Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1906-02-09

of your conduct. That Is why we felt
70 hesitation IN advising you to con-
tinue as you were going. While you
were off ut sea we had many letters
from him, all In that sarcastic vein OF
his, but In none Of them did he offer
word of criticism. He seemed thor
oughly satisfied with your methods. In
fact, he once said he'd give million Of
bis own money If 1t would purchase
your ability to spend one-fourth Of It,"
well. he can have my expefience
free Of charge. A beggar can't be
rhooser, you know" said Brewster BIT
terly. His color was gradually coming
back. What do they know about the
secretary" he asked suddenly. intent
and alive.
lie was new one, I understand,
who came to Jones less than year
ago. Jones Is said to have had implicit
faith in him." said Ripley.
And he disappeared at the same
timer
"They We're last seen together"
Then he has put an end to jones'"
cried Monty excitedly. 1T Is as plain
as day to me. Don't you see that he
exerted some sort Of influence over the
old man, inducing him to get all this
money together on some pretext or
other solely for the purpose Of robbing
him Of the whole amount? Was ever
anything more diabollcalY' He began
pacing the floor like On animal. nerv-
ously clasping and unclasping bis
hands. I'VE must catch that secretary!
don't believe Jones was dishonest.
lie has been duped by q clever scoun-
drel."
The strangest circumstance Of all,
Mr.. Brewster. Is that no such person as
Golden, the purchaser Of your proper
ties. can be found. He Is supposed to
reside In Omaha. and 1t is known that
he paid nearly 100000 for the prop
erty that now stands in bis name. He
paid 1t to Mr. Jones In cash. too. and
he paid every cent that the property Is
worth"
But he must be In existence some
where" cried Brewster in perplexity.
How could he pay the money II he
doesn't exist?'
Il only know that no trace Of the
man can be found. They know nothing
Of him in Omaha" said Grant helpless
ly.
so it has finally happened" said
Brewster. but his excitement had
dropped. WELL" he added. throwing
himself into a deep chair. 1T was al
ways much too strange to be true.
Even at the beginning 1t seemed like q
dream, and now-well. now I am Just
awake. like the little boy after the
fairy tale. seem like q fool to have
taken 1t 30 seriously"
There was no other way" protested
Ripley. you were quite right"
"Well, after all." continued Brewster.
and the voice was as Of one in q
dream. perhaps it's as well to have
been In Wonderland, even II you have
to come down afterward to the or
binary world. I am foolish. perhaps.
but even now would not give 1t up"
Then the thought Of Peggy clutched
him by the throat, and he stopped.
After a moment he gathered himself
together and rose Gentlemen" he
said sharply, and his voice had chang
ed. II have had my fun, and this is the
end Of it. Down underneath I am dos
perately tired Of the whole thing. and /
give you my word that you will find me
different man tomorrow. am going
to buckle down to the real thing. !
am going to prove that my GRANDPA.
TIERS blood is in me. And shall
come out on top"
Ripley was obviously moved as he re-
piled: Il don't question 1t for q mo-
ment. You are made Of the right stuff.
saw that long ago. You may count
on us tomorrow for any amount you
need"
Grant Endorsed the opinion. Il like
your spirit. Brewster" he said. There
ore not many men who would have
taken this rs well. It's pretty hard on
you. too, and it's a miserable wedding
gift for your BRIDE"
I'VE may have important news from
Butte in the morning." said Ripley
hopefully. "At any rate. more Of the
details. The newspapers will have
sensational stories no doubt, and we
have asked for the latest particulars
direct from the authorities. Well see
that things are properly investigated
Go home now. my boy, and go to bed
You will begin tomorrow with good
luck at your side. and you may be
happy all your life in spite Of tonight's
depression"
I'm sure to be happy" said Brew.
ster simply. The ceremony takes
place at Z O'Clock, gentlemen. was
coming to your Office at 0 on o little
matter Of business, but fancy It won't
after all be necessary for me to hurry.
I'll drop In before noon, however, and
get that money. By the way. here
ore the receipts for the money I spent
tonight. VIII you put them away with
the othersf intend to live up to my
part Of the contract, and It will save
me the trouble Of presenting them reg
ularly in the morning. Good night,
gentlemen. am sorry you were oblig.
cd to stay up 80 late on my account"
He left them bravely enough, but he
had more than one moment Of weak.
ness before he could meet his friends.
The world seemed unreal and himself
the most unreal thing in It. But the
night air acted as a stimulant and
helped him to call back his courage.
When he entered the studio at 1 O'Clock
lie was prepared to redeem his promise
% be 1.-The jolliest fellow Of them ALL"
ITO BE CONTINUED
CAcT0DIA