Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-02-02

Nevertheless to one who was Obser-
want it was clear that some fixed idea
haunted him. No matter what spoke
to him about, he was always absent
minded. Some great preoccupations
seemed to have taken possession Of
his mind. When told him of my de-
sire to return to France with him and
Of my intention to retire from business
to live near him, he did not protest
although only a. short time back he had
expressed a similar wish.
As the day for final settlement OF
the business approached and the time
was at hand for us to start for Europe
the doctor became more and more
uneasy. He seldom came to the Office
now. All our affairs were about
Strengthened out. Everything seemed
satisfactory. The capital had greatly
increased since the firm had gone
under the name Of Kingsley & Doug
lass. There were now only the form
alities to follow merely the consent
of the two parties interested-William
Kingsley and I.
A meeting had been called that after
noon. All were waiting for the de-
ceased partners son to affix his sigma
ture to the various papers, when. In
stead of William, it was Mr.. Teck the
lawyer, who came.
"And DR.. Kingsley" asked.
"Dr. William Kingsley will not be
here, gentlemen" said the lawyer, ad.
dressing the directors.
rs anything the matter?" I asked.
els he sick?"
"No, he sailed this morning at IL
o'clock for France
What do you mean said, in
amazement. "Wel have both booked
our passage for tomorrow
He changed his mind and thought
he would go today; that is ALL" said
the lawyer, coolly. Besides, this is a
secondary matter.
Gentlemen" he continued II am
empowered to act for DR.. Kingsley
Here is my power Of attorney in due
FORM"
The company approved, bowed as
sent, and the formalities were COM
pleted without. any difficulty arising on
either side.
wanted to get it over and be alone
with the lawyer felt vaguely that his
power was not limited solely to sign
ing the numerous papers that were
being examined. Mr. Teck had surely
something else to say to me- He also
seemed to want to hurry things along
His manner suddenly changed as
soon as the last man had left us. Il
"Mr. Douglass. he said. "you can
send your secretary away. 1t Is better
that we should be alone"
. He cannot hear US. However, II
you wish 1t so, very we'll. 3
Now" said.
He sat down and carefully arranged
the fold of his trousers. He looked
for moment at his shoes: then he
said, gravely:
Il am charged with very delicate
mission. I have been your counsel in
the recent trouble, and you know in
what high esteem hold you, Mr..
Douglass, but 1t is not my fault II at
present am Dr. Kingsley lawyer"
would your esteem for me be less
ened on that account?" said, forcing
a smile.
mot at all. Quite the contrary.
And knowing the esteem have for you
should like you to feel that what /
have to say is for your own interest.
should like you to listen carefully to
my advice in the matter and follow It,
for, as say, it is for your own good"
GO ahead! We shall see," I replied,
CURLY. IRE
II advise you strongly not to leave
the hospitable soil of America
"And for what reasons, may ask"
q do not know exactly DR.. Kingsley's
reasons. I am merely commissioned
to give you his advice on the subject"
"1'he doctor advises me not to re-
turn to France!" l said in astonish-
ment.
"He forbids you to return. Forbid
is the exact word ne used. He gave
me to understand that you would
smart for it if you have the rashness
to ignore his wishes. Besides, he
compensates you in such marvellous
manner that it is to your interest to
obey him. Pardon me if the word
obey seems an, improper expression
in this circumstance. DR.. William
Kingsley leaves you the entire charge
of the business. He requires that you
remain the entire master OF your In
terests and Of his. You understand?
This you must ADMIT ID an unQueStlOn-
able mark of confidence"
(Which is not in accordance with
his strange Introduction" replied.
"That may be. But take notice Of
the way in which my wealthy client
leaves. you the use, one might say, Of
his own fortune. 1t is compensation
how can express it?-dispropor-
tionate. The only stipulation Is that
you will not go and amuse yourself In
Paris. Consider, Mr.. Kingsley Is con-
tented with check for 100000 for
his Immediate wants. His Indifference
for money consider almost like an
ALTERATION. To cut the matter short,
will you follow my advice and remain
quietly here and look after the busi-
nesS?"
Il might take your advice II you
would give me at least one reason for
this injunction on the part Of your ec-
centric Client" said, smiling.
II have but one" said the lawyer.
Personally, I do not understand II at
all. You may be able to make it out
better than /"
He drew out of the inside pocket OF