The Dolores star., 1909-07-02

had seen at the station that after
noon. What kind Of family skeleton
in the closet was he that they kept
him en- camera? He coughed and
went on.
Norah was plucky, whole-hearted.
frank and encouraging.
Mr.. Darlington" she said immedi-
ately. this is my grandpa"
Darlington did not hesitate q mo-
ment. but smiled and thrust out his
hand. which the other grasped with
questioning air of dif1dence.
Glad to meet you. sir" said Car
rington.
Cavenaugh Ills glanced over the top
of his paper. scowled. and resumed
his reading. Kate hadn't come down
yet. SO she missed this scene. When
she did appear. there was no visible
sign of any previous agitation. She
and Norah were thoroughbreds.
Why. grandpa!" she cried. extend.
ing her hand.
The old man bowed over 1t and
kissed 1t, and his action was lacking
neither in grace nor gallantry.
Il happened to be down this way
on business" said the old man with
q covert glance at his son, and
thought I'd drop In
Dinner is served" said the splen-
did butler. as he slid back the doors
to the dining room.
The old man looked about him Ques.
tioningly. and Norah slipped her arm
through his. You'll have to take me
in. grandpa" she laughed.
The old mans eyes shone for q mo-
ment. and he patted her hand.
I'm a. proud as king. Norah."
Now. Darlington could read be.
tween the lines. II was manifestly
plain that grandpa was not welcome
to Cavenaugh. But why! Mrs. Cave
naugh scarcely tolerated him. While
the girls seldom II ever spoke Of him.
It 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 fli-
busters time. he had fought the Cana
dian constabulary as q Fenian, he had
been q sailor. and had touched the
shores of many strange lands. Grand
pa Cavenaugh was anything but illit-
crate. Quite often there was fash
Of wit. a 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
halfformed opinion was 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 ne was very close to some Pc
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
naugh essayed to pass an observation
across the table to him. but a 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 grandchildrens smiles.
Darlington" said Midas. balling his
napkin and tossing 1t on the table.
your particular branch 10 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. & NJ. railroad deal?"
I'VE won in three courts"
Well" continued Cavenaugh, 1--WE
been thinking of you to-day. The p.
q ". COuuSci HhS uau " 6iNc NY ot
account of poor health. and Matthew
son spoke to me yesterday. asking II
l knew a man who could fill his place.
It pays seventeen thousand the year"
He paused as II to let this magnificent
salary sink into the deepest crevice
of Carrington's soul. What would
you say to q permanent berth like
that?" Cavenaugh positively beamed.
Kate stared at her father in aston
ishment. Was 1t 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 space.
uo voc ha rd u,,f He did mt waut IN