Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1908-03-26
CHAPTER VII.

1nere
Gardens over Toms engagement, for the
two old people were both heartily fond
of Kate-"Our Kate" as they were wont
proudly to call her The physician chafed
AT first over the idea of keeping the mat,
ter q secret from Girdlestone. A little
reflection served to show him, however,
that there was nothing to be gained by
informing him, while Kate's life, during
the time that she was forced to remain
under his roof, would be more tolerable as
long as he was kept in Ignorance of 1t.
After breakfast one morning, the doc
tor asked his son to step with him into
the library. You must do something to
keen YOU from mischief, my boy" he sa i'd
at last, brusQuey.
I'm ready for anything" replied Tom,
but | don't quite see what l am fitted
for"
First of all, what do you think Of
this?" the doctor asked abruptly, hand
ing a letter over to his son, who opened
it, and read as follows:
Dear Sir-It has come to my knowl-
edge through my son that your boy has
abandoned the study of medicine, and
that YOU are still uncertain as to his fu-
ture career. I have long had the inten-
ton of seeking young man who might
| ioin in our business, and relieve my old
| shoulders Of some of the burden. Ezra
urges me to write and propose that your
son should become one of us. If he has
| any taste for business we shall be happy
to advance his interest in every way. He
would, of course, have to purchase a
share in the concern, which would amount
to seven thousand pounds, On which he
would be paid interest at the rate of FIVE
per cent. By allowing this interest to
accumulate, and investing also his share
of the profits, he might in time absorb a
large portion of the business. In case he
| ioined us upon this footing we should
have no objection to his name appearing
as one of the firm.
with kind regards to your family, and
hoping that they enjoy the great blessing
OF health, | remain, sincerely yours,
JOHN GIRDLESTONE."
What dye think Of that" the doctor
asked when his son had finished reading
it
II hardly know" said Tom. 81 should
like a little time to think it over"
Seven thousand pounds is good
round sum. 1t is more than half the total
capital which / have invested for you
On the other hand, / have heard those
who ought to know say there is not a
sounder or better managed concern in
| London There's no time like the present,
Tom. Get your hat, and we'll go down to
Fenchurch street together and look into
| it."
1t was proud day for the ex-medical
student when he first entered the count
ing house of the African firm and realized
that he was one of the governing powers
in that busy establishment. Tom Dims-
dale's mind was an intensely practical
one, and although he had found the study
Of science an irksome matter, he was able
to throw himself into business with uu-
common energy and devotion. The clerks
soon found that the sunburned, athletic
looking young man intended to be any
thing but a sleeping partner, and both
they and old Gilray respected him accord
ingly.
Girdlestone called him into the Office
one day, and congratulated him upon the
progress which he was making. MY
dear young man." he said to him In his
patriarchal way, IL am delighted to hear
of the way in which you identify yourself
with the interests Of the firm. II at first
YOU find work allotted to you which ma
appear to you to be rather menial, you
must understand that that Is simply du'