Evening star., 1900-10-27

by the time they We're half way down the
street, talked pleasantly and easily enough.
Before leaving the township Mr.. Walkett
drew up at the door of the principal bank,
and, handing the reins to the inspector
dismounted from the buggy and proceeded
into the managers private residence. Five
minutes later he returned, accompanied
by Mr.. Burton. The latter carried a va
lise in his hand and when he reached the
buggy, nodded affably to the man seated
in 1t. Then said Mr.. Walkett, by way of
explanations:
Burton is coming out to the station
with US. I've a deal of business to talk
10 MIN about. Jump up to the seat be-
hind, Burton, and make yourself COM
| The banker did as he was ordered. and
five minutes later the buggy was rolling
| merrily out of the township toward the
station.
| the arrangement, but when he came to
think 1t over he discovered that he was
not so well pleased. He had hoped to
Eave had the squatter entirely to him
self in order that he might talk to him
about his daughter and the proposed en-
sagement. Now he knew he must either
walt IN the hope that a convenient o)por-
tunity would present itself or endeayor 70
make one for himself.
"A nttle after o'clock they reached their
! destination, and for the first time the man
ager made his employers acquaintance. 1t
was an awkward moment, for so MANY
queer stories were in circulation about the
little man and his eccentricities that both
ne and his wife had, since the receipt OF
the owner letter warning them of his in
tended visit, been much perturbed concern
ing II. They might, however have spared
themselves the anxiety, for the little man
asked no questions that night. When they
had washed on the dust of travel they re-
paired to the dining room and sat down to
dinner.
During the progress Of the meal the con-
versation touched a variety of topics. but
| as soon 1t finished nd he, i
| passed into the veranda Cavesson asked his
| most IL he could spare him five minutes
alone. Inc old gentleman signified his con-
sent, and they passed down the steps into
| the garden together.
You did not see Miss Walkett. 1 pre-
| sumo sir, on your way up?" began the in
Spector, resolving not to trif1e with his sub
! once.
Il did not" her father answered, lacon-
| ically. She was going south by train, and
l came north by boat. But If you want to
know how l became aware of your offer l
| may say that l have letter from her since
| she left Mulga Flat
Then she has probably prepared you a
| little for the communication l wish to make
| TO you"
She told me that you had made her an
offer for her hand if that's what YOU mean
But seeing that she is only young girl
| resolved to attach no Importance to it until
! l had made your acquaintance and could
! judge or your character and abilities for
myself"
He stopped and suddenly faced Cavesson.
| And what have you to say to me about
| those abities?"
| The abruptness of this question was more
| than the young man had bargained for,
| and for moment he stood confused, not
| Knowing exactly what reply to make. At
| last, however, he pulled himself together
| and began. When he had finished Mr..
Walkett hummed and hawed for a few
| moments and then said. dryly:
The amount of your salary is?"
Three hundred and fifty pounds a year. -
| Dear me! And pray how do you suppose
| on that magnificent sum to maintain my
daughter In the luxury to which she has
| been accustomed?"
! 4 can only answer that intend to do my