The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-07-17
CHAPTER XIV.
Continued.

LIN SAN
to quarrel with him." was the logged
reply. But I'll have no interference
in my affairs, if that's what he's
after. Shut the door, will you, be-
cause there's a draught."
Sophy closed the door as requested,
but left herself on the other side OF
it.
Adair received his guest with that
mixture of warmth ard deep respect
which he always threw into his tone
when the canon came to Albany
street; but, to Sophy's eye, there was
more effort in it than usual. She no
ticed, too, that her guardians manner
was unusual-stif and guarded. 1t
was always difficult to the canon to
conceal his feelings; but the remem-
brance that the other was his host
enabled him to do so to some extent.
The dinner passed off without a
hitch: the topic of conversation was
chiefly Cambridge, in which there
were few discords. When Sophy left
them, and the cigars we're produced,
he was certainly disposed to take a
more sanguine view of things,
Though he began It once upon the
matter that had brought him up to
town-it had, indeed, been fixing
and seething in his brain for so many
hours, that it was impossible longer
to suppress tit was without heat;
his tone was quiet and conciliatory
81 am come here, Adair, upon rather
an unpleasant errand-a matter con-
corning yourself, but which I earnest
ly hope you will be able to explain
to my satisfaction"
I hope so, indeed" replied the
other. His lips smiled, but his brow
had darkened; his :ace had a resolute
yet apprehensive look, such as a man
might wear about to be attacked by
more than one a%ssailant, but who
has his back to the wall.
1T is only an advertisement in a
newspaper, but it has given me great
distress of mind. I do not wish to
recall a certain event which happened
two years ago or more; you cannot
have forgotten it."
Indeed, l have not, sir" put in
Adair, quietly. II we'll recollect your
generous conduct on that occasion to
me and mine"
"At all events, I showed very great
trust and confidence in you, which
you assured me would not be mis-
placed. You gave me your word,
also, that under no circumstances
would you ever embark in any under
taking which even the most prudent
person could call speculation. In
this Notwithstanding had taken
the paper from his pocket, and
pointed at the place-"I see your
name published a the director of the
Susco Railway Company, in South
America"
True, but in British Guiana, you
will allow me to add" said ACair,
suavely.
Good heavens! what has that to
do with it,"
well, if you were a man of bust
ness, canon" said Adair, smiling, Il
could show you that it had a good
deal to do with it.. Let me say, how
ever, generally, that an investment
in the country would be as safe as in
the debenture stocks of any English
railway; indeed, it is, English. But
as it happens, I have not even in
vested in it. For certain reasons
which, perhaps, you could not easily
understand, but which are very valid
and reflect no little credit upon my
position in the city, 1t has been worth
the company's while to put me on its
direction, and also to pay me hand
somely for the use of my name"
The explanation is not satisfac-
tory to me, Affair."" said the canon
firmly. ct Is true I am not a man
of business, but I know enough of
such matters to be convinced that it
wouldn't be worth the while Of any
safe and stable company to do any
thing of the kind" Adair shrugged
his shoulders, and smiled a plying
smile.
Really, canon, L scarcely know
what to say. I could give you chap
ter and verse for everything I have
stated about this Susco project, but
it is a long business, and if you will
not take my word"
Il have taken your word already,
Adair; your solemn promise in re-
turn, I must needs say, for a very
great favor, that you would never
have anything to do with speculation
that is, risk. Do you to tell
me there is no risk in your being a
director of the Susco Railway Com
pany?"
Not one atom, not a scintilla,
pledge you my word of honor"
The canon was staggered by the
others earnestness and emphasis.
We'll, of course, I cannot imagine
for one moment that you are deceiv-
ing me. I must needs believe you,
But still 1 do not like it. 1 must ask
you to withdraw you name at once
from the official list, and 20 give UP
all connection with the undertaking.
Very good, sir" returned Adair
frankly. "Since nothing else will
satisfy you, I will do so. I shall lose
two hundred pounds a year by it, but
1 need not say I would make a much
greater personal sacrifice to meet
your wishes"
1T is not, you know, on my &C
count" said the canon, greatly molli'
fed, that I demand this of o II
is nothing to me whether you risk
your money or not"
II was with ewes more than nall