Gilpin observer., 1899-02-16

"You don't mean to say you are go
ing to make capital out of it?"
why not? am not at all sure
whether it 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 squfrmed. you call
yourself friend of mine?" he urged.
Think for moment how such story
would affect my reputation"
An idea had been lowering in Dicks
mind for several minutes. He now
gave expression to it. "Of course" he
said, slowly, II should not wish to in
jure your reputation If thought there
was any chance of your becoming
relative of mine some day."
What do you mean?"
81 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 Greyille
Dick smiled. This brings things to
Climax" he said. "Greville is bound
to see us. If you will give your con-
sent, / Will explain everything away"
"But this Is blackmail-"
"Blackmail is nasty word" replied
Dick, calmly. Now, for the last time,
will you subinit?"
mo, I'm - If I 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. 1 can't persuade the
LldJOT u. lou KNOW HIS CdSI-lTOu
principles, eh?"
A great look of relief passed over
Maj. Worthington's face. He was re-
prieved for the time being.
The election took place on Tuesday.
and resulted in the triumphant return
of Walter Greville by large majori-
ty. Dick was glad, of course, but he
could not help feeling sorry for the
poor major. A few days later he re-
ceived note from the defeated candi-
date asking him to call as soop as
10 had an opportunity. Dick WIN
Gered what the major had to say to
him, and he called with as little delay
as possible. He was shown into fhe
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, "an1 I
want to thank you for the way you
have behaved. You have saved my
reputation"
Nonsense" replied Dick. heartily.
did you think that 1 was blackguard
enough to SANDER a friend? Besides,
what could l have said, anyhow? YCu
never had the champagne, you know '"
"Theres something else l want to
say" went on the major after pause
II like you, Dick, and l am going to
give my consent to your engagement
to Mabel
Dick sprang forward with cry of
joy. How can l 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 little expectantly.
Presently he spoke. II 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.