The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1908-10-16
STRONG AND STEADY
~ noRAno AlseR n

city; but 1 suppose couldn't get enough
at first to pay my board"
"You get a placS7" exclaimed Joshua,
In astonishment. II thought you was
going to college,"
Father intended should; but his
death will probably change my plans. 1t
is expensive passing through college; I
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 q
hundred thousand dollars. You're the only
son; you told me 20 yourself"
your father u mistaken"
what, wasn't your father rich 7" asked
Joshua, opening his small eyes in amass-
meut.
| my father was unfortunate enough to
got involved in . speculation. BY which he
lost heavily. I can't tell how his affairs
stand until they are settled. may BE-
left penniless."
do you mean THAR" asked Joshua,
stopping abruptly and facing his compan-
ion.
II generally mean what I say" said
Walter, rather sti6y.
Amusement.
"Whsw r. he said. That's the biggest
joke I've heard Of lately :" and he follow
ed up this remark by q 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.
II don't complain Of being poor, for
think can earn my own living; but It
doesn't strike me a. = thing to laugh at"
Il was laughing to think how the old
man 10 taken in. It's rich! He thinks
you're worth . hundred thousand dollars"
said Joshua.
| swell, he 10 mistaken, that's all.
don't see how he is taken m"
Hes been doing the polite, and treat.
Ing You a. II 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
lsftr
Probably not much. I am sorry to
think that your father made such q mis-
take. will take care to undeceivs him"
What! You're not going to tell him.
are your
Certainly. I meant to do 20; but
did not suppose he invited me Just because
he thought was rich"
what for, then ?"
"Being my fathers cousin and nearest
relation, 1t didn't seem very strange that
hs should have invited me on that 40
count"
Tho old mans pretty shrewd," said
Joshua, rather admiringly. HE knows
which way his bread 10 buttsrsd. He
don't lay himself out for any poor rsls-
lions, not II he knows 1t. Don't you tell
him about it till tomorrow"
"Why not"
Because, II You do, we'll have q mean
breakfast as usual. just want him to
think you're rich 4 little while longer, 20
We can have something decent for once"
II don't feel willing to deceive your
father any longer. 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 90 back"
| They went back together. Mr.. Drum
mond was In the store, but Mrs. Drum
mond was at home.
You didn't 60 far" she said. "But
suppose you were tired, Mr.. Conrad"
"A little," answered Walter.
II wonder" thought our hero, whether
she will change a. soon a. she finds out
that 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 hay
ing much taste for staying at home; and,
a. Walter retired early. he did not ses
either him or his father again till the
next morning at breakfas>.
II must 60 back to the store" said Mr..
Drummond the next morning, when break.
fast was over. Joshua will look after
you, Mr.. Conrad. hope you will be able
to pass the time pleasantly"
IF you can spore me five minutes, Mr..
Drummond, l should like to speak to Won
In private" said Walter.
Certainly. can spare five or ten
minutes, or more, Mr.. Conrad. Won't
you walk into the parlorr
| Mr.. Drummond was far from anticipat-
ing the nature Of Walters communion
ton. Indeed, he cherished a hope that
our hero was about to ask his assistance
In settling up the estate-a request with
which, it is needless to say, he would
| glsdly have complied.
II don't suppose you know how I am
situatsd-I mean in relation to my faith
sr's estate. It Is not certain that my faith
or left anything" said Walter, thinking
It best to reveal everything at once.
WHAT" exclaimed Mr.. Drummond,
his lower Jaw falling, and looking very
blank.
my father made some investments r.
Gently that turned out badly"
"But he was worth a very large prop
efty-it can't all be lost"
j II am afraid there will BE- very little
left, If anything. He lost heavily BY some
mining stock, which he bought at q high
figure, and which ran down to almost
nothing"
There's the house left, at any rate"