Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1910-05-04
CHAPTER iii.-contInued.

You understand, OF course, that
this discussion is painful to me, ex-
remely painful. And yet, so much has
been published about my sisters do
nestle affairs"
Exactly. Mr.. Ardmore. What we
want is to print your side OF the
story
We'll. the fact is-but please never
mention 1.-THE fact is that his grace
owes me four dollars. l gave 1t to
him in two bills-I remember the in
cident perfectly-two crisp new bills
i had Just got at the bank His grace
borrowed the money to pay a cabman
1T was the very day before he mar
lied my sister"
The reporter stared a moment, then
laughed. He abandoned the idea of
getting material for a sensational ar
ticle and scented the possibilities of
character sketch OF the whimsical
young millionaire.
IF you don't mind saying where you
are going. Mr.. Ardmore?"
I'D tell you in a minute, only
haven't fully decided yet; but / shall
probably take the Sambo Flyer at
BIB, IL you don't make me lose It."
Ardmore looked the reporter over
carefully as they shook hands. He
was an attractive young fellow, alert
and good humored. and Ardmore liked
him. as, in his shy way. he really liked
almost every one who seemed to be
o human being
I'll tell you what I'll do with you.
II you'll forget this rot we've been
talking and come up to Ardsley as
soon as / get home, I'll see II can't
keep you amused for a couple of
weeks. What did you say your name
is? Collins, Frank Collins? l never
forget anything. so don't disappoint
me"
The young man laughed outright.
I'll remember; really believe you
mean for me TO come"
"Of course I do. It's all settled:
make II next week. Good-byi"
Ardmore ate his dinner oblivious of
the fact that people at the neighbor-
ing table turned to look at him. He
finally waved away his plate and
called for coffee, and at that moment
a middle-aged man appeared at the
door, scanned the room for a moment
and then threaded his way among the
tables to Ardmore
II 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
. gentleman used to consideration.
He was, indeed, the secretary of the
Bronx Loan and Trust Company.
whose business was chiefly the admin.
istratioR of the Ardmore estate. and
Ardmore knew him very we'll
I'm looking for a man, and I'm not
good at the business. I've lost him
and don't understand Il, l don't I'M
derstand It," and the secretary seemed
TO be half-musing TO himself as he sat
down and rested his arms on the
table.
You might give me the Job. I'm
following slight clew myself Just at
present"
The secretary, who had no great
opinion Of Ardmore's mental capacity.
stared at the young man vacantIy
Then II occurred TO him that possibly
Ardmore might be or service
Have you been at Ardsley recent
ly?' he asked
left there only a few days ago"
You haven't seen your governor
lately. have you?"
MY GOVERNOR" Ardmore stared
blankly. why, Mr.. Billings, don't you
remember that fathers dead?"
i don't mean your father. Ardy."
replied Billings with the exaggerated
care Of one who deals with extreme
stupidity. Il mean the governor OF
North Carolina-one Of the American
states. Ardsley is still in North Caro-
Ina, isn't it,
"Oh, yes; OF course. But bless your
soul, don't know the governor. Why
should one7'
Il don't know why, Ardy; but peo-
PIE sometimes do know governors and
ind It useful."
I'm not I'm politics any more. Mr.
Billings. What's this persons narne p
''Dangerseld. Don't you ever read
ne newspapersT" demanded the sec.
fetsry, striving 70 control bis inner