The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-04-22
ment, and he patted her hand.

tween the lines. It was manifestly
plain that grandpa was not welcome
to Cavenaugh. But why? Mrs. Cave
naugh scarcely tolerated him. While
the girls seldom If ever spoke of him,
1t was evident that both held him in
their affections. There were many
things going on in the Cavenaugh
manor; and Darlington entered the
dining room in subdued state of
mind.
By degrees Norah succeeded in
drawing the pariah out of himself.
Darlington was soon listening to an
amazing range of adventures. The
old man had seen Cuba in the fill
busters time, he had fought the Cana
dian constabulary as Fenian, he had
been a sailor, and had touched the
shores of many strange lands. Grand
pa Cavenaugh was anything but illit-
crate. Quite often there was a flash
of wit, well-turned phrase, a quota
ton. He had, besides, a comprehen.
sive grasp Of the politics of all coun-
tries.
Darlington saw at once that his
half-formed opinion was a house of
cards. There was no reason in the
world why they should be ashamed of
him, shunt him OF into the side-track
Of obscurity, and begrudge him a
plate at the table. Darlington realized
that he was very close to some De-
culiar mystery, and that the old mans
bitterest enemy was his son.
Throughout the meal the millionaire
preserved a repelling silence. From
time to time. when there was laughter,
he scowled. Once or twice Mrs. Cave
naugb essayed to pass an observation
across the table to him. but curt nod
was all she received for her pains
Presently Cavenaugh dropped his
knife on his plate, and the pariah re-
treated meekly into his shell. In
fact, he looked frightened, as II the
thought had come to him that he had
made an irreparable blunder in warm
ing under his grandchildren's smiles.
Harrington" said Midas, balling his
napkin and tossing it on the table,
your particular branch is corporation
law, isn't it,"
Yes. The firm has some reputation
in that branch" Darlington glanced
curiously at his host. What was COM
ing now? Was it possible that Cave
naugh had in some way learned of his
discoveries and was about to placate
him?
Il believe you handled successfully
the D. G M. railroad deal?"
I'VE won in three courts"
Well" continued Cavenaugh, I've
been thinking of you to-day. The P.
& o. counsel has had to give up on
account of poor health, and Matthew
son spoke to me yesterday, asking IL
l knew a man who could fill his place.
It pays seventeen thousand the year."
He paused as if to let this magnificent
salary sink into the deepest crevice
of Carrington's soul. What would
you say to a permanent berth like
that?" Cavenaugh positively beamed.
Kate stared at her father in aston
ishment. Was it possible that he was
beginning to look favorably upon Car
rington? Her glance travelled to Car
rington. His expression she found
puzzling.
Seventeen thousand!" murmured
the pariah, rubbing his hands, while
his eyes sparkled.
Darlington deliberated for a space
He was hard put. He did not want to
refuse this peace-offering, but nothing
would make him accept it.
This is very fine of you. Two
years ago should have jumped at the
chance. But my agreement with my
partner makes it impossible. l can
not honestly break my contract with.
in five years" He waited for the
storm to burst, for Cavenaugh was not
a patient man.
Are you mad?" whispered Kate. A
flush of anger swept over her at the
thought of Carrington's lightly casting
aside this evident olive branch.
Would you have me accept it," he
returned, in a whisper lower than
hers.
She paled II had forgotten" she
said, with the pain Of quick recollec-
ton.
The dinner came to its end, and
everybody rose gratefully, for there
seemed to be something tense in the
air.
Seventeen thousand honest dol
lars!" murmured the pariah, tagging
along at the millionaire's heels.
Darlington threw him a swift pene-
trating glance; but the old map
was looking ecstatically at the tinted
angels on the ceiling. The old man
might be perfectly guileless; but Car
rington scented the family bitter
aroma of irony.
Just before the carriage arrived to
convey Darlington and the ladies to
the club dance grandpa appeared, hat
In hand and humble smile on his
face. 1t was a very attractive face,
weather beaten though it was, penciled
by the onset of 20 years.
"You are not going, are you, grand
pa?" asked Norah.
yes, my child. I should be very
lonesome here alone with your es-
timable father. I'll drop in tomorrow
a. %hox Sc