La Junta tribune., 1907-05-18

THEY FOUND HIN BEsIDE HIS TABLE
ran, II know l ought not to give you
an inkling Of the truth and not tell 10
all. but when 1t can be told you will un-
derstand why | must keep my secret.
Claudia had never read IL note OF liis
where anticipation so bubbled over be-
tween the lines. Therefore she WAS un-
prepared for his appearance when sev-
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 lie folded his
arms and began with little catch In
his voice: Claudia. I've come to give
you your freedom. I'm pennilcss
wreck
"Tenny" cried Claudia. The tears
filed her big blue eyes. She stood be-
fore him and touched his arm wistfui.
ly. but II did not draw her closer. II
don't want Tiny freedom. l mean!
won't take It. Whatever has hap
pened;"
TennysOn looked away. "A good
thing has just slipped through my I'm.
gers rsunexpectedly Slipped through.
Now, SO long AZ there's no further need
for secrecy I'll explain
But he didn't. being interrupted by .
cnll from the library. Peter Ten Eyck
wished to see both Benham and his
daughter mt once.
They found him beside his table. his
gouty foot on II cushion.
Good day. sir" he said brlskly. shak-
Ing Bcnham's hand cordially.
Claudia. regarding her fathers pleas
nntry apprchenslvcly, sat down on
sofa facing him. Peter motIoned Ten
nysOn to II place beside her.
1--WE called you III here" Ten Eyck
then begun. ito ask favor OF yoE-
But. NJ preface. I'll relate bit OF
your personal history which has coms
to my ears"
Claudia started. and Tennyson's hand
moved nearer hers in spite OF the fact
that he had Just beroicalIy given her
up.
personal business history. Mr.. Ben
ham, lie amended dryly.
But at the next sentence Tennyscn's
back Strengthened with II sudden jerk.
mir. Benham. you are the young man
who combined wit enough and law
enough to buy up Il strip Of land In
Mount Hope wiley lying across ths
prospective route of the Consolidated
Suburban Rapid Transit company"
Tennyson gasped.
Then you proceeded. wariIy. as you
thought. to get II Hungarian to bury
his brother Oh your land. At the same
time you applied for n charter incor-
pOrating the Mount Hope Cemetery
company"
How did you find out. and why did
you find out:" lnterposed Tennyson.
Then Ten Eyck almost smiled. ''As
to the how you'll never know. As to
the why 1t was very much to my in
terest to know. since am-weli. to aii
Intcnts and purposes. AZ will soon be
known. the Consolidated Suburban
Rapid Transit company"
Tennyson's mouth opened. but no
sound cnme.
"If hadn't found out just as l did.
young man, and stopped your game
suppose you'd have bled the Transit
company round number Of thousands
for the privilege OF going through your
cemetery. eh:'
Teunyson molstened his lips. That
was my intention"
Now began Peter. rubbing his
forehead violently. $50 much for the
past The favor ! want to ask Of you
is this: VIII you accept the position rs
counsel to the ConsolidatedY
A light broke over Tennyson's face.
'.wiii ~ he exclaimed. Il should be
most happy to serve you. SIR" he fin
ished perfunctorily.
Peter rubbed his forehead again. HIS
voice was sly. Il didn't know" he be-
gan. but that You had return favor
| to ask me-" and he glanced mcaningiy
| at Clahtlia.
"Papa-' cried Claudia. pink to the
tips OF her little ears. She threw her
arms about his neck. impulsively kiss-
ed his bald head. and netl.
| Better not run chances Of losing In
that game. young man." she heard her
father say dryiy. and moment later
Tennyson Joined her In the music rom.