Barton County democrat., 1907-04-05

81 am sure that is true, Sister The
resa."
Now, wish to speak to you about
a matter of some delicacy 1t is. un-
derstand perfectly, 10 business Of
mine how much of 4 fortune Mr. Glen
arm left. But this matter has been
brought to my attention in disagree
able way. Your grandfather estab-
lished this school; he gave most Of
the money for these buildings. had
other friends who offered to contribute
but he insisted on doing it all But
now Mr.. Pickering takes the ground
that the money-or part OF it, at least
was only loan"
"Yes; | understand"
"Mr Pickering tells me that he has
no alternative in the matter; that the
law requires him to collect this money
as a debt due the estate.
THAT is undoubtedly true, as gen.
eral proposition. He told me in New
York that he had a claim against you
for s5O,OOO."
Eyes, that is the amount. | wish to
say to you, Mr.. Glenarm, that If it is
necessary, l can pay that amount"
Pray do not trouble about it, Sis
ter Theresa. There are a good many
things about my grandfather affairs
that | don't understand, but I'm not
going to see an old friend of his swim.
died. There's more in all this than
appears. My grandfather seems to
have mislaid or lost most OF his assets
before he died. And yet he had the
reputation of being pretty cautious
business man"
"The impression is abroad, as you
must know, that your grandfather con-
cealed his fortune before his death.
The people hereabouts believe so; and
Mr.. Pickering, the executor. has been
unable to trace II"
"Yes, | believe Mr. Pickering has
not been able to solve the problem"
l said and laughed
"But, Of course, you and he will CO.
operate in an effort to find the lost
property"
She bent forward slightly; her eyes,
as they met mine, examined me with
keen interest.
why shouldn't be frank with you,
Sister Theresa? | have every reason
for believing Arthur Pickering
scoundrel. He does not care to Co
operate with me in searching for this
money. The fact is that he is very
much wishes to eliminate me as fac.
tor in the settlemen, of the estate. |
speak carefully; l know exactly what
l am saying.
She bowed her head slightly and
was silent for moment The silence
was the more marked from the fact
that the hood of her habit concealed
her face.
What you say is very serious"
''Yes, and his orfcnse is equally Sc
rious 1t may seem odd for me to be
saying this to you when AM a strang.
er-when you may be pardoned FOR
having no very high opinion of me-"
She turned her face to melt was
singularly gentle and refned-not
face to associate with an idea of self.
seeking or duplicity.
81 sent for you, Mr.. Glenarm. be-
cause had very good opinion of
you; because, for one reason, you are
the grandson of your grandfather
and the friendly light in her gray eyes
drove away any lingering doubt may
have had as to her sincerity. 81
wished to warn you to have care for
your own safety. don't warn you
against Arthur Pickering alone, but
against the countryside. The idea Of
hidden fortune IS alluring; a mys-
terious house and lost treasure
make very enticing combination. I
fancy MIR. Glenarm did not realize that
he was creating dangers for the peo-
pie he wished to help"
She was silent again, her eyes bent
medltatively upon me. Then she smoke
abruptly
"Mr. Pickering wishes to marry NV
niece
"Ah. | have been waiting to hear
that. | am exceedingly glad to know
that he has so noble an ambition. But
Miss Devereux isn't encouraging him
as near as can make out. She re.
fused tn 90 TO California with his
party happen To know that"
THAT whole California episode
would have been amusing II It had NOT
been ridiculous. Marian never has
the slightest idea of going with him:
but she Is sometimes a little-shall I
say perverse?--"
Please dol like the xord--and
tAs Quallui"
And Mr.. Pickerings rather elab-
crate methods Of wooing-"
Hes as heavy as lead!" declared.
-Amuse Marian up to a certain
point; then they annoy her. He has
implied pretty strongly that the claim
against me could be easily adjusted II
Marian narries him. But she win
never marry him. whether she benefits
y yosr sandfather's win or however
nat may be-"
\ Should say net," !" declared with a