Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-03-24
DAILY SHORT STORY
Mr.. Winterton's Good Luck.
[OriginaL.l

SclOnS OF an excellent 1amlIy VINO, nav
ing spent what patrimOny had come
down TO him, still continued lin the
swim He possessed a business suit
as he called it-though he never did
any business-and 4 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 glaring defect-a defect only in a
man without the wealth 10 which he
had been born-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 were 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 IL 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 mis- every confidence except
how he managed TO live. There is
something left of our 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 his grandfather'S
watch. which he 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 n shirt maker, where she
met Mr.. Winterton. He was promising
the haberdasher to settle his account
within a few days when Miss West en-
tered. Indeed she distinctly heard the
words, Il shall be flush by Thursday
and will certainly At this point he
saw the girl, turned, with a cOurtly
bow, stood for a moment chatting, hat
in hand. then left the store.
A few days later Mr.. Winterton re-
ceived q call from u lady who an
nounced herself as Il friend of Miss
Vests in behalf of charity. MIR.
WintertOn excused himself for few
minutes, went to Il pawn shop around
the corner, left his Grandfather's watch
and brought back Il 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 1t was, and he was |
obliged to make mp a story about his |
missing watch.
That night Miss West lay awake |
thinking The next morning she sent 4
messenger to the haberdasher's where |
she had met Winterton with Il request |
for his bill. The tradesman. supposinG |
the message came from Winterton. |
ed bill with 50 in currency. stating |
that possibly Mr.. WintertOn did not |
know when he subscribed to a charity
he was paying a legitimate debt. Til
amount returned was in excess. Then |
the matter was plain TO Miss West |
that the tradesman, taking advantage |
OF Winterton's acquaintance with her.
had worked 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 n request to give her that |
lovely, old fashioned watch which had |
belonged to his grandfather.
Il 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 1t with him."
But the friend great heavens. do |
you wish me TO explain a matter in
volving LADY,
Miss West laughed. a lady with |
three beautiful golden balls hanging |
before his shop
WintertOn opened his eyes.
Il have solved another mystery"
Miss West went on without explain /
ing the first. And she produced the |
haberiasher's letter, with receipted bill |
and 81 Winterton read it. Like cor
nered stag. he sought an egress.
This letter." he said, involves |
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