Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-06-24
CHAPTER |. CONTINUED.

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would not be concerned if it were ten
times that sum. know the breed.
Why, once-and you. Thacker, would
have called me an idiot on that oc-
casion. tool insured his father
against the loss of a polo game by a
team on which the earl was playing.
And he played like the devil-the earl
lid won the game himself. All,
know the breed"
"Oh, we'll" sighed Thacker, 81
Won't argue. But one thing Is GER
& tain, Jephson You can't go back to
England now. Your place Is in San
4 Marco with one hand on the rope that
rings the wedding BELLS
Jephson shook his great bald head
mo-" he said. II must return to-
day. 1t is absolutely necessary. My
Interests in San Marco are in the
hands Of Providence"
Mr.. Thacker walked the floor wildly.
Providence needs help in handling
D woman" he protested. Miss Mey.
rick must not change her mind. Some
one must see that she doesn't. If you
can't 60 yourself" He paused, re-
Elected. Some young man, active
capable"
Mr.. Richard Minot had risen from
his chair, and was moving softly to-
ward his overcoat Looking over his
shoulder, he beheld Mr.. Thacker's
keen eyes upon him.
Just going out to lunch" he said
guiitily.
"Sit down, Richard remarked Mr.
Thacker with decision.
Mr.. Minot sat, the dread Of some.
thing impending in his heart.
"Jephson," said Mr.. Thacker, this
boy here is the son of man of whom
was very fond His father left him
the means to squander his life on clubs
and cocktails If he had chosen-but
he picked out a business career In
stead. Five years ago took him into
this office, and he has repaid me by
faithful, even brilliant service.
would trust him with-well, I'd trust
him as far as you'd trust member
OF your own peerage."
"Yes?" said Mr.. Jephson.
Mr.. Thacker wheeled dramatically
and faced his young assistant.
"Richard," he ordered, go to Sar
Marco. Go to San Marco and see to II
that Miss Cynthia Meyrick does not
change her mind
A gone feeling shot through Mr.
Minot In the vicinity of his stomach
It was possible that he really needed
that lunch.
Eyes, SIR" he said family. "Ot
course, it's up to me to do anything
you say. If you insist, I'll 60, but
But what, Richard?"
isn't it rather big order? Won.
mil OF
ternoon-or something of that sort
1t seems to me I've read they were
in books"
"Humph," snorted Mr.. Thacker. us
your knowledge of the ways of women
confined to books?"
A close observer might have noted
the ghost Of smile in Mr.. Minot's
clear blue eyes.
"In part 1t is,' he admitted. And
again-in part, 1t isn't"
"Well, put away your books, my
boy" said Mr.. Thacker. A nice, in.
structive little vacation has fallen on
you from heaven. Mad old Jephson
mere must be saved from himself.
\ That wedding must take place-posi-
lively, rain or shine. l trust you to
see that it does, Richard"
Mr.. Minot rose and stepped over to
his hat and coat.
I'm off for San Marco" he an
nounced blithely. His lips were firm
but smiling. The land Of sunshine
and flowers-and orange blossoms or
know the reason why
"Jephson trusts Harrowby,' said Mr.
Thacker. "All very we'll. But just
the same if ] were you I'd be aboard
that yacht tonight when it leaves New
York harbor. Invited or unlimited"
Il must ask" put in Mr.. Jephson
hurriedly, that you do nothing to en-
barrass Lord Harrowby in any way"
mo" said Thacker. But keep an
eve on him, my boy. A keen and busy
eve?"
II will" agreed Mr.. Mint. Do look