The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-15


 PETE TURNED BACK THE LAPEL OF HIS
 COAT. yard. where the new stock delivered.
 "I'm going" he said hurriedly. "to find me hatchet and knock the stuff ing out of some of those packing cases. Want to get all that truck in doors before nightfall. you know.''
 But old Sam wasn't to be put off by any such obvious subterfuge as that. He put himself in front of Duncan.
 "Nat. my boy."" he said. tremulous, 'I can't let this go through. I can't allow you"-
 "There. now." Duncan told him un- ,coneernedly, yet kindly. don't say anything more. It's over and done swith.n
 "But you mustn't I'll turn over the store to you tf'-
 70 Lord." Duncan's dismay was as genuine as his desire to escape Ora hams gratitude. ''No-don't! Please don't do thatr
 "But l must do something. my boy. I can't accept so great kindness un- less" said Graham. with timid fash of hope, you'll consider a partner ship
 ~That's itp' cried Duncan. glad of any way out of the situation. That's the way to do it-a partnership. No; please don't say any more about it just now. We can settle details later We've eyr,t tc erot t,r,cr r,nH v~r, WY t,o 4 wish you'd de while Pm bursting open those boxes. If you don't mind going down to the station to make sure that everything's"- "Yes. I'll go: I'll go at once" Sam groped for Duncan's hand. caught and held it between both his own. Tiff fate OF something hadn't brought you here today I don't know what would have happened. to Betty and me"
 s'Never mind" Duncan tried to soothe him, Just don't you think about it"
 Graham shook his head. still bewil- dered. Perhaps" he stumbled on. ito gentleman of your wealth $40O isn't much
 "No." said Duncan gravely without the flicker of an eyelash. nothing" He remembered we'll the few dollars that now represented all his worldly goods Then he smiled cheerfully. There, that's all right" 'NTo me it's meant everything. Fl only hope Pli be able to repay you some day. God bless you, my boy! God bless youp' He managed to jam his hat awry on his white old head and find his way out, his hands fumbling with one an otlser, his lips moving inaudtbly, per haps in prayer of thanksgiving. 1t was perhaps within the next thfr- left in charge of the store while Dun can, with coat and collar off and sleeves rolled above his elbows. hack ed and pounded nd-pried and banged at the packing cases in the back yardl sought him on the scene of his labors. | Pretty good work for York dude not?' he laughed. grave eyes. ''It's an improvement ' she said evenly. He shot her a curious glance ~Ouchw he said thoughtfully. q just came to tell you." she went on. again immobile. you're wanted in | side"
 "Somebody wants to see me?" he de l manded of her retreating back, | "Yes."
 | "But who''- "Blinky Lockwood" she replied ovel | her shoulder as she went into the house.
 Lockwood" He speculated. for ar instant puzzled. then suddenly 'sFa | ther-in-law" he cried. ''Shiverins snakes. be mustn't catch me like this | I, business manw
 Hastily rolling down his shirt sleeves and struggling himself into his coat, he made for the store. buttonins his collar and knotting his tie on the way.
 He found Blinky nosing round tho room. quite alone. Betty had disap peared. and the old se0uHdrel was hay ing quite an enjoyable time poking in | IO udttcES tudt uiO uOt COuCcA~l ulh and disappearing of them on genera principles. So far as&the improve
 ments concerned old Sam Graham: fortunes. Blinky would concede nt
 health in them. But with regard tt Duncan there was another story tt tell Duncan apparently controlled
 money to some vague extent.
 You're Mir. Duncan, ain't your? h asked. with his leer. moving down t
 meet Nat.
 "Yes, sir. MT. Lockwood. believe?
 '"That's me" Blinky clutched hi
 hand in a genial claw. 'T'm glad t.
 meet you"
 Thank you." said Duncan. "Some
 thing I can do for you, sir?'
 "Waal. Pete Willin' was tellin' m
 you'd just took Sp this note of Gry
 ham's?''
 "Not exactly. The firm took it up'
 Blinky winked savagely at this
 'The firm-what frm?