The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-08-28

the table
Look out for my two visitors" he
said. Explain 20 them that a tCle-
gram calls me away from home ana
that / must spend an hour in the city.
If / catch the $50 1 can return boy the
1890" lie looked at his watch. "Flf-
teen minutes TO reach the station He
drew away from the table. Hold
them both here until I get back"
Just mention their names again,
father"
John Hammond and Barclay Hill
You've heard me speak Of John. He's
son Of old Jared Hammond, and no
earthly good. Fellow fun Of visions.
Nothing practical about him. Always
hard up. OF course he's coming for a
loan. I've no idea how much he owes
me. Poor visionary vagab0nd."
But why do you let him impose
upon you, fathers"
Case of soft heart, I guess, dear. 1
knew his old father so well, and I'd
hate TO think he might be IN actual
want Better keep him here until l
get back I'll investigate him sharply
this time, and If he isn't perfectly
frank with me I'll turn him adrift for
good and all"
Easy, old daddy" laughed the girl.
and who Is the other man|
Barclay Hill, the confidential ad-
wiser Of Barham & Goldie. Looks after
all their legal business, you know, and
gets a whopping big salary Wonder-
full head for figures. Goldic told me
they trusted everything to him. He's
coming here to settle a little deal that
We have planned together. Ii it goes
through, my dear, it means six months
abroad for the pair Of us. There, I'll
have to hustle for the train"
And he hurried into the hall and
moment later was gone.
Hester Palmer tucked back a few
struggling locks and smoothed down
the folds of her pretty gown.
ITS a shame" she murmured, that
papa allows himself to be so dread
fully imposed upon. Son of an old
friend, indeed! As If that relieved the
man from all the ordinary moral obli-
cations I'll see what can do to con
vince him to the contrary"
And then Hesters attention was ar
rested by the click OF the iron gate at
the foot of the lawn.
A man was coming up the gravel
walk. He was tall man, attired in
black, a man with gray hair and gray
beard. He was pale and stopped a
little, and his glasses covered a pair Of
bright gray eyes.
He took off his soft hat and gravely
bowed to Hester.
rs Mr. Richard Palmer at homer
Hester smiled down at him from the
porch What strong old face it was
and what fine gray eyes. And the
poise of the head-no wonder the shoul-
ders stopped under the burden Of gar
nered wisdom.
my father is not in. He was sud
denly called to the city. He expects to
return before noon, and he bogs you to
wait"
q thank you" he said 81 will cheer
fully wait"
Hester ushered him in.
'YOu will find it cool here in TIE
study, sir There are papers and books
that may interest you. Make yourself
quite at home"
Thank you, young lady," said the
elderly man, as he dropped into the
easiest chair. "And might 1 ask you
for a biscuit and perhaps a cup OF
tea? The walk has been a little fatig
uing."
Certainly" cried Hester. 81 will
send the maid with them"
She gave the order and was turning
back toward the study when she was
stopped by a merry whistle. Somebody
was coming UP the walk. She went t
the door. A young man was approach
ing and whistling as he approached
He was dressed in a gray summer suit
and a straw hat dangled from one o.
his hands. He stopped short when HI
caught sight OF Hester. His whistle
stopped too.
Il beg your pardon" he said with
sudden smile Pm afraid l was a lit
tie noisy"
Hester admitted to herself that hi
face wasn't wholly weak. If anything
it was more inclined to be crafty
There was a twinkle about his eye
that she didn't appropve And h
seemed altogether too free in his man
Ders.
you have called to see my father?
she said in her coolest tones.
Il think l may safely answer yes,
he replied with a little bow THAT is
if 1 can take it for granted that I an