The Irish standard., 1911-03-18

any way out of the situation. That's
the way to do it-a partnership. No:
please don't say any more about it just
now. We can settle details later
We've got to get busy. Tell you what
wish you'd do while I'm bursting
open those boxes. If you don't mind
going down to the station to make sure
that everything's''-
Eyes, I'll go; III go at once" Sam
CROPPED for Duncan's hand. caught and
held it between both his own Tiff
fate or something hadn't brought you
here today don't know what would
have happened to Betty and me-"
'Never mind" Duncan tried to
soothe him. Just don't you think
about it."
Graham shook his head. still Devil
dered Perhaps" he stumbled on,
ito gentleman of your wealth $500
isn't much
"No," said Duncan gravely without
the flicker of an eyelash. nothing" He
remembered we'll the few dollars that
now represented all his worldly goods
Then he smiled cheerfully. There
that's all right"
ITO me it's meant everything. IL
only hope III be able to repay you
some day. God bless you, my boy!
God bless your
He managed to jam his hat awry on
his white old head and find his way
out, his hands fumbling with one an
other, his lips moving inaudiby, per-
haps in a prayer Of thanksgiving.
1t was perhaps within the next thir-
ty minutes that Betty (who had been
left in charge of the store while Dun
can, with coat and collar off and
sleeves rolled above his elbows, hack
ed and pounded and pred and banged
at the packing cases in the back yard)
sought him on the scene OF his labors.
Pretty good work for York dude
not?" he laughed.
There was shadowy smile in her
grave eyes. Its an improvement"
she said evenly.
He shot her curious glance.
"Ouch!" he said thoughtfully.
81 just came to tell YOU" she went
on, again immobile, you're wanted in
side"
Somebody wants to see me?" he de-
manded Of her retreating back.
Eyes"
"But who''-
"Blinky Lockwood" she replied over
her shoulder as she went into the
house.
LOCKWOOD" He speculated, for an
instant puzzled, then suddenly eta
ther-in-lawp he cried. "Shivering
snakes. he mustn't catch me like this
I, q business mani"
Hastily rolling down his shirt
sleeves and struggling himself into his
coat, he made for the store. buttoning
his collar and knotting his tie on the
way.
He found Blinky nosing round the
room, quite alone. Betty had disap-
peared. and the old scoundrel was hav-
/ ing quite an enjoyable time poking in
to matters that did not concern him
and disappearing of them on general
principles. So far az the improve
ments concerned old Sam Graham's
fortunes, Blinky would concede no
health in them. But with regard to
Duncan there was another story to
tell. Duncan apparently controlled
money to some vague extent.
you're Mr.. Duncan, amt you?" he
asked, with his leer. moving down to
meet Nat.
Eyes, sir. Mr.. Lockwood, believer"
'That's me-" Blinky clutched his
hand in genial claw. "I'm glad to
meet you"
'"rhank you," said Duncan. Some
thing can do for you, sir?"
"Waal. Pete Willin' was tellin' me
you'd Just took up this note of Ora
ham's?"
"Not exactly. The firm took it up"
Blinky winked savagely at this.
'sThe f1rm-what fir1nY'
Graham & Duncan, sir. I've been
taken into partnership"
"Have, ehW Rlinky grunted mystic
riously and fished in his pocket for
some bills and silver. "Waal, here's
some change comm to the firm, then
And here" he added, producing the
document in question, "is Sans note"
THANK you" Duncan ceremonious.
~ deposited both in the till, going be.
hind the soda fountain to do so, and
then waited, expectant. Blinky was
grunting busily In the key Of one
about to make an important COM
munication.
"I'm glad you're a-comin' in here
with SAM" he said at length, with an
acid grimace that was meant to be q
smile.
"Oh, it may be only temporary"
Nat endeavored to assume a seraphic
expression and partially succeeded
"I'm devoting much Of my time to
my studies.' he pursued primly, "but
nevertheless feel should be earning
something too"
"That's right-that's the kind of
spirit like to see in young man.