Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-10-04
"Ah, thanks. awfully.D


ested? | have been studying you,
young man, when you little dreamed
your fate was being decided, held in
the hollow of my hand, so to speak. "
What conclusions did you reach ?''
asked Charlie, calmly lighting a fresh
weed from the old cigar.
Il made up my mind that you were
very clever, clear-sighted, reason
able fellow; that my child could be
safe in your hands, and would never
regret having transferred her lib
erty."
THAT was very good of you," smil-
ing.
'And | finally concluded that the
time had arrived, subject to a condi-
ton, when I might give over my
charge forever-when Airline would
no longer be subject TO my parental
authority, for you know she has been
very dutifu1 daughter"
you mention a condition, sir?"
Eyes, only one"
May l ask what it concerns?"
Capt. Brand smiled broadly.
Myself and my future support" he
said
The cat was out of the bag.
Capt. Brand desired to make terms
with the man whom destiny had ap-
pointed to be his successor.
Charlie felt the deepest disgust for
so base wretch, and determined to
bait him as the toreador does the
maddened bull.
Let me see, do l understand just
what you mean? You now receive a
certain allowance from your daughter,
which she has willingly given you as
a pledge of her affection. This you
fear may be stopped should she mar
ry?"
'Yes, yes; you have it down very
pat"
"And believing that l have at least
a fair chance to secure her consent
to be my wife, you are desirous of
entering into some specific arrange
ment with me whereby this allowance
may be continued during your life
time"
THAT is 1t, exactly; you could not
have hit it better had you thought
the whole thing OUT
Charles manner gave him great
hopes that he had found a ready dupe
Now, be perfectly frank, captain
are you fully satisfied with the
amount?"
well, there's a point I wanted to
put before you. There are times
when, truth to tell, have thought the
dear child. of course, unconsciously,
was treating me shabbily. Twice
the amount would put me on Easy
street, and I'm sure she wouldn't miss
1t at ALL"
The glow of avarice was in his face
his eyes snapped eagerly, and Char
lie could see his fingers working as
though in imagination they already
clutched the golden prize.
"Ah! twice the amount would
satisfy you, then, captain?" Charlie
queried, softly.
Il am sure of it. And on my part,
l would agree to use all the influence
l possess in order to make her yours
forever. Think of it, my hearty
that sweet girl is worth any sacrifice.
There are men, doubtless, who would
quadruple the annuity if they could
secure SO rich q prize; but, sir, my
conscientious scruples stand in the
way. Above all things, must see her
happy"
Charlie was secretly amused-it
was as good as a play to him.
"A laudable ambition for a fond
parent, l am sure. And the curiosity
| entertained regarding the limit of
your desires has been most amply
satisfied"
Curiosity! Do l understand you
Alright, sir? Do you mean to-er-
imply that you had no other motive in
making such rigid and searching in
quiries into the sacred feelings of a
parents heart? Curiosity, the devili"
he snorted.
"It is a cool word, butt covers
the case, so let it pass"
"Perhaps-er-my terms have been
a little bit too high, and it might be
possible for us to affect a compro-
mise"
"Oh, no-not a bit too high! In
deed, five times as much would not be
considered excessive if you could de-
liver the goods"
you doubt my ability?" eagerly.
81 know it for an actual certainty" !"
as he looked squarely into the cap
tain's bold eyes, that now fell before