The Elbert County tribune., 1910-04-08
CHAPTER III.-continued.

You understand, of course, that
this discussion is painful to me, ex
tremely 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"
well. the fact is-but please never
mention 1.-THE fact is that his grace
owes me four dollars. I gave it to
him in two bills-I remember the in.
cident perfectly-two crisp new bills
1 had Just got at the bank. His grace
borrowed the money to pay cabman
1t was the very day before he mar
ried 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 minute, only ]
haven't fully decided yet; but ] shall
probably take the Sambo Flyer at
s:13. II 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
a human being.
"Pll 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 If / can't
keep you amused for 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 do. It's all settled:
make 1t next week. Good-by!"
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
middle-aged man appeared at the
door, scanned the room for a moment
and then threaded his way among the
tables to Ardmore.
81 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
istration of the Ardmore estate. and
Ardmore knew him very we'll
I'm looking for a man, and I'm moi
good at the business. I've lost hin
and I don't understand it, i don't un
derstand It," and the secretary seemed
to be half-musing to himself as he sal
down and rested his arms on the
table.
You might give me the job. I'm
following slight clew myself Just al
present"
The secretary, who had no great
opinion of Ardmore's mental capacity
stared at the young man vacantly
Then 1t occurred to him that possibly
Ardmore might be of service.
Have you been at Ardsley recent
ly?" he asked.
Left there only few days ago"
You haven't seen your governor
lately. have your"
MY GOVERNOR" Ardmore stared
blankly. why. Mr.. Billings, don't yo,
remember that fathers dead?"
Il don't mean your father. Ardy.
replied Billings with the exaggerated
care of one who deals with extreme
stupidity 81 mean the governor o
North Carolina-one of the American
states. Ardsley is still in North Caro-
lima, isn't it?"
'.Oh. yes; of course. But bless you
soul. don't know the governor. VIII,
should one?"
Il don't know why. Ardy; but pee
pie sometimes do know governors ant
find 1t useful"
I'm not in politics any more. Mr.
Billings. What's this persons name?'
"Dangerfeld Don't you ever reaS
the newspapers" demanded the sec
retary. striving to control his innel
rage.