The Elbert County tribune., 1902-10-02
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 | understand just
what you mean? You now receive
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 1t down very
pat"
And believing that have at least
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 IT, exactly; yon could not
have hit it better had you thought
the whole thing out"
Charles manner gave him great
hopes that he had found ready dupe.
Now, be perfectly frank, captain
are you fully satisfied with the
amount?"
well, there's a point I wanted To
pnt before you. There are times
when, truth to tell. have thought the
dear child. OF course. uncpnsciously.
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 avnrice 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.
"Ahl twice the amount would
satisfy you. then. captain?" Charlie
queried, softly.
81 am sure of it. And on my part.
would agree to use all the Influence
| 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 II they could
secure so rich 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 play to him
"A laudable ambition for a fond
parent, | am sure. And the curiosity
entertained regarding the limit of
your desires has been most amply
satisfied"
Curiosity Do / 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 dewitt"
he snorted.
1T is a cool word. but-it covers
the case. SO let 1t pass"
"Perhaps-er-my terms have been
a little bit too high, and 1t might be
possible for us to affect compro-
mise"
"oh, no-not bit too high. In
deed, five times as much would not be
considered excessive II you could de
liver the goods"
You doubt my ability?" eagerly.
81 know it for an actual certainty"
as he looked squnrely into the cap
tain's bold eyes, that now fell before
his gaze.
81 can prove my power over the
girl. l viii influence her to turn
coldly from you; when next we talk
terms. my price will be double what
ask now. There are others. Mr..
Charlie Stuart. who aspire to secure
what you have spurned."
What of the fine sense OF honor
that compels you to consider your
daughters happiness?" tauntingly.
"Bahl mere words. and you know
it,"
what of that wonderful sense Of
intuition which warned you was the
mate appointed by Destiny to watch
over your daughters future-and
yours?"
ITO be continued)