The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-03-27


and the heart aforesaid.
Fully determined-so he thought-oD
this desperate course. he volunteered
to drive Mr.. Renwyck to the station In
the trap. They would start early and
drive slowly. There would be time.
He would tell the old shark all and
defy him to wreck Bill Williams with
any underhand scheme. He would
claim to have come to Irvihgton for
the very purpose of unearthing the con-
spirators. He would join forces with
his dad and fight Jacob Renwyck In
the open. fiinging aside discretion. love.
1t was hard to think ali this. and it
would be harder still to say it. AS he
considered it the pendulum Of his
thoughts swung to the other extreme.
Could he lay love aside? How sweet
she looked in her simple morning gown
lover which some artist of dress Gre
alton had labored days to produce that
effect of artless innocence had he but
known it-as she smiled and pass
ed him those delicious rolls. as If 1t
were breakfast food he lacked. He
on earth. She was worth a thousand
harbor companies. His dad would I'M
derstand and forgive after seeing her.
But would conscience understand and
forgive?
I am afraid Lord Croyland did not
shine as a table companion that morn
Ing, and his muttered excuse about a
headache seemed too feminine for
creduity. When an Irresistible force
meets
The drive to the station was rapid
and brief. The undecided Richard
did not speak after all. His host per-
sisted in doing all the talking. which
was mainly charging on that precious
scheme of his.
EAU revoir.' said Mr.. Renwyck.
stepping from the trap. That's my
train. Think oyer my proposition and
veterinary out to look at Hawk today.
Goodby, Croyland."
Richard drove slowly back. None
sf the ladies was about when he arriv-
ed, so he wandered into the billiard
room. He was knocking the balls
around aimlessly when he was sud
denly accosted by the one person in
the world whose company he least de-
sired.
GOOD morning. Lord Croyland,"
called Mr. Michael Corrigan from the
doorway. 81 just came over to look
you up"
Now, what did he want? Well, what
ever it was, he would find the Texan
was not to be bluffed. Richards spir-
its actually rose This was something
tangible that threatened. and Richard
loved to deal with the real. 1t was the
abstract that involved him in difficult
ties that he hated.
That's very kind of you. indeed"
drawled Richard, with a ring of chal
lenge in his voice wxyfh the lawyer
did not fail to note With concealed
amusement Fond of billiardsT'
"Oh. in Il way, yes. I'm most too
short and fat to play without the
bridge, but III take a cue from you
with pleasure if l may"
"Now, wonder if he means any
thing by that remark" thought Rich
ard as he handed him the stick
The game began brisllly, but soon
languished. as did the conversation,
Richard making an occasional brilliant
shot and missing the easy ones. Mr..
Corrigan by steady, consistent play
ran up good score and between times
watched his opponent out of the cor
ners of his eyes.
81 shouldn't say you were up in your
usual form, Lord Croyland. Sleep
well?"
"No," said Richard, eagerly Selling
the opportunity to speak the whole
truth and nothing but it, II didn't"
100 bad" murmured the little man,
with an exaggerated sympathy that
did not impose on his victim, while he
gravely chalked his cue. American
beds are hard to get used to. eh?" He
received no answer and leaned across
the table for a difficult shot, paused
and regarded the young man thought
fully. Lord Croyland, am after
certain piece Of information and have
reason to believe that you can give it
to me-"
II shall be pleased, l am sure" said
Richard, with admirably simulated in
dolence, although he was never more
keenly alive to the possibilities Of a
situation in his life.
The little man laid his cue upon the
table, busted his hands and planted
himself squarely in front of the pseudo
nobleman.
"What-in your opinion-is the most
approved method-of branding a heif-
err"
It was coming. then? Well, he would
admit nothing. deny everything. There
was no law of business, honor or love
to compel him to confess anything to
Mr.. Corrigan.
branding a heifer?' repeated Rich
ard vacantly while he screwed in his
monocle and stared at his companion.
"Really-'pon my word-P'-
Michael Corrigan burst into laugh.
"Come, come. Dick How good
that monosyllable sounded after this