Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1915-03-05

will send the details by letter to the
inquiring office. Take the matter up
again tomorrow, Bartels, and 60.
through it thoroughly"
Ned was a good deal unnerved by
the happenings OF the day. He found
himself unable to confine his thoughts.
to business. He was grieving over
the shock the failure of her father
must bring to Lille.
At the same time, somehow he took
new heart of hope. 1t appeared to
him as If a barrier had been removed
that of wealth. Now she was poor.
They were on an quail social foot
ing.
"I'll do IT," he decided forcibly, and
he went to see pretty Lille that same
afternoon. He spoke out boldly. He
knew from the sweet delight in Lii
lies eyes that she returned his love.
When he spoke Of living on his lin
tied salary, she -verred stanchly that
1t was abundant-too muchl
What would Mr.. Wayne say when
he knew Of the engagement, Ned
wondered. There was one point Of
assurance, however. 1t would come
out that he had proposed to Lille
knowing that she was poor as him
self. They could not charge him with
being after the fortune that no longer
existed.
"I1l wait a day and get up my
nerve before tell Mr.: Wayne that I
am going to marry Lille" Ned decid-
ed, but that afternoon there came a
startling telephone message that ma.
terially changed his plans.
A slip of paper on his desk an
nounced that Robert Wayne wished
to see the reporter who had written
him up the day previous"
'Tm in for it," cogitated the dis
turbed Ned. 81 suppose I'll be raked
fore and aft for anticipating the fu
ture. Well, did my duty anyway
1t goes, and I'll have to tell him 80.
"Oh, you are the reporter who Is
responsible for that precious screet
regarding the terrible condition Of my
affairs. are your" challenged Mr.
Wayne, as Ned was ushered into hit
private office.
Mutely and meekly Ned assented.
Where did you get your informa
tion?"
Ned recited the circumstances
frankly and with manliness. To hi
profound amazement Mr.. Wayne burs
into fit Of the most uproarious laugh
ter. His frame shook, the tears stoo,
in his eyes.
81 see It all now he said, at lengtl
controlling his risibilities. young
man, the conversation you overhear
through that transom was betweel
my lawyer and brother of mine Il
another city, but-nothing could hav
come about more fortunate for m
than your error.
81 do not understand" murmure
Ned.
Then I will explain: Some tim
since I was lured into subscribin
for $4,000 stock Of a company late
ascertained to be a fake concern.
paid ten per cent down. They d.
manded the balance. sent an ager
down to them in another city to neg,
tiate a compromise. He was ready
offer fifty per cent. He advised m
they demanded all. and had sent fc
a report. You sent It under an erro
They Immediately settled for $1,000
You saved me $4,000. What can
do for your"
AS he spoke Mr.. Wayne graspe
Ned's hand heartily. The latter blur
ed out:
'Lillie-please, sir! We are e
gagged"
"What-how-when!" gasped M
/ Wayne.
AS soon as learned she was poe
sir"
II "And ready to take a pauper al
her insolent old dad. eh?" rallied NJ
Wayne.
"oh. you wouldn't stay down lons
complimented Ned.
"And your fidelity to duty, ev,
under mistaken circumstances, pleas
d me-" observed Mr.. Wayne. well.
shall be as Lille says"
Il And Lille had "said." already!
!. (Copyright 1914 nv w. q. Chairman