The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1905-10-18

4 had come in. Du this mes
sopY senger had not returned,
and the merchant was troubled; trou-
bled by vague sort Of doubt, which
haunted nim in spite of his faith in
Lake. a merry sober old trader Of
long experience had said that Lake
was too young to dll the important po-
sition which he held, but Mr.. Brand
bad never found his trust in Tom mis-
placed.
Having heard rumors concerning a
house with which be had extensive
dealing; the merchant had despatched
Lake to London, telling him to make
inquiries and in any case. to get the
partners Of the firm in question to set.
tie their account
So Lake had gone from Liverpool to
London. rhe time appointed for his
return passed and still he did not
come.
A LADY entered, and stole to the mer-
chants side; her own sweet face was
anxious. and there was tremOr in the
music of her voice as she said
do you think he will be here to-
night. dear papa?"
81 hope so, Mary, but it is very
late"
"IS there no other train?"
"Only the night express. and that
does not stop, except at the central sta.
tons"
Perhaps he will come. papa: lie
would not mind coming ten miles, even
If he had to walk
"He should not have missed the
train" said Mr.. Brand. sternly; "punc-
tualitg is am imperative duty with
men of business"
"But, papa, something may have oc-
Cured to detain him"
"Nothing should detain a man who
has given his word"
The fair pleader was silenced-her
father was angry, and knowing his
strictness Of principle and how invet-
crate was his dislike TO any breach of
discipline or duty. she did not even
venture TO speak again
The time dragged slowly on; Mr..
Brank continued his restless walk. and
Mary sat sub1ued and quiet watching
him. She saw that he was listening
as the night express went whirling
by. and from the depths OF her heart
there went prayer that Lake would
come safely home. The girl loved him,
would have staked her life on his truth,
and knew that he was not beyond his
time through any weakness or wrong.
Two slow, weary Eours passed. Mr.
Brand was reading the commercial
news; but for the first time in his life
II did not interest him; be was think
ing Of the young clerk and the heavy
sum Of money that would he in his
possession should the London firm have
paid him. And Mary, reading her
fathers thoughts, felt panied and
chilled by the slur cast on her lovers
honesty by his suspicions-her every
thought was n denial to his doubts,
and as the rapid clatjer Of a horses
feet rang out, she ran to the window,
'Lookp she said, dashing the cur
talns aside with an eager hand; 'look.
look. papa l said be would come-I
knew be would"
The merchants stern face relaxed
with a smile OF pleasure; he was not
emotional or demoustratiye, but his
daughters gladness pleased him.
There were a few moments Of ex-
pectancy. and then Tom lake came in.
He went straight to Mr Brand, only
noticing with a bow the lovely face
whose glance thrilled his soul.
"They have paid" he said quietly
as he placed thick pockettiook in the
merchants hand, but l think we were
only just in time"
"Indeedw
"There was a consultation at the
bankers before I could get the cash
for the check"
do you think they will break"
'Hopelessly. They have given ms
an immense order but it would moi
be wise to forward the goods"
'You did not hint that we had the
slightest fear?'
nc; but | was glad TO get th'
money. Twelve thousand pounds
would have been a heavy loss"
at would have done me serious IN
jury just now"
"And YETI said 1om grayely, "thl
morning the odds were considerable
against its ever reaching you"
"How?'
Tom took two chairs and placed ther
side by side near the fire. led Mary I
i. one, and seated himself in the othel
He had done mis- duty as the mel
chant'i clerk, and now was Mr.. Brand
prospective son-inlaw and partner.
II had an adventure" he said; IL wa
the hero u o strange story in ride b.
express
Mao heut forward to isten--Tor
elasped h.r hand in his own. Mi
Brand SAT- opposite them. interested b
the speakers manner as he began:
''When got the cheque | had a
idea that all might not be well, so
make sure presented II to the banl
IRIS. There was, as | told you COZ
ruitation before they cashed, and Will
the consultation was going forward,
noticed stranger looking at zoe II
tently. knew the man in roy youngt
and wilder days. | had met him ofte
at the race course, In billiard room
aud in other places more or less ~
spectabls. NOW be was changing