The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1909-07-01
CHAPTER XIX

At Guildford is a quiet street. compris-
ed principally or small, two-storied houses.
Rather conspicuous amongst these tene-
ments. as being a little larger than its
fellows. and having a very well-to-do air
about it. is house bearing the terse an
nouncement. Mrs. Bulger. IAundress.
Managing done here; and Mrs. Bulger,
the tenant. a hale. shrewd. bustling wom-
an, verging on sixty, was reputed TO be
one Of the most prosperous inhabitants of
the street
Mrs Bulger's front room on the first
door, which formed her parlor, was swept
and garnished this November night; and,
from the rather elaborate preparations
made for tea, it looked as if Mrs Bulger
expected company. There was a knock
at the door and Mrs. Bulger hustled out
Of the room to admit her guest.
Mrs Mattox was a buxom, fresh-look
ing woman, some ten years younger than
her hostess. She had unmistakable re-
mains OF good looks. which the smart
flowers in her bonnet showed she had by
no means resigned claim to. Like Mrs.
Bulger, she also had been left a widow:
but not having her friends energy or
business capabilities, she determined to
rely upon her personal charms. instead
Of her personal exertions, to furnish her
with another home This all happened
some seven eight years ago, and though
Terence Finnigan had been excessively
anxious to marry the buxom Polly Glib
son, as she was then. Polly had only
laughed at her very elderly admirer, and
thought it more prudent to accept the
hand of Mr.. Mattox. cousin by marriage
of Mrs. Buyers. Mr.. Mattox had the ad-
vantage of being not only more than
twenty years younger than Terence, but
also, as the master of Portsmouth work
house. had. what the prudent Polly val
ued quite as highly, a comfortable home
to offer.
We'll, Polly" said Mrs. Bulger. the tea
being poured out, and her guest plenti-
fully supplied with the buttered toast
and other delicacies. Il was just thinking
of writing 10 you when | got your note.
II is so long since l have seen you that
1 was going TO ask if you ever meant
coming Guildford way again.
Yes: it's a good bit since | have been
here" replied Polly; but, you see, Ports
mouth is lively. and Msttox and me we
tinued Polly, giggling, that somebody
will run away with me-
well, l am sure. never thought that
Mattox would turn Jealous" replied Mrs.
Bulger meditatively. IF you had taken
poor old Terence Finnigan | would not
have been surprised at it. By the way,
have you seen anything of him lately?"
Yes, see him at times but he is very
infrm. and very much changed from the
Terence Finnigan you last saw"
What. then. he is still aliye,' ex-
claimed Mrs. Bulger.
'Oh. yes, he is alive. so far" replied
Mrs Mattox careIessly, and stealing a
somewhat inquisitive gaze at her hostess
And where is he living now?" asked
Mrs Bulger, with an assumption of in
difference so transparent that her guests
suspicious as to her having some object
IN wishing TO know Terence Finnigan's
whereabouts were confirmed.
"Oh, / don't know exactly" replied
Polly carelessly.
But don't you think" rejoined Mrs.
Bulger. that you could find him if you
tried?"
Yes, l dare say / could"
well, then. | wish you would. and the
sooner the better. / have a particular
reason for desiring 10 know where he is
now living. l have had hint in a round
about way that some Of those Chichester
folks have been inquiring after him, and
would tai care of him for the remainder
of his life If they could only find him.
They have advertised for him."
quite So" replied Mrs. Mattox, with
the most provoking calmness: "and as
they have applied TO you on the subject.
and not to me, you had better give them
all the information in your power"
but / tell you. you aggravating thing.
don't know where he is. and that /
want you TO tell me-"
Look here, Emma Bulger.- replied the
other quietly, ''it's no use your flying out
in this way with me, you know that very
we'll If you want 10 know where Ter
ence Finnigan is TO be found. you had
better tell me at once who it is are max
ing inquiries for him. and all about the
whole thing, then I'll help you.
Shall tell you what my terms are?"
inquired Mrs. Bulger- Halves"
well. upon my word. Emma Bulger."
exclaimed Polly, Il do think you perfect
ly audacious in your demands. / am in
possession of this information, and nat
urally entitled to the whole reward: but.
In consideration of your being an old
friend and putting me up to it. | was
quite prepared to make you a handsome
present-say a fourth
After nearly an hours wrangling be-
tween these two mercenary old women.
Mrs Buyers terms were at last acceded
to, and her guest was then informed that
the reward was for no less than a hun
dred pounds.
And where did you say he wss?" in
1uired Mrs. Bulger.
II don't remember naming the place."
rejoined Polly. with a sly glance at her
hostess; still never mind. Emma, you
have driven a terrible hard bargain with
me, but | always stick TO what say
balves you insisted it should be. and
halves it shall be. AS for poor old Ter
ence, he is in Portsmouth workhouse."