Mexico Missouri message., 1909-07-08
CHAPTER XIX.-contlnued.

yesterday" he went on, referring to
mis- home town, 1 judged, though I'd
never heard afore that it belonged in
that neighborhood, 81 met an old
friend of Hartley's governor-of his
father l mean. This friend had been
abroad for some time and had just
returned. He spoke of Martin, and
what a fine fellow he was; to all Of
which 1 set my hand and seal, of
course. Then he said that the way in
which young Hartley had paid his ia
theirs debts and saved the family
honor and credit was one of the big
gest things he knew Of. 1 expressed
surprise. Then he was surprised to
learn that l didn't know, being Mar
tins closest friend, and told me the
rest.
st seemed that Hartley senior was
heavily involved when he died. He
had speculated and his affairs were in
horrible shape Martin didn't know of
this until the old gentleman, on his
death bed, sprung it on him. So then
the plucky chap started in to save the
name. He arranged with the credi-
tors-this man who told me the story
was one of them-for time, and set to
work. He worked nights and days
and in his sleep, 1 guess. He had
promised his dad, for his mothers
sake, not to tell soul, and he didn't.
Every creditor was pledged to secrecy.
Even his own mother didn't know it to
the day of her death. But he paid
dollar for dollar and broke down when
1t was over. That's why he was will
ing to join with me in this hunt of ours
after the Natural Life. Agnes cutting
him made him reckless, suppose. And
when he was on his feet again finan,
cially he lost interest in the whole
game"
"And now that he's we'll and husky
says, "her mistake about his doings
with the old man Sparrow set him
going at it again. suppose his dig
ging in the hardest and keeping II
quiet on account of his promise was
what made her call him money
grabber. / might have known twas
something like that"
$50 might l." he says, 'if wasn't
such a careless, happy-go-lucky idiot
You see / always thought that the
'mercenary' business was only CLOAK
for the real reason Of their breaking
off. She only took up with me because
our people wanted her to. I've beer
sure OF that for a good while. But
why Martin didn't come to me wher
he was in trouble. instead of going Il
alone like bull-headed chump, is
He stopped and went to thinking.
looked at him and guess there was {
question in my face, for he answered
1t without my saying word.
Certainly 1 shall tell her." says he
when is the next train to Eastwich 2
He went to the school that after
noon, and stayed at the Bay View
house over there that night. Mex
day, afore / left the island, Hartle.
comes rowing over with Scudder. H,
was feeling clipper as could be and
/ except for his arm in sling, yov
! wouldn't have known there was any
thing the matter with him.
About eleven or SO that forenoon
Eureka comes running out to the hen
yard where was. Her face was Of
the broad grin.
They're coming" says she. "Th
whole of emit"
'Wbo?"
"Why, Miss Agnes and Miss Talford
Nate Scudder is rowing 'em and MI
Van Brunt is along. too"
And so they was. could see tn
dory half way across already.
"Hoorayl" l sings out. Lets te
Hartley"
Don't you dare tell him." she o.
ders. Hes in the house. You le
him stay there. It's your job to NEE
that boat and keep the rest Of 'em on
of the way"
was at the beach when the dor
landed Misa Talford and Van got on
first. Then comes Agnes Page. Sh
stepped up to me and held out he
hand.