Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-02-20
CHAPTER V.

Walter did not anticipate a very pleas
ant walk with Joshua. The little he had
seen of that young man did not prepos-
sess him in his favor. However, having
no other way of spending his time, he
had no objection to the walk.
That's the old mans store just across
the street." said Joshua, as they emerged
from the house.
"Your father's?'
"Of course. Don't you see the name on
the sign?' Walter did see it, but never
having been accustomed to speak of his
own father as 1.-THE old man." he was not
quite sure be apprehended Joshua's mean
ing.
You were an only child, weren't your"
said Joshua.
''Yes," said Walter, soberly.
80 am l." said joshua adding. COM
placently, Between you and l. the old
man has laid NJ quite snug sum. OF
course. It'll all come to me some day
4 am glad to hear it." said Walter,
wondering that Joshua should have made
such communication to a comparative
stranger.
ITO hear the old man talk" pursued
Joshua, you'd think he was awful poor
He's stingy enough about everything in
the house. There isn't family in town
that don't live better than we do
Il thought we had a very good supper
said Walter, who experienced not little
disgust at Joshua's charges against his
father.
That WAS because you were with us.
The old man laid himself out for the oc-
t. ~,
eaten at home since the Sewing Circle met
at our house three years ago."
Though these communications did not
raise Joshua in the estimation of Walter.
the latter could not help thinking that
there was probably some foundation for
what was said. and the prejudice against
Mr.. Drummond, for which he had blamed
himself as without cause, began to find
some eStenuation.
when | talk to the old man about his
stinting me So" continued Joshua, he
tells me TO go to work and earn some
money"
why don't you do it?'
HE wants me to go into his store but
he wouldn't pay me anything. He offered
me a dollar and a half a week: but l
wasn't going to work ten or twelve hours
day for no such sum. If could get a
light, easy place in the city say at ten
dollars week, I'd go. There amt any
chance in Stapleton for young man of
enterprise.
I've thought sometimes" said Walter.
that l should like to get place in the
city; but l suppose l couldn't get enough
at first TO pay my board"
You get a place" exclaimed Joshua
In establishment. Il thought you was
going to college"
Father intended l should; but his
death will probably change my plans. II
is expensive passing through college;
cannot afford it,
''Oh, that's all humbug. You're talkins
like the old man. Why. you're rich. The
old man told me that your father left g
hundred thousand dollars. You're the only
son; you told me so yourself"
Your father is mistaken"
what, wasn't your father rich?" asked
Joshua, opening his small eyes in amaze
ment.
My father was unfortunate enough t.
get involved in speculation. by which hi
lost heavily. l can't tell how his affair:
stand until they are settled. l may b,
left penniless."
DO you mean that?" asked Joshua
stopping abruptly and facing his compan
ion.
Il generally mean what l say" saiC
Walter. rather stifiy.
Joshua's answer was low whistle o
amazement.
"Whew y he said That's the bigges
joke I've heard of lately" and he follow
ed up this remark by burst of merri
ment.
Walter looked at him with surprise. 81