Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1908-10-16


money"
why don't you do itr'
He wants me to go into his store, but
he wouldn't pay me anything. He offered
me dollar and half a week but
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 a 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 placer" exclaimed Joshua,
In astonishment. 81 thought you was
going to college"
Father intended I 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"
Your father is mistaken"
What, wasn't your father rich?" asked
Joshua, opening his small eyes in amaze
ment.
My father was unfortunate enough to
get involved in a speculation, by which he
lost heavily. 1 can't tell how his affairs
stand until they are settled. / may be
left penniless."
DO you mean that?" asked Joshua,
stopping abruptly and facing his compan-
ion.
Il 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 a burst of merri-
ment
Walter looked at him with surprise. He
certainly did not know what to make of
Joshua's conduct.
Il don't see any joke about it," he said.
II don't complain of being poor, for 1
think l can earn my own living; but it
doesn't strike me as a thing to laugh at"
Il was laughing to think how the old
man is taken in. It's rich He thinks
said Joshua
We'll, he is mistaken, that's all.
don't see how he is taken In"
He's been doing the polite, and treat
ing you as 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
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 to
think that your father made such a mis-
take. l will take care to undeceive him."
What! You're not going to tell him,
are your"
Certainly. / meant to do so; but I
did not suppose he invited me Just because
he thought 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 &C
count"
THE old mans pretty shrewd," said
Joshua, rather admiringly. HE knows
which way his bread is buttered. He
don't lay himself out for any poor rela-
tons, not if he knows it. Don't you tell
him about it till tomorrow"
why not?" i.
Because, if you do, we'll have a mean
breakfast as usual. 1 just want him to
think you're rich little while longer, so
we can have something decent for once"
Il don't feel willing to deceive your
father any longer. l have not willingly
deceived him at all. l would rather he
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 I
suppose you were tired, Mr.. Conrad"
"A little" answered Walter.
Il WONDER thought our hero, whether
she will change as soon as she finds ont
hat l am poor?" Somehow he felt that
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 hav-
ng much taste for staying at home; and,
rs Walter retired early, he did not see
'ither him or his father again till the
iext morning at breakfas>.
Il must go back to the store" said Mr..
)rummond the next morning, when break |
asst was over. Joshua will look after
'cu, Mr.. Conrad. 1 hope you will be able |
o pass the time pleasantly"