Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-11-28

DISCARD, somewhat indlstinctly, owing
to the fact that he habitually smoked a
thick stemmed pipe.
rs it? I'm glad of that. 1t gives us
something in common to work for"
Yes" Guy paused and made huge
effort, finally conQuering that taciturn-
ity which was almost an afliction to
him. 1.-THE reason gave the other
night to You and that chap Durnovo
was honest enough. but have another.
want to lie low for few months. but
l also want to make money. I'm as
good as engaged to be married and
find that / am not so well off as
thought l was. People told me that
should have three thousand year
when the guv'nor died. but find that
people know less of my affairs than
thought"
'They Invariably do" put in Jack
encouragingly.
1T is barely two thousand, and-and
she has been brought up to something
better than that"
"Um! They mostly are. Mine has
been brought up to something better
than that too. That is the worst of II"
Il believe implicitly in this scheme"
said Oscard. 1T is n certain fact that
the men who can supply pure simncine
have only to name their price for it.
They will make fortune, and be-
licve that Durnovo knows where it is
,yrnwinp In ol,nntitiaS +"
II cannot see how it would pay him
to deceive us In the matter. That Is
the best way of looking at it," muir
INJURED Jack reflectively. when
first met him the man thought he was
dying. and for the time really be-
lieve that lie was honest. Some men
are honest when they feel unwell.
There was SO little doubt in my mind
that went into the thing at once"
IF you will so on with it will
stand by you," said Oscard shortly.
"All right l think we two together
are as good as any half bred sharper
on this coast, to put it gracefully"
During the ensuing silence Jack was
apparently meditating over the debt
of confidence which he still owed to his
companion, for he spoke first and
quite seriously about himself, which
was somewhat against his habit.
II dare say you have heard" he said
that had IA disagreement with my
father"
Yes. heard something of it," replied
Oscard in tone which seemed to i'm.
ply that the something" was quite
sufficient for his requirements.
ut was about my engagement" Jack
went on deliberately. 81 do not know
how it was, but they did not hit 1t off
together. She was too honest to throw
herself ut his head, suppose, for l
imagine Il pretty girl can usually do
what she likes with an old man If sh,,
takes the trouble"
Not with him, think. Seemed to
be rather down Oh girls in general
said DISCARD coolly.
'Then you know hiM:"
YES, little. l have met him once
or twice-out, you know. l don't sup.
pose he would know me, again if he saw
me-"
Which last remark does not rebound
to the credit of Guys power of obser.
walton.
They paused. 1t is wonderful how
near we may stand to the brink and
look far away beyond the chasm. Years
afterwad they remembered this con-
versation, and it is possible that Jack
Meredith wondered then what instinct
1t was that made him change the dIrec-
ton of their thoughts.
III it is agreeable to you," he said, ~
think it would be wise for me to go
down to Loango and gently intimate 10
Durnove that we should be glad of his
services"
Certainly"
BY o'clock the next morning the
canoe was ready, with its swarthy
rowers in their places. The two Eng
Nshmen breakfasted together and then
walked down to the landing stage side
by side
"rake care of yourself" said Oscard
gruttly as Jack stepped into the canoe.
"All right
"And bring back Durnovo with you"
Jack Meredith looked up with
vague smile.
THAT man." he said lightly, ais going
to the plateau If l have to drag him
there by the scruff of the neck"