Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-10-19
CHAPTER III Continued)

teal and scented the possibilities of 8
character sketch of the whimsical
young millionaire.
''How about that story that your
brother, Samuel Ardmore, is going to
marry the chorus girl he ran over in
his automobile?"
II hope it's true; | deyoutly do. I'm
very fond Of music myself, and
strange to say, nobody In our family is
musical think a chorus girl would
be real addition to our family II
would bring up the family dignity =
you can see that
1.-THE wires brought a story this
afternoon that your cousin, Wingate
Siddall he is your cousin, ism
he-?"
I'm afraid so. What's siddy's
latest?'
Why, it's reported that he's going
to cross the Atlantic in a balloon. Can
you tell us anything about that from
the inside?"
well, the ocean Is only four miles
deep; I'd take more interest in Cousin
Siddy's ballooning if you could make
it couple of mile more to the dead
mems chests. And now, much as I'd
like to prolong this conversation, I've
got to eat or I'll miss my train.
IF you don't mind saying where are
you going Mr.. Ardmore?"
I'D tell you in minute, only
haven't fully decided yet; but / shall
probably take the Sambo Flyer at
9-13, II you don't make me lose it."
"You have large interests in Ar
kansas. / believe, Mr.. Ardmore?"
Yves; important interests. I'm
searching for the original fiddle of the
Arkansaw Traveller. When | find 1t
I'm going to give it to the British
Museum And now you really must
excuse me"
Ardmore looked the reporter over
carefully as they shook hands. He was
an attractive young fellow. alert ana
good humored. and Ardmore liked him.
as, In his shy way, he really liked al
most every one who seemed to be a
human being.
'T'll tell you what I'll do with you.
If you'll forget this rot we've been
talking and come up to Ardsley as
soon as get home, III see If can't
weeks. don't offer that as bride;
II1X Idu1llg ore VI lllLSI W
nobody but hostlers and kitchen maids
Wire me at Ardsley when you're
ready. throw away your lead pencil,
then come on and I'll show you the
finest collection of books on Captain
Kidd in the known world What did
you say your name is? Collins.
Frank Collins? l never forget any
thing, so don't disappoint me-
That's mighty nice of von but 1
don't have much time for vacations, "
replied the reporter who was, how
ever, clearly pleased.
''Tf the office won't give you a
couple Of weeks, wire me and I'll buy
the paper
The young man laughed outright
'IIl remember; really believe you
mean for me to come.
"Of course I do. It's all settled
make 1t next week. Good-by!"
Ardmore ate his dinner oblivious of
the fact that people at the neighbor-
hood tables turned to look at him. He
overheard his name mentioned, and a
woman Just behind him let it be known
to her companions and any one else
who cared to hear that he was the
Wrinkle. Another voice in the neigh
borhood kindly remarked that Ard
more was the only decent member of
the family, and that he was not the
one whose wife had just left him, nor
yet the one who was going to marry
the chorus girl whose father kept a
delicatessen shop in Hoboken. 1t is
very sad to be unable to dine without
having family skeletons joggle ones
elbow, and Ardmore was annoyed The
head waiter hung off1ciously near; the
man who served him was distressingly
eager; and then. the voice behind him
rose mistakenly
worth millions and yet he can't
find anybody to eat with him."
This was almost true and a shadow
passed across Ardmore's face and his
eyes grew grave as he humbly reflect
ed that he was indeed a pitiable OBJ,
ject. He waved away his plate and
called for coffee, and at that moment
a mddle-aged man appeared at the
door, scanned the room for moment
and then threaded his way among the
tables to Ardmore.
Il heard you were here and thought
I'd look you up. How are you. Ardy?'
Very well. thank YOU Mr.. Billings
Have you dined? Sorry: which way
are you heading?"
The newcomer had the bearing of a
gentleman used to consideration He
was, indeed. the secretary of the
Bronx Loan and Trust company, whose
business was chiefly the administers
tion Of the Ardmore estate, and Ard
more knew him very well. He was
afraid that Billings had traced him ito
Atlanta for one of those business dis
cussions which always vexed and per
picked him SO grievously, and the
thought of this further depressed his
spirits. But the secretary at once
eased his mind.
I'm looking for man, and I'm not
good at the business. I've lost him
and don't understand it, don't un,
derstand it" and the secretary seem
ed to be half-amusing to himself as
he sat down and rested his arms on
the table.
You might give me the job. I'm
following slight clue myself just al
present"