. Can you guess what reall
brought me? Mary, when you wen
out of my office that eventful morning
made up my mind that you shouldn'
go out of my life Will you be M
Wife?"
The girl was silent.
"Put your hand in mine, dear, if
means yes"
"And now" said Henry a momen
later with an ecstatic sigh Of satisfac
ton, land now for another comics
sion. Do you know that up to the da
you came to see me had never eve
heard of your fatherY'
Henry" cried the startled CIR
"Was it all fathers romancingY'
II guess it was. But when his re
mancing ended mine began"
''How undutiful you must hav
thought me, how forward! But fathe
had angered me so. And-and m
warning was all thrown awayY
"Thrown away" cried Tennis. .'No