Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1903-08-21

lie REMAINED FOR SOME SECONDS sUS
PENDED OVER THE CHAIR.
II knew that you'd studied chemis-
try" continued Westcott. You were
connected with chemical concern in
New York, and. moreover, my son.
heard that you were honest, thoroughly
honest and reliable, like your father.
Whsn this thing came up and had TO be
decided In Il hurry | couldn' think of
a better man than yourself That's why
| wrote 10 ask you 10 look into it,"
I'm not an expert. and, as for my
connection with a chemical company.
I'm only the Office cashier at twenty
bones a week | might as well be in n
dry goods store for all the chemistry
see. However" he added. Il got n
leave Of absence for few days and
looked into this business for you as
we'll as could. I've got a careful writ
ten report on IT,"
If this goes through" said Westcott,
land proves TO be good thing you
ought to be fixed for life. I'll see that
you get the stock that has been prom
ised you, and ii ought TO be- a nice big
block. It's no small thing to get $780,
900 capital into business proposition
at twenty days notice"
I'm glad you look at 1t that way"
returned Miller. Its time the luck
turned in my favor. I've had n hard
struggle 80 far. The golden apples turn
TO dust as soon as / touch them"
Westcott shook his head very slowly.
THE longer | look at you" he said
refiectively. 'the more clearly | per-
ceive your resemblance 10 your father
But that's neither here nor there" he
added. I'm glad you've got report
In writing. Leave II with me, like a
good fellow, and come In again this
afternoon. You're staying at the hotel,
eh? Well, well; you ought TO have
gone right to my house"
I'm at boarding house." replied
Miller. Tower recommended II to me
lie met me at the station"
$50 you've seen Tower" said the old
man. II wasn't aware that you knew
him"
II didn't. He introduced himself"
What did you say to him about your
investigation?
Nothing replied Miller shortly.
MY business was with you"
That's right; that's right" said
WestcOtt. That's like your father.
He had Il very clear head in such mat
tiers. But It never did him any good
He died a poor man"
fIhnGn roforanu,a 4,
Their made Miller somewhat uneasy.
He did not like TO see Mr. Westcott's
mind turning upon misfortunes. fail !
ures and the great mystery OF bad luck. !
IF he takes me for n hoodoo." said |
the young man TO himself, "he won't |
go into this thing. And it's my only |
chance. I'll never get another"
He reproached himself for his foolish |
remark about his coat. which had start
ed this train of thought in Mr.. West
colts brain.
When he reached his boarding house
he found several people seated on the
doorsteps, probably waiting for the
dinner bell. Among them was a dark
eyed. pretty young woman. an alert
and vital creature OF most fascinat-
ng presence. Tower had introduced
him TO her that morning. for she had
Glanced 10 be standing by the gate
when they came up. Her name was
Estelle Wright. and she was n widow.
Having a great need OF cheer, Miller
entered at once into sprightly con-
'ersation with Mrs. Wright. The ex.
pertinent was a notable success He
presently forgot that his only chance
N life hung upon the decision OF
ranky old Sam Westcott and remem.
'ered only that II is the first duty OF
nan to please pretty woman. This
woman was witty and well
red. She seemed to have an original
lew OF everything. She walked the
Dung mans mind TO the most agree
bic exercise. and when the dinner bell q
ang there was no gloom anywhere In I
Is vicinity. $
About 3 o'clock he went down 70 the v
flee OF the Westcott Manufacturing B
ompany. I
1--WE chewed your report" said Mr.
Vestcott. and I want a day or two !,
Or digestion. Amuse yourself mean :,
lille. You're living at my expense, !.
OH know. That's understood, and I'll !,
- ~ . tIhr-ai h,ii" n