The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1905-11-24

/ CHAPTER Xxx.
l terminated my holiday with a med.
ding and muddling. OF course, was
actuated by the best intentions. Every
meddler and muddler Is, otherwise he
might be forgiven.
| l made my attempt with no success
on my last evening at Challacombe, when
the old man had taken his tea, and might
reasonably be expected to be milder than
during the press of business In the morn
ing.
| had not seen him for three weeks.
| ! was struck with the change that had
come over him during this short period.
1t was that subtle change which we mean
when we say that man has aged" In
Mr.. Leighan's case, his hands trembled
he looked feebler, and there was a loss
of vitality in his eyes.
What do you want?' he asked. i'm
patiently. you are come for MARY?
Wen, she isn't here. You ought to know
that she always goes out after tea, You
VIII md her somewhere about--on the
Ridge or down the lane somewhere. -
He turned his head and took up his pen
again observed that he was poriny
over a paper of figures.
sNo, Mr. Leighan, I came to see yo,,.
nave come to see you about George
and Mary"
\ So on, then. Say what you want to
say. When a man Is tied to his chair he
10 at the mercy Of every one who comes
to waste his time"
spoke to him as eloQuently as
could. told him he ought to consider
now Mary had been his housekeeper and
ms nurse for six long years, during which
ne mad been helplessly confined to his
chair. II he refused his consent to her
marriage she would go away, not only
from his house, but from the parish. he
would be left in the hands of strangers
who would waste and spoil his sub.
stance. 4
Young man." he said, IT never asked
for or expected any other service than
what Is paid for. Mary's services have
been paid for. II she goes shall find
another person, who win be paid for her
services Mary has had her board and
ner ped, and she's done her work to earn
her board and her bed; don't see any
call Tor gratitude there; as for good feel
ing that's my business. Now, young
man, George Sidcote's land is mortaaged.
As he says he can no longer pay tie in.
terest, l have sent up the case to Lon.
don and have got the usual order. h.
has six months in which to pay princi-
pay and interest. At the end of that
time, because he can't and won't nav. his
land will be mine. As for what is done
afterward, l promise nothing"
"You will lose Mary for one thing.
Il have told you that l, In that cas-.
shall hire another person."
very well. You will have to nav
Mary's fortune to her cousin David he.
cause she will marry without your CON
sent"
Have the goodness. Mr.. VIII Neither.
cote, to leave me to my own affairs"
This affair is mine as well as yours
Do you prefer David to Maryp Won
must choose between them, you know |
have read the will. You think" / said
shat David does not know of his aunt,s
will. Yoe hope that he will 20 away
presently without finding out" He start.
ed and changed color, and I'M his eyes 7 |
read the truth. He thought that David |
would never find out. $50, Mr.. Leighan."
went on, shat is in your mind. He |
Ives alone, and speaks to no one: his |
aunt died after he went away; II Is very |
possible that he does not know anything
about it. Good heavens! Mr.. Leighan.
were you actually thinking to hide the
hing from him, and so to rob him? Yes:
20 rob Mary first and David afterward
If all this money!
What business is it of yoursY' he
lskedl.
Very good; l shall tel David"
"Ohi If were thirty instead of seven
y, would" he began, his eyes fash
ng again with all their ancient fire.
Il shall go to David, Mr.. LeighaA. II.
Is believe, he knows nothing about II, |
Fou will see how he will receive the
news. Yes; you shall be between the
'wo; you shall choose between David
Ind Mary"
Yes; had stumbled on the exact
ruth as accidentally as I had stumbled
m the canvas bag. David did not know,
Tor had his uncle chosen to inform him
though he was certain from his tall
hat he did not know-of his aunt's will.
leeply as it affected him. And am now
lutte certain that the old man thought
hat David would not find out the truth