Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-04-07
Mr.. 6g'inferfon's
Good Luck
[Original.l


down to him, still continued Sin the
swim He possessed a business suit.
as he called it-though he never did
any business-and dress suit, which
he invariably put on in the evening,
thus making up the sixteen of the
twenty-four hours he was out of bed.
This, with his club membership, was
his capital, without which he could not
otherwise have existed.
The truth is Winterton had inherited
from a long line of gentlemen an in
ability to do ordinary work. Despite
this glazing defect-a defect only in a
man without the wealth to which he
had been boril-Winterton was much
beloved. 1t was natural to him to
make friends. He couldn't help making
people love him, and they couldn't help
loving him. When he listened to their
concerns, it was through instinct, not
policy. When he sympathized with
them, it was from the kindness of his
heart. Even the tradesmen, who could
not collect their bills of him, admired
him.
Winterton was in love with one of his
set-they We're all rich except him
but, strange to say, his modesty-that
Is, his poverty-prevented him from
proposing. The girl, Miss Frances
West, adored him. He had shown her
what woman is Quick to discern
that he was in love with her-and she
felt assured that his reason for not
asking her to be his wife was that she
was rich and he was impoverished She
had gained his every confidence except
| how he managed to live. ''There is
something left of cur once large es-
tates,' he told her, then Immediately
turned the subject. What that some
thing was he only knew Miss West
suspected that it was Lis grandfather's
watch, which lie Wore because it was
an heirloom
One day Miss West went in behalf
OF her father, who was an old man and
an invalid, to shirt maker, where she
met MIR. Nintarton. He was promising
| the lIaberGasher to settle his account
within Il few days when Miss West en-
tered, Indeed she distinctly heard the
words, 81 shall be flush by Thursday
and will certainly At this point he
saw the girl, turned, with a courtiy
bow, stood Cor moment chatting, hat
in hand, then left the store
A few days later Mr.. Winterton re-
ceived call from a lady who an
nounced herself as friend of Miss
] Vests in behalf of a charity. Mr..
Winterton excused himself for a few
minutes, went to pawn shop around
the corner, left his grandfather's watch
and brought back bill, which he
handed the solicitor.
| When Mr.. Winterton called on Miss
West that evening, he asked her how
she was getting on with her charity,
and learned that she had no especial
work of that kind then on hand. He
knew that something was wrong, but
managed to back out gracefully with
out letting the lady know of his sub
scription. Then Miss West asked him
what O'Clock it was, and he was
obliged to make up story about his
missing watch.
That night Miss West lay awake
thinking. The next morning she sent
messenger to the haberdasher's where
she had met Winterton with request
for his bill. The tradesman, supposing
the message came from Winterton,
wrote polite note, inclosing receipt
ed bill with 50 in currency, stating
that possibly Mr.. Winterton did not
know when he subscribed to charity
he was paying a legitimate debt. The
amount returned was in excess. Then
the matter was plain to Miss West
that the tradesman, taking advantar-e
Of Winterton's acquaintance with her.
had worked a plot to get the amount
Of his bill.
The next time Winterton called on
Miss West, while making one of his
gallant declarations as to what he
| would sacrifice for her, she interrupted
him with request to give her that
lovely, old fashioned watch which had
| belonged to his grandfather.
81 couldn't" stammered Winterton
''It's an heirloom"
"Just now you were protesting your
devotion for me. 1t appears that you
are more devoted to your grandfather"
But the watch is loaned to friend"
eff you think more of your friend
than me you may leave it with him."
But the friend is-great heavens, do
you wish me to explain matter in
volving lady?"
Miss West laughed. ga lady with
three beautiful golden balls hanging
before his shOp!'
Winterton opened his eyes.
II have solved another mystery"
Miss West went on without explain
ing the first. And she produced the
haberdasher's letter, with receipted bill
and So Winterton read it. Like cor
nered stag, he sought an egress.
"This letter." he said, Involves a
| number of singular condolences" Miss
West thrust her hand into the folds of
some lace across her bosom and drew
out his grandfather's watch.
[ Mr.. Winterton was staggered. This
was like getting ready to lead a for
lorn hope against an overwhelming en-