The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-28
PEPPERC0RN.
PICKLER

p; TO get into good society. Gold is the
key that opens every portal Already,
thanks to Sir Guillaume, l have made
! many excellent friends"
Seems to me, my lad, as he's max
in pretty pickin' out O. you"
I Why. he has introduced me to no
end OF first-class people, and if we
join the board of his new company l
shall be certain to meet with many
more. There is Graft of the pros
pectus, dad said he, handing the pa
per to his father What do you think
of it,"
We'll, l don't know much about
prospectuses an shares an SIGH things.
Pickles is more in my line
dad, wish you wouldn't drag the
shop up at every turn. Your business
was success, and you have a right
to be proud of it. But there is no
reason that your mouth should be al
ways full Of"
Pickles, Ell? Ha, ha, Well, p'r'aps
not But it's natural, after all, to
think of old friends. But let's look
at your prospectus. 'Hyacinths, Linn
tied Umph Sounds pretty well.
This company is formed to take up con-
cessions for the collection of bulbs
from the battlefields of South Africa.
Managing director, Sir Cullen 'Awks-
leigh"
"Oh, yes; it sounds very fine. But
is it any good? Will it pay?"
"Sir Guillaume assures me there is
money in it. I've promised to take
1000 shares, dad, and the object Of
the baronet's visit is to induce you to
take up similar number and join the
boa.d. But whichever way you de-
eide, want you to be especially nice
to Sir Guillaume and his daughter"
You don't mean to say that he's
bringing his daughter here? Is she
in the bulb business, too?"
Dad, Alicia is a lady love her to
distraction. and so will you when you
see her. She is the most beauti-
full
"Umph! 'Andsome is as 'andsome
does What about your old sweet
heart. Polly? Have you spoke to
Polly? Have you told her of this en-
gagement?"
'Why-er--no, not yet" said Bob,
. uneasily. II have not had chance"
You'll have one of my roses, won't
you, nunky. dear?" said Polly, entering
T from the garden. "There-isn't 1t q
, beauty? But what's the secret?"
. why, the fact is, my DEAR" said her
uncle, with some hesitation. Bob has
, something important to say"
What is it, Bob?" she asked; but,
unheeding the panied look upon her
face, he hurried from the room.
4 In mighty bad humor was Peter Pep
percorn when Bob, accompanied by
Sir Guillaume and his daughter en-
, tered and said: Let me introduce
, you Alicia-Sr Guilaume--this is my
father"
The pictures are nice. amt they?'
said Peter. Real lie paintin's, every
one of EN-"
The old mans fool"
"By the way. Sir Guillaume," said
Bob, 81 have already spoken to my
father concerning the bulbs"
"Ah!" said Peter. "Talkin' of bulbs,
Miss 'Awksleigh, while you're in the
garden, just make Bob show you our
onions We've got the nobbiest lot
Of"
"Onions," said Alicia, with a shud-
der "Malodorous, vulgar abomina-
tons"
"Haloa, dad" said Bob, entering
hastily; here you are. Here's a wire
for you"
Peter stood with his head sunken
upon his breast and his hands thrust
deep into his breeches pockets.
The telegram had read "Interna-
tional suspended payment. Utter col
lapse"
With suppressed oath Bob crushed
the telegram in his hand and strobe
to the mantelpiece, where he stood,
his head resting on his hands, the pic
ture of despair.
Sir Guillaume gave his daughter a
significant glance. Come, Alicia. my
dear" said he moving toward the
door. Il think we had better with
draw
Ruined, Ruined" cried Bob. as
he flung himself into chair.
who's ruined?" asked Polly, enter
ing at that moment "Why-Bob-
| uncle-what's the matter?"
Read it there" said he, handing her
the crumpled telegram.
Slowly she smoothed it out and read
the fatefui words. Then, brushing the
tears from her eyes, she cried, hope
| fully. Never mind, Bob You are
young; you can make fresh start.
have a little mOney-nOt much-only
81 900 granny left me; but 1t is yours
II you will take it-every penny"
The young man vouchsafed no an
swer, and Polly was turning sadly
away when Peter, crossing to his sons
side, said. Bob, amt your eyes open
YETI"
Eyes, dad, they are" he cried.
springing up. They are, to my own
folly. | have been blinded hitherto
dazzled by outward show. Polly, dear,
can you forgive me?'
Il forgive you, Bob, all have to for
| give There's my hand.
Back to the pickle tubs-eh, dad?"
"Not a bit of it, my lad. But since
! Polly's goin TO be mistress in real
! earnest she must have a better house
than this, and"
"But you forget, dad The tele.
gram"
oh, that's all right" answered the
old man, with chuckle; Il sent it