The Sentinel=record., 1911-12-31
x THE x FORTUNE HUNTER
NoveIized by LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE From the Play of the
 Same Name by WINCHELL SMITH
Copyright. 1910. by wincheII Smith and
 Louis Joseph Vance

UM A had he would explode the
 very first time be induigei in introspection.
 Not much" said he, with his sour smile. T guess you're jokin' about the price of that drink. Well. good luck to you. Mir Duncan. I'd like to have yon come round and see us some eyenin'."
 Thank you very much, sir" Dun can accompanied Blinky to the door. five already had the pleasure of meet ing your daughter. sir. She's charm ing girI.''
 I'm real glad you think so,' said Blinky. intensely gratihed. "she seems to we taken great shine to you too. Come round and get 'quainted with the hun family You're the sort of young Teller I'd like her to know He naused and looked Nat up and down captiously. as one might ap- praise the points of horse of quality put up for sale. Good day" said he. with tue most significant of winks.
 "Oh. that's all right" Nat hastened 10 reassure him T won't say word about it."
 Blinky. on the point of leaving. start ed to question this (to him, cryptic nt- ferance. but luckily had the current of hts thoughts diverted by the entrance cf Roland Barnette in company with his friend Mir. Burnhan.
 Roland's consternation at this unex- f1s<4 f.. &f.n term. extreme. At sight of his em- ployer he pulled up as if slapped "Oh." he faltered. Il didn't know you was here, slr.'
 @No." said Blinky, with keen relish; sT guess you didn't"
 '.i--ar--come over to see Sam about that nofe." stammered Roland.
 "waai, don't you bother your head bout what ain't your business. Roly Come on back tc the bank"
 "All right. sir" Roland grasped frantically at the opportunity to em phasize his importance. Excuse me Mir. Lockwood. but I'd like to inter aoos you to q friend of mine. Nr Burnham. from Moo York;
 Amused, Burnham stepped into the breach. How are your he said with the proper nuance of cordiality. offer ing his hand.
 Lockwood shook it internationally.
 "How de dor" he said perfunctorily.
 "I brought MT. Burnham in to see Sam
 "Yes,r Burnham interrupted Roland quickly; "Barnette's been kind enough to show me round town a bit
 ''Here on businessY' inquired Lock. wood pointedly.
 ''No. not exactly" returned Burnham with practical ease; ''lust looking round"
 "Only lookin'. ehT' Blinky's coun- tenance underwent one of its cratic quakes as he examined Burnham with his habitual intentness.
 The New Yorker caught the wink and lost breath "Ah-yes-that's all" he assented uneasily. And as he spoke another wink dumfounded him "Whyr he asked, with distinct loss of assurance Don't you believe itY'
 Don't see no reason why l should not" grunted Blinky. Hope you'll like what you see. Good day'
 ''So long, MT. Lockwood" returned Burnham uncertainty.
 Lockwood paused outside the door. "Come long. Roland"
 sYes, sir; right away; just q min. ute" Roland was lingering unwilling ly, detained by Burnham's imperative hand. What q you want? got to hurry"
 What was he winking at me forY' demanded Burnham heatedIy. Have you"-
 "0hw Roland laughed "He wasn't winking He cant help doing that It's twitchin' he's got in his eye. That's why they call him Blinky"
 -0h, that was itf Burnham accept ed the explanation with distinct relief. while Duncan. who had been an uu- regarded spectator. suddenly found cause 10 retire behind one of the show cases on important business.
 So that was the explanation
 After his paroxysm had subsided end he felt able to control his facial muscles Duncan emerged suave and solemn. Roland had disappeared with Blinky. and Burnham was alone.
 Anything you wish. sir9" asked Nat
 "Only to see MT. Graham"
 He's out just at present. but think he'll be back in a moment or so. Wlil you waiti You'll find that chair comfortable, l think"
 Believe will. said Burnham. with en air. He seated himself. q can't wait long. though he amended
 Yes, sir. And if you'll excuse me- Burnham's hand dismissed him with tolerant wave. "Go right on about your business" be said. with supreme c0ndescensiou.
 And Duncan returned to his work in rfe back yard. II wasn't long before he found occa- sion to gc back to the store. and by