Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1907-08-04

Bryan saw him pass the entrance to it three
times, as though he was looking for him.
Quite satisfied with the result, he made his
way to the street in the rear, and by that
he reached Rover and Midway streets. He
saw nothing of the man on the way, and be-
feved he had got rid of him.
AT home Mrs Braslock wanted to know all
ABOUT the examination, and her son proceeded
He. did not tell her about the stranger who
had followed him. for this might worry her.
But he had not half finished his narrative
when the bell rang-the one leading to the
attic floor, which the widow had caused to
be put in since she leased the lower part Of
the house.
Bryan went, down to answer it, and found
at the door the very person he had been at
so much pains to elude. He was sorry enough
TO see HIM, but he was not so uncivil as to
shut the door in his face. The man smiled
blandly, and he looked as friendly as though
he had been member of the lodge.
"Ah, MIR. Bryan Braslock!" said the fellow,
in the most conciliatory of tones 81 am glad
to see you. / saw you in court today, and
that nat IS how | happen to know your name.
Bilch, of New York"
Mr.. Bilch seemed to think he had said
something that ought to produce sensation,
as perhaps it would in some cases, but Bryan
bowed slightly, and did not say word.
Il listened to the case in court, and that
gave me desire to make your acquaintance
added Mr.. Barney Bilch
Bryan nodded, and said nothing
81 have little business with you, Mr..
Braslock, and | desire to beg you the favor of
ten minutes conversation with you" continued
the man, not much encouraged by his progress
SO far. II hope you will not refuse me"
Bryan had some curiosity to know what the
man could possibly want with him, and he
came down from his high horse" far enough
to invite Mr.. Bich to walk in, thus intimat-
ing that he condeseended to grant the request.
Without any apology for his home, he led his
unwecome visitor up the two flights of stairs
to the front room, where he had left his
mother.
The stranger bowed very politely to her as
| they entered the apartment, and made re-
mark about the weather. The widow gave
him chair by the stove, and seated herself
in another part of the room.
Il should like to see you in private, if you
don't object" suggested Mr.. Bilch.
IF you will excuse me, l do object. don't
keep anything from my mother" replied
Bryan stiffly.
Just as you please, Mr.. Braslock" said
the visitor, though the reply evidently did
not please him. "As / said before, listened
to the case in court today, and | have made
some inquiries in regard to you | am entirely
familiar with all the details of your remark
able fight with Mr.. Lon Blinker."
Mr.. Bilch paused to note the effect, but
Bryan only nodded.
81 learned with intense surprise that you
get but five dollars week at the place
where you are employed, and where you rem
dered such extraordinary service. | made up
my mind to offer you twelve hundred dollars
year, and / am sure you viii be worth all
of that to me-"
81 am much obliged to you, sir, but decline
the offer" answered Bryan.
His mother looked at him, with nod and
a smile.
81 offer you nearly, five times as much as
you are getting now" said the man, insinu-
atingly. 81 shall increase your salary as"
eff you make the offer twelve thousand, in
stead of twelve hundred, l shall decline it,
interposed Bryan.
Mr.. Bilch was utterly astonished, for he be-
ieved "money will do anything"
ITO be continued next Sunday.)