The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-25
# THE # FORTUNE
 HUNTER
Novelized by LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE From the Play of the
 Same Name by WINCHELL SMITH
Copyright. 1910. by WincheI1 smith and Louis Joseph Vanee

that Mortimer Henry what yabsconded from the Longacre National bank in Moo York"
 There fell brief pause. Nat bowed his head and tugged at his mustache, his shoulders shaking with emotion va- riously construed by those who watch ed him. Presently he looked up again, his features gravely composed.
 "Roly," said he, "Balaam must miss you terribly"
 That ain't no answer" Lockwood put himself solidly between Nat and the object of his obscure remark. who was painfully digesting it. tI want to know about this. You got my daugh- ter to say she'd marry you this even in, and you've got to explain to me about this bank business before 1t goes any further"
 "Yesr commented Nat civilly
 "Yesr' thundered Blinky.. "Do you deny 1t? Answer me"
 To Kellogg's huge diversion Nat struck an attitude. "1 refuse to an- swer," said he.
 "Aha! What'd I tell you?" This was Roland's triumphant crow. "Nat" Josie advanced. trembling with excitement. "TeH me. what does this mean?' Duncan perforce avoided her gaze. Don't ask" he said sadly.
 "Is it rueT" she insisted. "You heard what Roly said," he re- piled, with a chastened expression. "Then you admit it?' q admit nothing" "Oh-hr' The girl drew away from him as from deflement. T-I hate your' she cried in a voice of loathing That's all right" he told her se- renely. i've despised myself all even ing"
 The girl showed him a scornful back. Papa she began Don't thank me, Josie. Roland done it all. He got on to him." Lock wood continued to watch Duncan with .he air of cat eying a mouse. Impulsively Josie moved to Roland's side and caught his arm. He drew himself up proudly. 'I do thank you. Roland. I can nev- CT be grateful enough. I've been so | foolish
 That's all right" Roland tucked the girls hand beneath his arm and patted it down. ''You wasn't to blame. I never seen any one from Noo York yet that wasn't . crook"
 Wont you please take me away from this-place, RolandF' she ap- pealed.
 'T'n be nightly glad to see you home, Josie," he assured her generous iy, turning. In the act of .leaving Josie caught Mats eye. She hung back for an tn- stant, whitening him with a glare. sOh-hw she cried. How did you dare pretend to care for me" He bowed politely. "It was one of the rules, Josie"
 There's no need to tell you, guess, that the engagement is broken"
 "None whatever, Miss Lockwood. Good evening"
 'Come. Rolandy' Arm in arm they left, with the naughty tread of the elect, while Pete Willing lurched to Duncan's side and caught his arm. Come Tong to jail, Mish'r Duncan" he said, with sympathy. "Mush bes- sher."
 ''You look after him, Pete" Lock. wood turned to leave with a final shot for Duncan. 'T'll tend to your case in the mornin', young man, and I'll make you wish you never came to this i town"
 "You needn't trouble I feel that way about it already. Good night" Lockwood left them, snariing. Nat caught Kelloggs eye and began to gig gle But Pete was still holding him fast, partially, beyond doubt, for SUD- port.
 You've been saved just in time, ! Mish'r Duncan" he commented. "Y' are mighty lucky. man. Now. lissen; you | better make tracks. I ain't got no war rant to hold you. nd I wouldn't if had"
 You're good fellow, Pete, but you needn't worry. I'm not the man they think me. and it'll be easy to prove"
 "Waal," said Pete, "jus' the same, you better git out r you may have to marry her aft all.'
 "No, I won't"
 Thank Gawd f-r that.' Pete ex-