Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-06

"And So" said Colonel Creighton, with
peculiar intonation, you're in love with
my niece, Margaret"
He leveled a keen glance at Mnturn
with as much precision as he might have
trained rife at skulking lobo wolf In the
chaparral. Minturn shifted uneasily from
one foot 10 another. nervously twisting the
leather band of his broad-brimmed SOM
brero. as he waited for the colonel to pro-
coed.
And want to make her your wife?'
Il am glad Colonel Creighton understands
me-" replied Minturn, with a false Show
of comp osure.
81 think I do exactly" continued the
colonel. But what have you to offer a
woman of Margaret's station IN Hfe?'
The query was so sharp, with subtle sug-
gestion. that 1t stung Minturn to the quick
Confidence came back with a bound
"A clean name sir" he answered proud
ly strong arms and an honest hearth
So ready a reply disconnected the colonel
'Ahem!'
He cleared his throat to gain time.
Excellent things to have, young man."
he said at length, very excellent indeed
when applied to the ordinary affairs Of
life. But where a marriage contract is
concerned. there other things to be con-
sidered. Good blood counts for a great
deal, you must know. Are you aware that
of Virginia and the Creightons of Ken
tucky-family names that stand for all
that Is cultured and arstocratic?"
Minturn's jaw squared suddenly. His
black eyes burned like Goals.
Miss Creighton never mentioned the
fact, l believe. But the information,
though delayed, is extremely gratifying,
l assure you.
The tang in his tone was keen.
Inc CrelShtonS can boast the bluest
blood In the south, went on the colonel
while you"
Texan, sir! Born and bred in the Lone
Star state, and proud of 1t, sir. My grand
Jacinto. For score of years my father
rendered honorable service as a Texas
ranger. Is that record to be ashamed
Colonel Creighton cleared his throat
asain-this time. repeatedly before pro-
ceeding.
Furthermore, my niece will one day in
herit the Esperanza property here; will
be worth. IN her own name, cool quarter
Of million dollars.
Il love her for what she Is, sir; not
for what she has or is likely to inherit.
Make over your property TO some distant
relation. If you care; leave your money
to some college or charitable institution;
or set aside a permanent fund for the
preservation o OF deGaying family trees,
ened ruddiness in the colonel's cheeks gave
token of it,
beginning with the first of September
Minturn went on, II shall become business
manager for the Triple X with satisfac-
tory salary, and will be amply able to care
for Margaret. She is willing to risk her
future happiness with me, and as l am
more than anxious to sign up the partner
ship papers, / came to ask your consent
And what If 1 withhold it?" asked the
colonel with some asperity.
Then will be forced to marry with
out It, sr!''
The coloners undoing was complete. Rage
routed reason from his mind.
The devil you will!' he spluttered,
stormily. Not so long as 1 rule this ranch,
I'm here 10 tell you! Why, you-you--'
The rush of wrathful explosives strangled
utterance.
Calm yourself, my dear colonel" said
Minturn with tantalizing reinsurance. The
wedding will hardly take place inside of a
couple Of weeks as yet"
NO, nor in a couple of months roared