The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1912-06-21


Armstrong of Colorado was handed to
him.
This. I suppose" he thought test
lily. is one Of the results Of Ends
wanderings into that God.forsaken
land. Did you ask the man his busi-
ness. james," he said aloud to the
footman.
Yes, sir. He said he wanted to see
you on important business, and when
l made bold to ask him what busi-
ness. he said II was none of mine, and
for me to take the message to you.
SIR"
'lmpudent," growled Mr.. Maitland.
Yes. sir. but he Is the kind Of q
gentleman you don't talk back to. sir. {"
We'll. you 60 back and tell him
that you have given me his card, and
l should like to know what he wishes
to see me about, that I am very busy
this morning and unless it is q mat
ter of importance-you understand"
Yes. sir"
Il suppose now I shall have the
whole west unloaded upon me; every
vagabond friend Of Roberts and peo-
pie who meet Enid" he thought. but
his reveries we're shortly interrupted
by the return Of the man.
III you please, sir" began James
hesitatingly. as he re-entered the
room. he says his business is about
the young lady. sir"
"Confound his impudence!" ex-
claimed Mr.. Maitland. more and more
annoyed at what he was pleased to
characterize mentally as western as
surance. Where is he?"
in the hall, sir"
SHOW him into the library and say
| shall be down In a moment"
Very good, sir"
ual who confronted Stephen Maitland
few moments afterward In the H.
brary, for Armstrong was not accus-
toned to such cavalier treatment, and
had Maitland been other than Ends
father he would have given more out
ward expression at his Indignation
over the discourtesy In his reception.
'Mr. James Armstrong. l believe"
began Mr.. Maitland. looking at the
card In his hand.
Yes. sir"
"Er-from Colorado?"
And proud OF It."
"Ah. dare say. believe you wish.
ed to see me about"
Your daughter. sir"
And in what way are you concern.
ed about her. sir?"
Il wish to make her my wife"
Great Cod" exclaimed the older
man In a voice equally divided be.
tween horror and establishment.
How dare you, sir? You amaze me
beyond measure with your internal
impudence."
Excuse me. Mr.. Maitland" inter
posed Armstrong quickly and with
great spirit and determination. but
where I come from We don't allow
anybody to talk to us In this way.
You are Ends father and a much old.
er man than I. but can't permit you
To-
Sir" said astounded Maitland.
drawing himself up at this bold hout.
ing, you may be a very worthy young
man. have no doubt Of II, but II is
out of the question. My daughter"
Again a less excited hearer might
have noticed the emphasis In the pro-
noun
why. she is halfway engaged to
me now" interrupted the younger
man with a certain contemptuous
amusement In his voice. Look here,
Mr.. Maitland. I've knocked around this
world a good deal. know what's
what l know all about you eastern
people and l don't fancy you any
more than you fancy us. Miss Enid is
quite unspoiled yet and that 10 why
want her. I'm well able to take care
of her. too; l don't know what you've
got or how you got II. but I can come
near laying down dollar for dollar
with you, and mines all clean money
mines. cattle. lumber-and it's all
good money. made II myself. I left
her two weeks ago with her promise
that she would think very seriously
of my suit. After I came back to Den.
ver-I was called east-I made up my
mind that I'd come here when I'd I'm
ished my business and have II out
with you. Now you can treat me like
a dog II you want to. but II you expect
to keep peace in the family you'd bet.
ter not. for tell you plainly. whether
you give your consent or not. I mean
to win her. All want Is her consent.
and I've pretty nearly got that"
Mr.. Stephen Maitland was black
with anger at this clear. unequivocal.
determined statement Of the case
from Armstrong; point Of view.
Il would rather see her dead" he
exclaimed with angry stubbornness.
than married to q man like you.
How dare you force yourself into my
houaA and tnsult me- In thya ..vS