The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1910-07-25

Why should he pay heed to the re-
marks or man who wore baggy
trousers and long hair and played faro.
to say nothing of becoming intoxica,-
ed now and then? He knew we'll
enough what inspired these critical OH
servadons. Hartford was jealous of
the prosperity which Darlington had
SO rapidly achieved. Let him stop
caVlllng, said the virtuous Barrinpton
to himself. and seek success by lead
ing sober life, as be did.
Feeling that he had been insulted.
harrington thereafter confined his
communications with Hartford to a
curt How are your accompanied by
barely perceptible nod when they
CHANGED to meet. 1t was with a good
deal OF surprise, therefore, that Hart
ford, siancing up from his rather di-
lapidated desk as he heard the door
open, perceived harrington entering
his Office. One had not to look at Bar
rlngton twice to be convinced that he
was badly frightened. His eyes, which
ordinarily regarded those about him
with an air of easy federation, were
wide with terror, and his well chisel-
ed features, customarily wearing an
air of placid conceit, were now white
and drawn. His manner toward Hart
ford was no longer supercilious. All
his carefully constructed attitude of
dignity had vanished
You've been in this part of the
country longer than l have, Hartford"
said be- Il want your advice as "a
friend, you know"
Hartford nodded and withdrew his
pipe from his lips.
Sure" said he succinctly. s.Whats
the row."
why, you see,'' said harrington, 1T
seems that in fling the papers for Jim
Busby on that last mining claim of
his made slight error. l have been
| doing a large business, you know,
Hartford-a very large business-and
1t was inevitable that l should make
mistake occasionally. 1t seems that
some unscrupulous persons have taken
advantage Of this purely technical slip
| and have jumped Busbys claim, and
be is very much exercised about it,
| Il should think he might be-" Hart
| ford observed.
| YES" repeated Darlington. ''he is
much exercised and quite unreason-
able about it. He came into my
office few moments ago and demand
ed an explanation. OF course / couldn't
tell him anything except that it was
just mistake such as any man might
make, and he said I was lying to him
He said l was too smart to make q
fool break like that and that I was in
with the gang that were trying to dc
him out of claim that would have
made him rich. l argued with hin
him. He said he didn't see that il
made much difference, anyhow, wheth
er l was a fool or a knave, because
either way ! hadn't any right to live
and he wound up by saying that he't
just 60 down to the Jolly Dog and ge
few drinks to put him in the RICH
frame Of mind and then he'd COM
back and reduce the membership o
the Gilt Gulch bar by one"
, 1t is significant Of Hartfords broa'
and tolerant temperament that he di
not remind Darlington that he ha
previously predicted such catastre
, phe as had now befallen. Neverthe
. less slight glimmer of amnsemen
) stole across his face.
] $50 you want my advice, do you:
: he asked.
I II should appreciate it very much
p said Darlington.
well, you shall have it," said Har
: ford laconically, rapping the bowl I
O his pipe against the heel Of his sho
l. me and l couldn't shoot any bett
n than you can, and / had comfortab
!. little sum saved, as you have, al
8 there were a pretty girl in New En-
n land who didn't know any better ths
D. to love me, as she does you, I'd so ca
n on the half past 2 train, and would1
,e hurry back
ie But the trouble is" harrington
to planned, "Susie-Miss Cutler, that is
will be here on the train that gets
6 at $50. The trains pass on the. fl
N siding out, you know. The fact is
or are to be married day after tomorre
H. at noon. You'll pardon my omitti
d. to send you an invitation, won't 20
be 1t was quite unintentional. I've be
ct so busy
at ooh" Hartford broke in, with a d.
~ recatory wave Of his arm, you ne
no not apologize It's just one of tht
be little mistakes busy man is bound
lit make every now and then. ! have
d. Busbys disposition. I'll forgive yor
be Then Hartford looked at his wal
mt | and found that it was twenty minu
ce past 2.
ed You'll have to move lively,
at boy he said. Keep an eye open
he Jim, and if the coast is clear take
wi 2:3O. If it isn't, walk over to Sc
ar City and take the next one there"
In But about SUSIE" harrington