Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-07-03

erty."
''Let us hope not. Indeed, can hardly
believe that your father would have ven.
tured in so deep as that
"He had every confidence in the com
pany; he thought he was going to double
his money. If only part of his property
was threatened, l don't think it would
have had such an effect upon him."
II will thoroughly examine into the at
fair" said Mr. Shaw. Meanwhile, Wal
ter, hope for the best 1t can hardly be
that the whole property is lost. Do not
be- too anxious"
"Do not fear for me on that account"
said Walter. 81 always looked forward
to being rich, it is true, but for all that l
can bear poverty. If the worst comes,
and am penniless. am strong, and can
work. l can get along as we'll as thou
sands of other boys, who have to support
themselves"
Walter did not speak boastfully by any
means, but in a calm, confident way, that
argued consciousness of power.
"Yes," said the lawyer, regarding him
attentively, II think you are right there.
You are just the boy who can make his
own way; but l hope you will not be
obliged to do So"
II am young and strong. Nancy has
spent her best years in my fathers SER
vice, and she is no longer young. 1t is
right that she should have some provision.
Besides, my father meant her to have it,
and | want TO carry out his wishes"
This is all very generous, Walter but
l am afraid it is inconsiderate 1t would
not be your fathers wish to provide even
for Nancy, however faithful she may have
been, at the expense of his son."
1T is right" said Walter. Besides,
Mr.. Shaw, find that Nancy had laid up
six hundred dollars, which she had depos-
tied in my fathers hands. That also must
be paid, if there is enough to pay it; il
not, l will take it upon myself to pay
whenever | am able"
You're an excellent boy, Walter" said
Mr.. Shaw. II always had good opinion
Of you, and | find it is more than deserv-
ed. | honor you for the resolution you
have expressed, though | cannot quite
agree with you about the five hundred dol
lars. As to the debt, that must be paid,
if there is money enough to pay it. But
We can leave the further discussion of this
question for the present. Now let US
consider what is to become Of you in the
meantime. You were at the Essex Cassi.
cal Institute, l believe"
"Yes, SIR
"You would like to go back again,
suppose"
mo, Mr.. Shaw 1t is an expensive
school, and while it is uncertain how my
fathers affairs will come out, | should
not feel justified in going there"
Perhaps you are right. OF course,
you cannot stay here, and keep house by
yourself. | would invite you to my own
house. but my wife is an invalid, and 7
have to consider her in the matter"
Thank you, Mr.. Shaw; but | think
perhaps | had better accept the offer of
Mr.. Drummond of Stapleton He invites
me to make my home at his house, and for
tie present, perhaps, that will be the best
arrangement"
Nancy was much troubled at the
thought of parting from Walter, whom
she had known from his infancy but a
situation was Immediately offered her in
the village, and Walter promised to take
her as his housekeeper whenever he had a
home Of his own. and this comforted her,
although it was likely to be long time
until then, since our hero was at present
but fifteen.
He wrote brief letter to Stapleton as
fellows:
"Mr. Drummond:
Dear Sir--I will accept the invitation
you were kind enough to extend to me, for
the present, at least, and will come to
Stapleton about the middle of next week.
You are the only relation of my father
that | know of, and | think it would be
his wish that | should go to you. If it
should be inconvenent for you to receive
me at that time, please write me at once.
Yours respectfully,
WALTER CONRAD" %
In return, Walter received letter
couched in the most cordial terms in
which Mr.. Drummond signed himself,
Your affectionate cousin" He was de-
lighted, he said, to think that he was
about to receive, under his humble roof,
the son of his revered and lamented
cousin. He himself met Walter at the
depot.
II am delighted to welcome you to Sta
pleton, my young FRIEND" he said, shak-
ing his hand cordially. I'm the atliction
which has come upon you, let me hope
that you will find haven of rest beneath
my humble roof"
Walter made suitable Acknowledgements,
and proceeded to walk beside Mr. Drum
mond to the house which he termed hum
BILE.
1t did not deserve that name, being a
substantial two-story house, rather ugly,
architecturally, but comfortable enough in
appearance.
THAT is my humble dwelling" said Mr..
Drummond, pointing it out. ut is not
equal to the splendid mansion in which
| ho haay, ,ad 70 h,,t