Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1903-07-25
| knew that you'd studied chemis-


try continued Westcott. You were
connected with a chemical concern in
New York, and, moreover, my son,
heard that you were honest, thoroughly
honest and reliable, like your father.
When this thing came up and had to be
decided in a hurry l couldn' think Of
better man than yourself. That's why
wrote to ask you to look into ii"
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 we'll be in
dry goods store for all the chemistry
see. However," he added, II got
looked into this business for you as
we'll as could. I've got 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
Used You, and it ought to be nice big
block. It's no small thing to get $780,
600 capital into business proposition
at twenty days notice"
'I'm glad you look at it that way"
returned Miller. cts tine the luck
turned in my favor. I've had hard
struggle so far The golden apples turn
to dust as soon as 1 touch Them
Westcott shook his head very slowly.
''The longer | look at you" he said
refectively, "the more clearly l per-
ceive your resemblance to your father.
But that's neither here nor there he
added. I'm glad you've got report
in writing. Leave it with me, like
good fellow, and come in again this
afternoon. You're staying at the hotel,
Ell? Well, well; you ought to have
gone right to my house."
SIN at boarding house." replied
Miller. "Tower recommended it to me.
He met me at the station"
$50 you've seen Towerw said the old
man. "L wasn't aware that you knew
him."
81 didn't. He introduced himself"
"What did you say to him about your
investigations"
Nothing" replied Miller shortly.
"My business was with you"
"That's right; that's right" said
Westcott. 'That's like your father.
He had very clear head in such mat
ters. But it never Gid 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.
eff he takes me for q hoodoo," said
the young man to himself, che 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 a most fascinat-
ing presence Tower had introduced
him to her that morning, for she had
CHANGED to be standing by the gate
when they came up. Her name was
Estelle Wright, and she was widow.
Having a great need of cheer, Miller
entered at once into a sprightly con-
versation with Mrs. Wright. The ex-
pertinent was notable success. He
presently forgot that his only chance
in life hung upon the decision OF
cranky old Sam Westcott and remem-
berGd only that it 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
company.
'I've chewed your report" said Mr..
Westcott, "and | want 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
he had taken an unreasonable preju-
dice.
"Well, what luck?' said Tower.
81 don't know" responded Miller.
81 hope you gave the thing a good
send off,"
81 told the truth as nearly as could
learn it," said Miller, walking away.
A chance meeting with Mrs. Wright
upon the street put him in a good hui
NOR, and after a long walk with her
he felt that life still held a few joys
worth the trouble of striving for. He
was still more convinced of this truth
after an evening in the charming
young woman's company, and when he
was alone in his room, smoking by the