Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1903-07-31
well ssIcculd I've


I'm glad you look al IL that way.
returned Miller. Its time the luck
turned in my favor. I've had hard
struggle 50 far. The golden apples turn
20 dust as soon rs I touch them"
Westcoti shook his head very slowly,
"The longer | look at you" he said
reflectively. ''the more clearly I per.
celve your resemblance 10 your father
But that's neither here nor there" lac
added. I'm glad you've got a report
in writing. Leave il with me. like a
good fellow, and come in again this
afternoon. You're staying at the hotel,
ehl Well, well; you ought TO have
gone right 10 my house"
I'm at a boarding house." replied
Miller. Tower recommended IL TO me.
He met me M the station
$50 you've seen Towery" said the old
man. Il wasn't aware that you knew
him."
IL didn't lie 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.
lie had very clear head in such mat
tiers. But 1t never did him any good.
He died poor man."
These repeated references to his ia
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 a hoodoo," said
the young man to himself, "he won't
60 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 a most fascinat-
ing presence. Tower had introduced
him to her that morning, for she had
Glanced to be standing by the gate
when they came up. Her name was
Estelle Wright, and she was widow.
Having great need of cheer Miller
entered at once into sprightly con-
versation with Mrs. Wright. The ex-
pertinent was a notable success. He
forgot that his only chance
In life hung upon the decision Of
cranky old Sam Westcott and remem-
bered only that 1t is the first duty Of
man to please a pretty woman. This
particular woman was witty and we'll
bred. She seemed to have an original
view of everything. She walked the
young mans mind to the most agree
able exercise, and when the dinner bell
rang there was no gloom anywhere in
his vicinity.
About 3 o'clock he went down to the
office of the Westcott Manufacturing
1--WE chewed your report" said Mr..
Westcott, "and want a day or two
for digestion. Amuse yourself mean
while. You're living at my expense,
you know. That's understood, and I'll
stand liberal bill"
Miller smiled and went away. In the
outer office he stopped for minute to
speak with John Tower, against whom
lie had taken an unreasonable preju-
lice.
well, what luck?" said Tower.
II don't know" responded Miller.
Il hope you gave the thing good
end Off"
Il told the truth as nearly as l could
earn It," said Miller walking away.
A chance meeting with Mrs. Wright
Ipon the street put him in good bu-
nor, and after long walk with her
e felt that life still held few Joys
worth the trouble Of striving for. He
vas still more convinced of this truth
fter an evening in the charming
Dung woman's company, and when he
vas alone In his room, smoking by the
pen window, he asked himself a very
important question, as 1t my fate to
all in love with Stella Wright"
The next day he had many troubles.
lr. Westcott was still digesting the
eport. John Tower was importunate:
e strove to urge Miller to more siren
GUS action.
There's big stake In this matter
Or you,' he insisted. "This thing is
DING to be gold mine. You're let |
ing the chance of your life slip by. !
ad talk with the old man this morn.
lg''-
Miller interrupted him with groan.
Don't have another" said he. LET
I'm alone. You don't seem to under
tand the man that you are dealing
,ith."
His mind was greatly perturbed as
left the Office, and he sought relief
the society Of Stella Wright Her
eauty and vivacity were utterly
narming.
He swore deep VOW that he would
rove himself man of power by COM
eting the deal with Westcott, and in
lrsuance of this resolution he wrote
supplementary report during the
1ening, which contained some forgot
N facts In favor Of the scheme in con-
'mplation. When he took it to the Of
&c next day he met Tower to whom
way Of encouragement he mention.
the report
why do you waste time with re.
ortsT demanded Tower. "Why don't
)u go and talk 1t into himY'
Millers opinion was somewhat shak-
1, and, to be brief about 1t, he was
d to lay the matter before Stella
m r1,N