The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1911-01-10

NO, no only give me time. For the
viii not let me call it friendship-for
the sake of my boy Lionel--your god
SON.
And heirs that what you are
thinking? Because If you are you
are very much mistaken. 1 have left
watching his guests face keenly, but
| am going to send for my lawyer to-
morrow and draw up fresh will. II
Byng, out of 1t, and | may as we'll alter
the whole thing while / am about it,
Your fine Lionel can work for his liv-
ing; II is far better for him than doing
nothing; spending money in waste and
riot. for know what the young men of
of them to go to the devil that way"
How has Lionel deserved this?" Sir
James asked Indignantly. He is
steady and well behaved, and it will be
most unjust"
4 may do as I choose with my own
money, | suppose" old Mr.. Sheppard
and let me tell you. Sir James Ashweil
that If the money on that mortgage is
not not paid on the proper day, ! win fore
close at once. l shall give Pinto my
instructions tomorrow And not a
penny of mine shall any child of yours
All the blood in the baronet's body
seemed 10 rush to his head. and how
he got out of the house he never knew
HIS dog cart with the groom wait
ing for him outside, and the man de-
clared afterward he scarcely knew his
master. he was that boiling and rag
ing it'll fury. and set the mare along at
pace more like the way Mr.. Lionel
drives than Sir James usual sober way
of getting along"
1t three miles to Woodacre the
Ashwells fine old place, by the road.
though hardly half that distance over
baronet, and when he had come into
the property, about twenty years be-
fore. on the death of his elder brother,
he found it heavily charged and en-
j ten years before that. the charming but
penniless daughter of a clergyman, and
and two sons. the younger of whom.
Lionel. was the subject of discussion
between between his :, godfather, Matthew
old miser had never actually promised
to provide for Lionel 1t had always
been an understood thing that he would
do 50. and the boy, after leaving Elton.
had been permitted to follow his own
taste and study painting, with the idea
that there was no need for him to work
when his future thus secured.
The eldest son, Lancetot. was in the
army. serving with his regiment in
South Africa, and 1t had been with the
fond and futile desire to free the estate
from its debts that Sir James had en-
parked in speculation. under the advice
OF somewhat INSCRIPTIONS agent in
London.
His first venture unfortunately was
successful and brought him in $4,000
steadily, he had been hoping to repeat
the prosperous undertaking and recoup
view with Mr. sh aerdr had ads seem aenera
crushing blow. Not only had he failed
to gain time for the payment of the
done Lionel the worst possible turn
for If the old man altered his will. as
he had threatened to do on the morrow
and cut out his boys name. what was
he to do in the future?
He pulled up his horse at the lodge
gate of Woodacre and told the groom
q Or o q tra
going to look at some young planta-
tons.
ing with fresh annoyance the damaged
pallngs and broken hedges, and when
it began to grow dark found, some
straction he had wandered farther than
he had intended and that he was within
mile of Peterborough House The
rain had ceased, there was high wind
springing up and the promise of better
weather on the morrow. Sir James by
sudden impulse got over stile close
+ by and made for Peterborough House
again. 1t was the last chance -
tomorrow would be too late. Pinto, the
solicitor, would be sent for and the will
altered--he must, at any rate try once
more-if he could only keep his temper.
but that old brute was so exasperating
sion was when once reused thing to
be avoided. 1t was quite dark now, but
later there would be a moon. which
+ would enable him to get back to Wood
acre in time for the O'Clock dinner.
and for Lioners sake he hesitated no
LONGER, but strobe rapidly on:
'Iheres the front door bell; who can
it be, and it's past o'clock?" said
Martha GROSSLY to her coadjutor. Susan
who was busy contriving dinner out
of what she termed scraps fit for the
pig
You had best go and see, l should
think" Susan suggested. and, grumb-
lingly, Martha went on her way and
opened the front door about two inches.
|" wanted to see Mr.. Sheppard just
fC fv1ytf &c
| "Lor sir. Again? 1 don't believe he
will see you at this hour" Martha re-
piled, as he stepped into the hall.
! something | had to say TO him this af-
| ternoon."
Martha shook her head doubtfully.
but departed, and Sir James sank on a
chair in the hall. and pulling out his
HANDKERCHIEF wiped his forehead. He
hand trembled and he breathed heavily
like man who has been running hard
but. he listened eagerly for the serv-
ants return. as if anxious to know if
the interview would be granted
But Martha came running back with
white a sheet exclaimed hoarseIv:
Il cannot make master hear. He's ly-
ing back IN his chair. looking like a
ghos.. Ana ne wont answer me-"
as hers as he said: Where is Miss
Byng! Is she not with him.
| No, sir, she went out half an hour
ago | heard her slam the front door
She amt come in yet VIII you come
and see the master Sir James?'
| Though this was what he was there
Tor the baronet now seemed unwilling
yet, after moments hesitation, he
turned and followed Martha to the
small breakfast-room
Matthew Sheppard was, as she first
said, lying back in his chair His face
was sharp and awful. his eyes wide
open-and over all was the CHASTITY pail
1or of death.
| Speak to him. Sir James said in
hoarse voice, and Martina obeyed
| Master. Wake UP! Here is Sir
James come back again.
Then she shook him gently by the
arm, with the most appalling result
first the head fell forward, then the
| whole body heavily and slowly rolled
to the f1oor-and the old shabby coat
| slipped aside. on the frayed white shirt
nj ai D1 RI no