Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1907-03-16

able way. Your grandfather estab-
Iished this school, he gave most of
the money for these buildings. | had
other friends who offered to contribute
but he insisted on doing 1t 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 debt due the estate.
THAT is undoubtedly true, as a gem
eral proposition He told me in New
York that he had a claim against you
for $4,000"
yes, that is the amount wish to
say to you, Mr.. Glenarm, that If 1t is
necessary, can pay that amount"
Pray do not trouble about it, Sis
ter Theresa. There are a good many
things about my grandfather's 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 ne died. And yet he had the
reputation Of being 2 pretty cautious
business man"
"The impression Is abroad, as you
mlsat 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 It,"
Eyes, | believe Mr. Pickering has
not been able to solve the problem"
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 a
keen interest
why shouldn't be frank with you,
Sister Theresa? | have every reason
for believing Arthur Pickering a
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 a fac
tor In the settlement of the estate.
speak carefully; I 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 offonse is equally Sc
rious. 1t may seem odd for me to be
saying this to you when am strang-
you may be pardoned for
having no very high opinion of me-"
She turned her face to met was
gentle and refned--not a
face to associate with an idea of self
seeking or duplicity.
Il sent for you, Mr.. Gienarm, be-
cause | had a 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. Il
wished to warn you to have a care for
your own safety. | don't warn you
against Arthur Pickering alone. but
against the countryside The idea Of
a hidden fortune IS alIuring; a mys-
tcrious house and lost treasure
make very enticing combination.
fancy Mr. Glenarm did not realize that
he was crea ing dangers for the peo-
pie he wished to help"
She was silent again, her eyes bent
Ineditatively upon nae. Then she spoke
abruptly
Mr.. pickering wishes to marry my
niece"
All, 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.
rs near as can make out. She re
fused to so to California with his
3arty--f happen to- gnow that"
THAT whole California episode
would have been amusing If II had not
been ridiculous Marian never had
the slightest idea or going with him:
hut she is sometimes little--shall I
say pec verse ="
Please DO, hie the wold lana
t'ir qlia4ieX."
And Mr.. chickering's rather elab-
crate methods of wooing-"
He's as heavy as lead!" l 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 If
Marian marries him. But she will
never marry him, whether she benefits
by your grandfather's will or however
that may be-"
II should say not" declared with a
warmth that caused Sister Theresa to
sweep ne with those wonderful gray
eyes. 'But first he expects to find this
fortune and endow Miss Devereux
with it. That is part Of the scheme
And my own interest in the estate
must be eliminated before he can