The herald., 1915-01-28
WICKED OLD MAN
BY ROGER JACOB DUNN.

The wickedest old man in town sat
at his desk in a room on the fortieth
story Of skyscraper. He was finger.
Ing a letter which he had just re.
ceived; after a while he rose and went
to a card index catalogue.
Randall-Randall," he muttered,
and began examining the records un.
der that name.
He seemed perplexed, for he could
not remember where the Randalls
came from. IL he had ever known.
Somewhere out West, he fancied. He
was still examining the catalogue
when the boy brought in a card, and
he resumed his chair just In time to
be able to rise and welcome a girl
who entered nervously and with evi.
dent signs of agitation.
"Sit down. Miss Randall" said the
wickedest old man in town, Offering
her chair.
But she refused to be seated, and.
opening her reticule, took out a letter
and a clipping and flung them angrily
upon the desk.
Il received your Matchmaking
scheme" she cried. We'll, do you
think you can do what you threaten
and get away with it?"
Madam, have been getting away
with 1t for fifteen years." answered
the wickedest man In town.
The girl collapsed into the chair
and burst into tears. The wickedest
man in town seemed really concerned
about her.
Now. now, control yourself" he
said soothingly. This is a simple
business proposition. I edit a paper
devoted to news Of the socially elite.
I have received very interesting in
formation about your family which
would make good reading. Before
printing it l submitted copy Of 1t
to you-a proof, We call it-asking
you whether you wish 1t to appear,
and, II not, whether you would care to
call here to discuss the matter. Well?"
But as the girl only stared at him
in helpless aversion, the wickedest
man in town proceeded to read the
article slowly, with due enunciation
Of every word.
1.-The Randall-Robinson wedding
which takes place on the day follow
ing the return of the bridegroom from
England, next month"
Yes, you coward" interrupted the
girl. IF Mr.. Robinson were here you
would not dare to print that He
would thrash you within an inch Of
your life"
Madam" said the wickedest man
in town, Il have been thrashed within
an inch Of my life at least once
year since became an editor. ]
thrive on it."
And he continued to read:
"'Will excite great interest, on &C.
count of the interesting past Of the
Randalls. Coming 'front.' left
blank there for you to fill in," he con-
tinued.
How much do you want to keep
that out of your paper?" demanded
Miss Juanita.
flush, my child" answered the
wickedest man in town. You admit
its truth, them"
How much?" repeated the girl in
fiexibly.
81 have some other interests be-
sides editing my paper" pursued the
wickedest old man in town thought
fully. 81 have a good deal Of mining
stock"
How many shares do you want me
to buy?" inquired the girl.
But it is not for sale. However,
II you are really thinking Of buying
mining stock l can put you in touch
with good friend Of mine who has
some for sale, believe. l will ask
him to call on you tonight. However,
Miss Juanita, 1t would be better for US
to be entirely frank with each other.
Since gather that you are averse to
having that item inserted, it shall not
be inserted. / always try to please
my friends. But now, tell me, where
do you come from?"
IL won't tell YOU"
"Your mothers maiden name, then"
urged the wickedest old man In town.
What are you going to do with that
information"
Keep 1t, my dear, for a hundred
years longer than live. Come. be as
frank with me as you would be with
your lawyer. Who are your people?"
MY mother was Miss Rogers OF
Austin" answered the girl
The wickedest old man in town
bowed, and, walking to the catalogue,
took out the Randall card. He showed
it to the girl, and then tore it into
tiny pieces, which he let flutter through
his fingers into the waste-paper bas-
ket.
Good day, Miss Randall" said the
wickedest old man in town. MY
friend will not call on you with that
mining stock"