The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-03-21
THEY FOUND uiM BESIDE HIS TABLE.

ran, Il know | ought not to give you
an inkling of the truth and not tell it
all, but when it can be told you will I'M
derstand why | must keep my secret"
Claudia had never read a note of his
where anticipation so dubbed over be-
tween the lines. Therefore she was I'M
prepared for his appearance when sew
eral days later he walked into the mu-
sic room. His face was tragic-with
real tragedy this time He did not
even kiss her. Instead he folded his
arms and began with little catch in
his voice: Claudia, I've come to give
you your freedom. I'm a penniless
wreck
"Tenny" cried Claudia. The tears
filled her big blue eyes. She stood be
fore him and touched his arm wistful-
". but it did not draw her closer. 81
don't want Tiny freedom, mean, l
won't take it. Whatever has hap
penedf"
Tennyson looked away. "A good
thing has just slipped through my fin
gers-unexpectedly slipped through.
Now, so long as there's no further need
for secrecy I'll EXPLAIN
But he didn't, being interrupted by
call from the library. Peter Ten Eyck
wished to see both Benham and his
daughter at once
They found him beside his table his
equity foot on cushion.
Good day, SIR he said briskly, shak-
ing Benham's hand cordially.
Claudia, regarding her fathers pleas
antry apprehensively sat down on
sofa facing him. Peter motioned Ten
nyson to place beside her
1--WE called you in here" Ten Eyck
then began. ito ask a favor of you
But, as a preface, I'll relate a bit of
your personal history which has come
to my ears"
Claudia started, and Tennysons hand
moved nearer hers in spite of the fact
that he had just heroically given her
up.
Personal business history, Mr. Ben
ham," lie amended dryly.
But at the next sentence Tennyson's
back Strengthened with a sudden jerk.
'Mr, Benham, you are the young man
who combined wit enough and law
enough to buy up strip of land in
Mount Hope valley lying across the
prospective route OF the Consolidated
Suburban Rapid Transit company"
Tennyson gasped.
Then you proceeded, warily, as you
thought, TO get a Hungarian to bury
his brother on your land. At the same
time you applied for charter incor-
porating the Mount Hope Cemetery
company
How did you find out, and why did
you find out?" interposed Tennyson.
Then Ten Eyck almost smiled. "As
to the how you'll never know. AS to
the why it was very much to my in
terest to know, since | am-well to all
intents and purposes, as will soon be
known, the Consolidated Suburban
Rapid Transit company"
Tennyson's mouth opened, but no
sound came.
IF | hadn't found out just as | did,
young man, and stopped your game
SuPPOoS SOu u udNc Dleu lHt 1IduSll
company round number of thousands
for the privilege of going through your
cemetery, eh?'
Tennyson moistened his lips. That
was my intention"
Now" began Peter, rubbing his
forehead violently, 80 much for the
past. The favor l want to ask of you
is. this: Will you accept the position as
counsel to the Consolidated"
A light broke over Tennyson's face.
"Will ~ he exclaimed. Il should be
most happy to serve you, sir" he fin
ished perfunctorily.
Peter rubbed his forehead again. His
voice was sly II didn't know he be-
gan, "but that you had a return favor
to ask me-" and he glanced meaningly
at Claudia.
"Papaw cried Claudia, pink to the
tips OF her little ears She threw her
arms about his neck, impulsively kiss
ed his bald head and fed.
Better not run chances OF losing in
that game, young man." she heard her
father say dryly, and a moment later
Tennyson Joined her in the music room.