Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-07-10

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money"
why don't you do it?'
fHe wants me to go into his store, but
he wouldn't pay me anything. He offered
me dollar and a half week; but l
wasn't going to work ten or twelve hours
day for no such sum. If l could get a
light, easy place in the city say at ten
dollars a week, I'd go. There amt any
chance in Stapleton for a young man of
enterprise.
i've thought sometimes" said Walter,
that l should like to get place in the
city; but l suppose couldn't get enough
at first to pay my board"
You get q placer" exclaimed Joshua,
in astonishment. II thought you was
going to college,"
Father intended l should; but his
death will probably change my plans. 1t
is expensive passing through college; |
cannot afford it."
"Oh, that's all humbug. You're talking
like the old man. Why, you're rich. The
old man told me that your father left a
hundred thousand dollars. You're the only
son you told me so yourself" Y
| IOuI Is ullSIdheD.
What, wasn't your father rich?" ask ed
Joshua, opening his, small eyes in amaze
ment.
My father was unfortunate enough to
get involved in a speculation, by which he
lost heavily. l can't tell how his affairs
stand until they are settled. l may be
left penniless."
do you mean that?" asked Joshua
stopping abruptly and facing his compan.
ion.
II generally mean what l say" said
Walter, rather stiffly.
Joshua's answer was a low whistle OF
amazement.
"Whew ~ he said That's the biggest
joke I've heard of lately" and he follow.
ed up this remark by burst of merri-
ment.
Walter looked at him with surprise He
certainly did not know what to make Of
Joshua's conduct.
II don't see any joke about it," he said
81 don't complain of being poor, for
think | can earn my own living; but il
doesn't strike me as thing to laugh at. ,
II was laughing to think how the old
man is taken in. It's rich He thinks
you're worth hundred thousand dollars
said Joshua
well, he is mistaken, that's all.
don't see how he is taken in"
Hes been doing the polite, and treat
ing you az if you was a prince of the
blood. That's the reason he told the
old woman to get up such a nice supper
He expected to get you to take him for 9
guardian, and then he'd have the hand
ling Of your money. Won't he be mad
when he finds out how he's been taken in
Giving you the best room, too Are you
sure that none of the property will be
left?"
Probably not much. ] am sorry tc
think that your father made such a mis-
take. will take care to undeceive him. ;
What! You're not going to tell him
are your
Certainly. l meant to do so; but ]
did not suppose he invited me just because
he thought l was rich"
what for, them"
Being my fathers cousin and nearest
relation, it didn't seem very strange that
he should have invited me on that ac
count"
"The old mans pretty shrewd," sale
Joshua, rather admiringly. ''He know.
which way his bread is buttered. He
don't lay himself out for any poor rela
tions, not if he knows it, Don't you tel
him about it till tomorrow"
"Why not?"
Because, il you do, we'll have a mean
breakfast as usual. l just want him tc
think you're rich little while longer, SC
we can have something decent for once. ,
II don't feel willing to deceive you,
father any longer. l have not willingly
deceived him at all. would rather h,
knew at once"
Tomorrow will be soon enough"
''At any rate, | shall tell him to-mor
row then. But I've got tired walking
Suppose we go back"
They went back together. Mr.. Drum
mond was in the store, but Mrs. Drum
mond was at home.
"You didn't go far" she said. But
suppose you were tired, Mr.. Conrad"
"a little,' answered Walter.
Wohuci, JUL Wnetnel
she will change as soon as she finds ou
that l am poor?" Somehow he felt thai
she would not. She seemed very different
from her husband and her son, and Wal
ter was inclined to like her better.
Joshua went out again soon, not hay
ing much taste for staying at home; and
as Walter retired early, he did not Sc,
either him or his father again till tn,
next morning at breakfas>.
81 must go back to the store" said Mr.
Drummond the next morning when break
fast was over. Joshua will look afte,
you, Mr.. Conrad. hope you will be abl,
to pass the time pleasantly"
"If you can spare me five minutes, Mr.
Drummond, should like to speak to yor
in private" said Walter.
Certainly. l can spare five or ter
minutes, or more, Mr.. Conrad. Won