Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1904-03-22

law was Iaulty. AS matter OF TACT,
the young man could have collected
on other grounds, but neither was
aware Of that.
Furthermore" pursued Thorpe in
addition, "I'll repeat my offer before
witnesses, and if 1 win the first suit
I'll sue you for the money we could
have made by purchasing the extra
million and half before it had a
chance to spoil"
This statement had its effect, for it
forced an immediate settlement before
the pine on the sllids should deteriorate
DAILY lounged back with a little more
deadly carelessness.
And, lastly" concluded Thorpe, play
ing his trump card. "the suit from
start to finish will be published in ev-
cry important paper in this country.
If you do not believe l have the in
fuence to do this you are at liberty to
doubt the fact
DAILY was cogitating many things.
He knew that publicity was the last
thing to be desired. Thorpes state
ment had been made in view of the
fact that much Of the business of
lumber firm is done on credit. He
thought that perhaps rumor Of big
suit going against the firm might
weaken confidence. AS a matter of
fact, this consideration had no weight
whatever with the older man, although
the threat of publicity actually gained
for Thorpe what he demanded. The
lumberman feared the noise of an in
vestigation solely and simply because
his firm, like SO many others, was en-
gagged at the time in stealing govern
ment timber in the upper peninsula.
He did not call it stealing, but that
was what it amounted to. Thorpe's
shot in the air hit full.
Il think we can arrange basis Of
settlement" he said finally. "Be here
tomorrow morning at 10 with Rad
way"
"Very WE'LL" said Thorpe.
"By the way" remarked DAILY, 81
don't believe know your name"
Thorpe" was the reply.
"Well, Mr.. Thorpe" said the lum-
herman, with cold anger "if at any
time there is anything within my pow
er or influence that you want I'll see
that you don't get it,
The whole affair was finally compro-
missed for $4,000. Railway, grateful
beyond expression, insisted on Thorpe's
acceptance of an even thousand, and
with this money in hand the latter felt
i,,cti IN fol a for t1o
purpose Of visiting his sister.
For the purposes he had in view
$500 would be none too much. The re-
naming $500 he had resolved to invest
in his sisters comfort and happiness.
He had thought the matter over and
had gradually evolved what seemed to
him an excellent plan. He had already
perfected it by correspondence with
Mrs. Renwick. 1t was, briefly, this: He,
Thorpe, would at once hire servant
girl, who would make anything but su-
pervision unnecessary in so small a
household. The remainder of the mon
ey he had already paid for years
tuition in the seminary Of the town.
Thus Helen gained her leisure and an
opportunity for study and still retain
ed her home in case Of reverse.
Thorpe found his sister already a
young lady. After the first delight of
meeting had passed they sat side by
side on the haircloth sofa and took
stock of each other.
Helen had developed from the school
child to the woman. She was a hand
some girl, possessed of slender, well
rounded form and deep hazel eyes, with
the level gaze Of her brother, although
figure rather aloof, face rather i'm
passive, but with the possibility of pas
sion and emotion and will to back
them.
"Oh, but you're tanned and-and
big" she cried, kissing her brother.
you've had such a strange winter,
haven't you?
"Yes," he replied absently. "Things
came little better than thought they
were going to toward the last, and I
made a little money!
"Oh, I'm so gladw she cried. "Was it
much?"
mo, not much," he answered. The
actual figures would have been so
much better. 1--WE made arrangements
with Mrs. Renwick to hire q servant
girl, SO you will have all your time free.
and I've paid years tuition for you
in the seminary"
"Oh," said the girl, and fell silent.
After time, "Thank you very much.
Harry DEAR" then, after another inter-
val, 81 think I'll go get ready for sup
per-"
Instead of getting ready for supper
she paced excitedly up and down her
room.
"Oh, why didn't he say what he was
aboutY she cried to herself. "Why
didn't he? Why didn't he?"
The days, however, passed in the
main pleasurably for them both. They
were fond Of one another. The bar
rier slowly rising between them was
not yet cemented by lack Of affection
on either side. but rather by lack of
belief in the others affection. Helen
imagined Thorpes interest in her be-
coming daily more perfunctory. Thorpe
fancied his sister cold, unreasoning
and ungrateful. And yet this was but
the vague dust Of a cloud. They