The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1905-02-28


His words had produced a profound
effect on Laura, and she could only
gaze on him in wonder. Overwhelm.
ed by the ardent manner of the man,
she was speechless and dumbfounded.
When she could regain her voice she
said:
Heaven forgive me, Mr.. Lakeland,
If | have done you injustice"
Il freely forgive you. 1t is so diff
cult for us to understand each other
that we are continually laundering
and making mistakes. But now that
my motives are plain, now that you
see how unselfish | am, | hope you
will trust me implicitly. You may
think you have money sufficient to
push this search and may be mis-
taken; all | ask of you is that you
allow me to furnish the funds you
need. You shall not lack means to
find Paul"
The man watched with anxious eyes
the face of the girl to read the i'm
preston his great generosity would
make.
1t was favorable, and his delight at
the discovery was almost diabolical
Thank you, Laura. You have made
me supremely happy by accepting my
favor. | will endeavor to find Paul
for you. We will go together and do
all that can be done to find him"
He bowed and went out She bow
ed her face in her hands and wept.
my heart misgives me-" she Sob
bed. HE talks fair and seems hon
est, but something within keeps say
ing: Trust him mott"
Ben Holton, who had remained be-
hind to look after her heavier luggage,
arrived at the hotel, and went to con-
suit with his mistress about some
missing packages. On his way to her
room he met Lakeland, and was much
astounded to see man whom he
thought in Fresno that he was half
inclined to think himself mistaken.
Il say, Miss Laura, was Teller in
here mint ago." he asked.
Yes"
He looked just like Lakeland"
ut was Lakeland"
well, Miss Laura, | jist be dod
gasted il he's here for any good. He's
after grub stakes, We kin depend on ct.
Look out for him."
She then told her faithful employee
the proposition he had made, and old
Ben listened carefully to her, and at
the conclusion said:
'I'll bet my head for football that
it's sailed mine he's a-plantin'. Don't
we bite at his bait, Miss Laura; don't
ye bite"
Laura was more distressed after the |
departure of Ben Hollon than before. |
She began to realize how utterly help
ess she was.
There was quite a change in the |
expression on Lackland's face after |
ne left Laura's room. All the benevo-
ence and unselfish concern for the
girls welfare gave way to a look of
and he chuckled in tri-
lmph.
Il will have her yet She will be
wholly in my power. A few weeks
more, another turn of the cards and
he game is mine"
At a low GROCERY in the town he
ound his two employees, Ben Allen
md Horsa Cummins.
well, how are you faring?" asked
4ackland.
"Dry!" growled Cummins.
Come, Cummins, you remember
he obligation imposed on you when
on were employed-you were not to
rink
Yes, but that makes me dry" said
with wink.
Now, you have both been here be-
ore, have you not?"
Yes"
do you know where to procure
God outfits?"
Right here is the best place in
laska," declared Cummins.
How much will q frst-cass outfit
ost?"
Cummins reflected a moment and
aid:
We'll, | think it will take about two
dollars
Without returning a word his en-
Ioyer counted out the money and told
i'm to go and procure it at once.
Cummins and Davis set out, and
ext morning reported that all had I
cen secured.
1T iswell," declared the shrewd Mr..
aclHland. BE prepared to go when c