The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-01-20

SAM GRAHAM WAS WORRIED.
"And that's why he's coming down
here to take a look at you?" inquired
Tracey, skipping nimbly round the cor.
ner.
Curiously enough in my understand
ing for | own to no great faith in
Rolands statements, taking them by
and large) his friend from New York
put in an unheralded appearance in
Radville that same night on the even
ing train. The Bigelow House receiv-
ed him to its tgurative bosom under
the name of w. II. Burnham. He sent
for Roland promptly and treated him
to dinner at the hotel. something
which | have always regarded as a
punishment several sizes too large for
the crime. Later, having displayed
him on the streets in witness to his
good faith. Roland spent the evening
with Mr.. Burnham. mysteriously con-
fabulating behind closed doors in the
hotel
duncan was at the station q few
days later experimenting the transpor-
tation of the new stock, which had
come by the early local. Betty was
busy with her housework upstairs. and
only old Sam kept the shop.
Sam wasn't In the best Of spirits.
His evergreen optimism seldom with
cred. but in spite OF all that had al
ready been accomplished in behalf of
i'm tn Of hn
of his declining fortunes and his con-
tidence in and affection for Duncan.
Sam was worried He had been over
to the bank once even at that early
hour. but Blinky Lockwood had driven
out OF town to see about foreclosing
Dne of his numerous mortgages In the
neighborhood. and his note. which fell
due at the bank that day, was still
weight upon Sans mind.
Roland and Burnham found him
wandering nervousy round the store,
alternately taking his hat down from
the peg, us if minded to make a second
trip to the bank and replacing 1t as he
realized that patience was his part
"Why, hello. Roland" he cried cheer
fully. hanging up his hat for perhaps
the twentieth time. And. How de
doc, sir?" he greeted the stranger
Good morning. sir" said Burnham
pleasantly.
"Say, SAM" Roland bit 1dered with
his usual adroitness. this gentle
man.
Burnham's hand fell heavily on his
forearm.
whats that, Roland?" Sam turned
euriously to them.
'"Oh, nothin'; I was-er-just goin'
to say that this gentleman's my
friend from Moo York. Mr. Burnham,
and we just happened TO look In"
"The friend you were going to write
to about my burner?' inquired Sam.
1t was here that Roland got a look
from Mr.. Burnham that withered him
completely
"Why, no. Mr.. Graham" Burnham
interposed deftly. "Mr. Barnette must |
have been talking of some one else
he knew I'm New York. r.
Didn't know he knew more'n one |
there" Sam observed mildly.
Burnham's glance jumped warily to |
Sans face. but withdrew treasured, |
having detected therein nothing but |
the old mans kindly and simple ma
ture. "At all events" he continued. |
81 don't remember hearing anything |
about the matter twhat did you call 1t |
A burner. ehO from Mr.. Barnette."
81 s'pose Roland forgot" Sam al
lowed. Hes so busy courtin' our
pretty girls. Mr.. Burnham''-
Eyes, that was it, Roland put in
hastily, seeing his chance to mend
matters. 81 did intend to write you
about 1t. Mr.. Burnham. but It kind Of
slipped my mind. We've had lot of
important business over to the bank
"By the way. Roland, did you just
come from the bank? Is Mr.. Lock-
wood back yetT
"No; got Off this morning. I don't
think he is, Sam. Did you want to
see himr
"Well. yes" Sam admitted. 81 guess
you know about that, Roland"
"Mean business. sometimes. asking
favors of these bankers, eh, Mr.. Ora
1am?" Burnham remarked.
Graham nodded dolefully. "Yes, 1t
s unpleasant" he admitted confiding-
y. "You see, there's note Of mine