The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1906-03-08


sons source Of revenue, but only dis
covered that when Fred and his wife
returned from their summer outing
they brought back snug sum in cash
with them. Mr.. Layton scanned the
papers diligently to find out where they
went, he inquired at the postoffice for
their summer address and even tele-
phoned to the owner of the fiat, but no
knowledge could be gained. Mr.. and
Mrs. Fred Layton disappeared as COM
pletely for time as if the earth had
swallowed them.
The father grew restless and nerv-
GUS, his digestion became impaired and
he went from place to place upon the
plea of regaining his health, but in
reality in the hope Of solving the mysr
terry about his son. All in vain.
81 can't stand this any longer, doc
tor" declared Mr.. Layton one day
when his physician called. 81 must
find out where Fred goes and what he
does. suppose it is mere curiosity,
but I must fathom the boys secret.
I've been used to solving problems and
can { endure failure.
''I'm sorry can't help you, Mr.. Lay
ton," replied DR.. Brooks, "but if you
don't stop this rowing about from place
to place, eating all sorts of food, you'll
be dead in another year. Go up to the
Mont Alta House, in the Alleghenies
and stay a month. 1 was there last
year, and the table was excellent and
the air and water are life giving"
"The Mont Alta" repeated Mr. Lay
ton. 'I've heard of the place, but it
didn't amount to much few years
ago."
''It'S under new management now"
returned the doctor, land is a strictly
first class house"
The Mont Alta House was even more
than DR.. Brooks had said. The table
was so excellent and agreed with Mr..
Layton so well that he became robust
again. Upon one thing he resolved.
and that was to secure the chef Of the
house if that person could be had Tor
money. Accordingly he sent for the
chef.
81 would like to- Mr.. Layton stop
ped suddenly and stared hard at the
chef; then the light of recognition came
into his face $50 this is the way you
make living, you young rascal. Aren't
you ashamed to disgrace me by doing
such work.?
"Not a Bit" returned Fred Layton
coolly, taking an easy chair and sur
hi 70 nCl
smile. 1T was the only thing | could
do that paid decently. My wife and
leased the place, and she looks after
the upstairs, while / boss the kitchen
We've done pretty well and expect tc
buy the place this year. 1 have an op
ton on it."
Suppose your fashionable friends
had seen you in your present costume
What then?' sneered the old gentleman
"Well, they didn't, father" Fred re
| piled, $50 there's no use guessing what
| / would have done. l changed my
name to Lataine. however, to save youl
| pride if were discovered"
"Well, Pm glad you had enough sense
| to do that" Mr.. Layton's tone was
| more pleasant. How in the world die
you learn to cook? You do it well,
must say"
"At home, SIR The son laughed al
his fathers odd expression. "You re
member when / broke my leg? Well
it was pretty tiresome being Gagged III
in the house alone, so / struck up q
| friendship with Antoine, your French
chef. The old fellow took fancy tt
me and initiated me into his art. L
was only a diversion to me then, but il
came in handy when l started in this
business"
Erred, send for your wife, said Mr.
Layton abruptly.
When Mrs. Fred appeared the OLE
gentleman continued: you're a pretty
pair of Independents, aren't you?
like your spirit and want you to stol
this business and live with me. viii
you do it?"
"Just as soon as the season closes W,
will, father" they replied, "and unit
then you shall stay with usr'