Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-08-14

no good could come of it save to
let this man understand they were
deadly foes; but Brand intercepted
him, and appeared to be decidedly in
earnest.
Charlie knew no reason why he
should run away. He believed he
could give the fellow as good as he
sent, Roland for an Oliver, and per-
haps find a chance to pick up some
information.
1t occurred to Charlie at that mo-
ment how much of truth there might
be in the old saying to the effect that
whom the gods would destroy they
first make mad"
Capt. Brand exhibited a fair sam
pie of 1t; he was not only mad, but
slightly inebriated; not enough to in.
terfere with his utterance, but to
muddie his wits bit, and render him
incautious.
OF a truth, whisky has ere this,
played the deuce with the most Won
derful plans that were ever conceived
IN the minds OF men.
Charlie could not refuse the horny
palm offered to him. 1t had served
its owner many a good turn, and also
brought him into much trouble.
Il want to see you. Stuart-very
mportant-couldn't wait till morning.
Come this way, if you please. Know
it's late, but won't detain you long.
Must get it off my mind"
So Charlie, obliging always, went
with him.
Brand had his eye on a couple of
chairs in a corner where they would
be isolated.
What he had to say was of a pri-
vate nature, and admitted of no
eavesdropper, nor would it have been
safe for any curious person to have
loitered near while he was in this
chaotic condition of mind.
Prudence does not ally itself with
the indulgence in strong drink.
"Ah," said the other, dropping into
a seat, with the air of a weary man,
fairly well loaded, this is something
like comfort, Stuart. I've learned, in
my long and wearisome exile, the
value of taking it easy while you
may. Trouble flies fast enough as it
is. By the way, excuse me, but /
quite neglected to ask you to join
me in having something"
Thanks. | should have declined
anyway"
Then no harm done. Now, OF
course, you wonder what I've button.
holed you for"
Naturally So"
Cant you guess?"
TOO tired to make the effort to
night; besides, I'm not good at
conundrums."
"Ha! ha! this is a conundrum sure
enough consider all girls puzzles. "
Then it is about-h'm-your
daughter"
About sweet Airline, sure enough.
AS fond parent | am, of course,
solicitous concerning her future, and
especially since she will in due time
wish to give up the obedience she has
so willingly shown toward my author
ity, and assume the sacred relation
of wife toward some bright young
man. That solicitude, my dear Stuart,
brings me to critical moment in
my career-brings me in contact with
you"
Charlie pretended to be dense; he
even assumed surprise and perplex-
ity.
How can your future concern me,
Capt. Brandt" he asked.
"Ah, you are disposed to be humor.
Gus, my lad. Or perhaps you wish
to conceal your confusion under a
brave exterior. Very good; every
man to his taste, and am ready to
meet you fairly. Now let us reach an
understanding"
Il am quite agreeable" cheerfully
The returned exile rubbed his
hands together, and new hope forced
a smile upon his face.
Il will say this, Stuart, that of all
the beaux who have come counting
my sweet girlee | don't know of any
one ! would rather have for a son-in,
law than yourself" remarked the
astute captain, soberly.
"Ah, thanks, awfully."
"Of course, I'm concerned about
her welfare, her future happiness
What fond papa would not be inter
ested? l 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 p
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" smll
ing.
And | finally concluded that the
time had arrived, subject to a condi
ton, when / might give over my
charge foreyer-when Airline would
no longer pc SUBJECT 10 my parental
authority, for you know she has been
very dutiful daughter"
You mention a condition, sir?"
Yes, only one"
May | 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 a wretch, and determined to
bait him as the toreador does the
maddened bull.
LET me see, do I understand just