Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-08-14
CHAPTER XIV.


village, Walter realized how unpleasant
had been his position at Mr.. Drummond's
from the new elasticity and cheerfulness
which he felt. There had been something
gloomy and oppressive in the atmosphere
of his temporary home at Stapleton, and
he certainly had very little enjoyment in
Joshua's society. Mrs. Drummond was
the only one for whom he felt the least
regard.
He passed few days quietly, renewing
old acquaintances and friendships. Nancy
Forbes had gone to live with a brother,
who was an old bachelor, and very glad
to have her with him. Her savings and
the legacy left her by Mr.. Conrad to-
gether amounted to a thousand dollars or
rather more-sufficient to make Nancy
rich. in her own opinion. But she was
not quite satisfied about the legacy
They say, Walter, that you'll be left
poor" she said. you'll need this money"
mo, shan't, Nancy" answered Wal
Ter. Besides, there's a lot of mining
stock that'll come to something-I don't
know how much"
But | don't feel right about taking
this money, Walter
You needn't feel any scruples, Nan
cy. | can take care Of myself. l can
paddle my own canoe"
But you haven't got any canoe" said
Nancy, who did not comprehend the al
lusion. Besides, | don't see how that
would help you to a living
Il shall get a canoe, then, and I'll steer
1t on to fortune"
AT any rate said Nancy, Il will leave
you my money when | die.'
So the conversation ended. Nancy
agreed, though reluctantly, to take the
legacy, resolved some time or other to
leave it TO Walter If she had known
now little he really had left, she would
not have consented 10 accept it at ALL
he same evening Walter sat in the law
yers comfortable sitting room, and togeth-
Ell they discussed the future.
so you want to be u Dook agent, Wal
ter! SAID Mr. Shaw. Il can't say / thmk
Very hIgnly OF TINS plan"
Il dont mean 10 spend my life at it.
l am more ambitious Unan tnat. But IL
Will give Inc u cnance 10 travel without
expense, and / always wanted to see some
thlng or the world. lou see, Mr.. Snaw,
mat, as / am So young, even If 1 spend
year at TINS business, / shall not De
loo Odd To undertake something else after.
ward. In the meantime | snail see some
1ning of the world"
well, Walter, won't oppose you. If
l had not SO much confidence i'll you,
should warn you OF the temptations that
are likely TO beset your youth, left, as
you Will be, entirely to yourself Of
course, you will be thrown among all
xmas OF associates"
Yes, sir; but | think l shall be wise
enough 10 avoid what will do me no
good.
80 l hope and believe. Now, what is
The name of this publisher you were
speaking Off"
'Pusner. He's of the firm of Flint l.
pusher."
Il have heard of them. They are an
enterprlsing firm"
On MONDAY morning Mr.. Shaw handed
Walter pocketbook containing roll of
bills. "lou will need some money to de-
fray your expenses" he said, until you
are able to earn something. You will
lind fifty dollars in this pocketbook. There
is no occasion to thank me, for | have
only advanced it from money realized
from your fathers estate. If you need
any more, you can write me, and l can
send you a check or money ORDER"
his will be quite enough, Mr.. Shaw"
said Walter, confidently. 1T won't be
long before | shall be paying my way
at least, l hope so. l don't mean to be
idle"
Il am sure you won't be, or you will
belle your reputation. Well, good-by,
Walter. Write me soon and often. You
know | look upou myself as in some sort
your guardian"
II will certainly write you, Mr.. Shaw.
BY the way, never thought to ask you
about the furniture of my room at the
Essex Classical Institute"
1T was purchased by the keeper of the
boarding house; at a sacrifice, it is true,
but l thought it best to let it 60, to save
trouble"
Il should like to see Lem" thought
Walter, with a little sigh as he called to
mind the pleasant hours he had passed
with his school-fellow. "Pll go back and
pay the old institute a visit some time,
after I've got back from my travels"
Walter reached New York by ten
o'clock. Though his acquaintance with
the city streets was very limited, as he
had seldom visited it, he found his way
without much trouble to the place of
business of Messrs. Flint & Pusher. As
they did not undertake to do retail bust
ness, but worked entirely through agents,
their rooms were not on the first floor,
but on the third. Opening the door of
the room, to which he was guided by a
directory in the entry beneath, Walter
found himself in a large apartment, the
floor Of which was heaped up with piles
of books, chiefly octavos. An elderly gen.
tleman, with partially bald head, and