The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1907-08-09

A stinted youth had taught him the
hatefulness of poverty and filled him
with a desire for riches. From the
day on which he deposited his first
five dollars in the savings bank he
had kept unfalteringly to that ambi-
ton.
And now there had come out of the
great west a girl who detected his
ambition from the polestar of finance.
In other days he had smiled indul-
gently upon the young men whose
less forceful minds drifted from their
desks to dreams of fair faces and mu-
steal voices.
This girl with her tall grace of fig
ure, possessed a wonderful comel1-
ness, charm of manner and strength
of intellect. Already she had told
him she could not care, but he held
desperately to a forlorn hope.
Waiting now for her to come down
stairs he heard the rustic of dress
and rose to meet her. She acknowl-
edged his greeting with more than
usual gravity.
Il have disturbing news she ex-
planned, clasping her hands with a
slight nervousness. "My brothers
business has gone wrong"
Grayland was not wholly unprepar-
ed for the news, yet it prompted a
sudden selfish hope
You will come to me, them" he
begged; 81 am not rich, but"
mo, no." she interrupted, warding
off the temptation with a hasty ges-
ture. Think of my father and moth
er. I must be their only comfort in
this"
She spoke proudly, and Grayland
was conscious of deep admiration.
The stern principles which guided her
were kin to those that ruled his own
life.
He was about to speak as the maid
announced her brothers counselor.
Il was never more glad in my life
to reach friendly camp" the visitor
confessed, as he sank wearilys into a
seat. Il have been buffeted like a
common beggar this livelong day.
Just came from one of your
clients,"' he continued, addressing
Grayland; trying to raise loan for
Miss Corson's brother. Garrett was
the only man / found with spark
of sympathy. He said 1 could have
what l wanted, with your approval"
Grayland was pacing the floor by
the time the lawyer finished. A vision
of impending happiness suffused his
mind; the sensation of great, half
lifted load cheered his heart. He
would, a friend, so commend himself
to this girl that gratitude should be-
get love.
Yet he remained silent for so long
that the lawyer grew fidgety. Helen
looked at him anXiously. He spoke,
finally, with an effort.
Garrett has always trusted me-"
he asserted, more to himself than to
the others.
He relapsed into silence again until
the lawyer prompted him with an
anxious "Well?"
'Marsten, l cannot give my approx
all he confessed, suddenly, turning
to face the lawyer squarely. "The af-
fairs of the company are in much
worse shape than the public imagines.
1t is impossible"
He spoke with a convincing def
niteness, and Marsden sat speechless
Man alive!" he begged, recovering
himself with gasp; don't talk that
way. Your principal is willing to
take the risk. He knows what he is
doing"
YES" Grayland admitted dryly;
The has taken many risks with me,
but they were good risks. If he lends
the money in this case it must be con-
trary to my advice"
Grayland resumed the restless pac-
ing, and Marsden dallied with a for
lorn hope until he seemed convinced
that nothing was to be gained by
staying.
Garrett was our last hope" he de.
clared gloomily. There will be an
other wrecked business career and
some broken hearts by this time to-
morrow. You will know where to
place the blame. l bid you good aft
ernoon."
Grayland accompanied him to the
door and Helen heard the low tones
of the one reiterating his plea and
the firm voice Of the other withstand
ing.
When Grayland same back the
girl sat weaving her fingers with a
slow, nervous movement, her eyes
gloomily downcast.
Helen" he besought; 'tell me you
are not angry"
She looked up at him searchingly.
He met her glance with unflinching
eyes.
ooh, no." she assn: ed him, fel vent
ly; mot angry. You did right l
am proud of your strength. Butt
-it-costs to be proud" She hid her
face with trembling hand.
II understand" he murmured. ct
is bitterly hard. But l could not
approve when it seemed like pouring
sunshine through sieve"
He was explaining, not apologize.
ing. She knew that.
"You will go away now" he con-