The Elbert County tribune., 1902-10-02

tnOugh Well aware that this was not
his right name-Capt- Brand had evil
IDENTIFY made up his mind that the
time had come for plain under
standing with this young fellow who
courted Airline.
He had fortified himself for the IN
terview with various potations calcu-
lated. according to his way OF think
ing. to put courage into a man.
So he had kept watch. waiting for
Stuart to appear.
And doubtless his particular thirst
needed attention at frequent inter
walls.
Charlie saw at glance the man
was hardly himself. as usual. when
the liquor was in the wit went out
He might have preferred avoiding
the interview II given his choice. since
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 now 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 fair sam
pie of it: he was not only mad. but
slightly inebriated; not enough to in
terfere with his utterance, but to
muddle his wits bit, and render him
lncautious.
OF a truth. whisky has ere this,
played the desce 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
important-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 couple OF
chairs in corner where they would
be isolated.
What he had to say was OF a pri-
vate nature. and admitted of no
eavesdropper. nor would IL 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 l
quite neglected to ask you to join
me in having something
Thanks. 1 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-I consider all girls puzzles"
Then it is about-h'm-your
dauehter?"
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 a 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
smile upon his face.
Il will say this, Stuart. that of all
the beaux who have come courting
my sweet girlee | don't know of any
one l would rather have for son-in-
law than yourself" remarked the
astute captain, soberly.
''Ah, thanks. awfuily."
"Of course I'm concerned about