Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-08-10

I had to be dragged at its heels. Yet
don't accuse me of any responsibility
for your fathers taking off. He was
the author of my existence. Like
Frankenstein, he built me up, bone by
bone, and was not content until he had
made gigantic monster and breathed
into my bony breast the breath Of life.
Then, in order that might not afflict
his sight, he slowed me away in that
closet. Suppose became the instru-
ment Of his own undoing? Is it not
true that he was. nevertheless, the
author of his own downfall?"
"Your logic seems to- be as merciless
as it is correct" answered Gordon, with
knitted brows. ''Still there are some
points relating to your history on
which my mind is trifle obscure.
What possessed my father to call into
being a creature of your disagreeable
character?"
'The almighty dollar, young man.
He created me in order that you might
inherit a little more wealth. He did
not think then how should one day
sit astride his shoulders like an old man
of the sea, nor did he think that it was
possible for me to afflict his son. For
obvious reasons my relations with you
are not SO intimate as they were with
your worthy father. I was evolved out
of the wheat pit of the board of trade.
Your father was bull, and he merci-
lessly gored both life and fortune out
of a. certain bear who was not nimble
enough to get out of his way"
sAnd who was this bear?" asked Cor.
don.
"a man named Hepburn"
'Amy Hepburn's father?" murmured
the young man, rubbing his hand across
his brow in an effort to remember.
Eyes, Hepburn lost every penny he
had in the world through that disas-
trous wheat deal. He was forced into
bankruptcy, and, unable to bear the dis
grace, took his own life. His money
went to increase the store your father
left you, my boy, and it is now possible
for you to live in luxury while Hep
burns wife and children must struggle
on as best they can. However" and the
skeleton got up and started back to it's
closet, cit is not for me to moralize.
Now that I've caught myself delivering
a homily, I'll just take my departure.
Au revoir, my dear fellow"
Hating at the closet door, the skele-
ton waved its adieu and disappeared
within. Gordon sat in his chair, deep
in thought, while his cigar burned itself
out between his fingers.
At last he got up and shook his broad
shoulders as though freeing himself of
disagreeable burden.
Society has dared me-" he muttered,
"but know my heart now, and I'll do
as pleased"
After Harry Gordon and Amy Hep
burn had been married and had re-
turned from their honeymoon, harry
brought his bride upstairs to his old
bachelors den and seated her in chair.
''My DEAR" he said, 81 have a confess
sion to make to you. My father once
did your father a grievous wrong, and I
have made myself the happiest fellow
in the world undoing it. However, as
we are not to have any secrets from
each other, you must know about this"
A look of establishment came into
Amy's blue eyes as she watched her
husband proceed to the closet, throw
open the door and go to rummaging
about inside.
"What in the world are you looking
for, Harry?" she asked, as he re-
turned to her side.
"I'm looking for something that
doesn't seem to be there-the Gordon
family skeleton, Amy. For the first
time in IS years it is not to be found in
that closet.'
Just then clanking tread was heard
in the hallway without, the door was
pushed slowly ajar and the skeleton
limped in, supporting itself on crutch
and looking very much the worse for
wear.
.'There it isl" cried Gordon. 'What's
the matter with you, old chap? Here,
sit down. Iwant to make you acquaint-
ed with my wife,
The family skeleton dropped into a
chair and shook until it 5attled like
score of castanets.
''I'm done for" it groaned. you've
fixed me, young man. just dropped
in to say good-by forever. But don't
introduce me to your wife. We met be-
FORE"
..That's SO, Harry said Amy. IT
know all about this family skeleton of
yours. Don't let it worry you, my
dear,' and she threw her soft arms
about his neck. ''Let the dead past
bury it's dead. If we are happy, isn't
that enough?"
Enough, vest" and he pressed d rap
turous kiss upon her fair cheek.
That kiss pronounced the doom of
the Gordon family skeleton. Forthwith
it began to fade into the air, finally van
ishing and leaving not wrack behind.
Chicago Herald.