The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1916-12-28

"WhO is this new person, and Wnat
is his income?"
HE is Herr Otto Schmidt, and his
income is 10000 francs"
young or old?"
"Herr Schmidt is sixty years old"
"Good loOking?"
Good looking! Not at all. He has
no teeth and little or no hair On his
head
81 presume Signorina Blanca would
prefer almost any one else"
Certainly. But the signorina has no
choice in the matter"
"Does this old person furnish dowry
"a settlement on his bride to be-"
"No, signor."
avery WELL 1 see his 10000 francs
income and go him 100000 francs bet
ter as a settlement"
"But you said your income was only
5000 francs"
"That was for my wife's pin money"
"And you will settle this income on
her?'
yes
kauU LOO,UJO lIduCS UeSlu6S!
Eyes"
The broker pulled his mustache and
thought. Presently he said:
Il think, signOr, that you offer more
than is necessary"
Never mind that; carry my bid to
Signor AmOdeo."
The broker went to the home of his
client, leaving wilkins to await his
return. He was not long gone. When
be re-entered the office it was not with
an expression indicating that all had
been settled in his clients favor.
II found Signor Amodeo," he said,
drawing up contract with Herr
Schmidt. l made your offer. 1t seems
that Herr Schmidt as well as you has
been concealing his property. l pre-
sumo this was to make better terms
mot in my case; l had another rea-
son." interrupted Wilkins.
Herr Schmidt offers to settle on
Signorina Blanca 100000 francs"
Tell him to make it jack pot of
100000 francs settlement, and l will
open it with 100000 francs income be-
sides for the brides pin money"
"Ah, signor, you are joking!'
"NOt bit of it. If you or the others
think so go to my bankers. Martinelli
& Co., and learn something about my
pile
The broker departed. This time he
was gone quite awhile. When he re-
turned there was wonder in his eyes.
"Well?" asked Wilkins.
"Ah, signor, what does it mean
You, resident of the great gold coun-
try on the Pacific ocean, come to Italy
to bid for girl who, had you decided
sooner. might have been had for a
song
Have bid high enough? If not
High enough? Not yet. Herr
Schmidt turns out to be a rich brewer
in Milwaukee, wherever that is. But
your bankers say you own half doz-
en- of the biggest gold mines in Califor-
mia. Doubtless you cam
what is his offer?"
Gle says he is in the jack pot, sees
your opening and goes you 100000
francs in the matter Of settlement"
Tell him call, but 1 insist that 81
gnOrina Blanca shall decide which is
the better show down-his or mine"
Eyes, signor, butt
''But what?"
where do I come in?"
IF you succeed in getting the deci-
sion left with Signorina Blanca I will
make your commission 100000 francs -
The broker shot out of the Office and
ran down the street at top speed to
Signor AmOdeO's. Presently he re-
turned and told Wilkins that he was
expected by Signorina Blanca, who
would give her decision between her
two suitOrs. Wilkins went with the
broker and found Amodeo and Schmidt
together. Schmidt and Wilkins bow
ed formally. Amodeo went to another
room and came back with his daugh-
ter
Before l decide this question:" she
said, II want to know, Herr Schmidt.
why you wish to marry me and why
you concealed your Wealth.
Zach! I don't like bluff. l am an
old man, and wish young wife.
concealed my wealth because I know
how to make bargain
"And you, signor,' turning to Will
kins, "why do you wish me for your
wife?'
Because love you.'
'But why did you come to Italy to
find helpmate, and why did you con-
ceal your Wealth.
81 did not come abroad purposely for
a wife, but l have not married in
America because my wealth is known
there and one I might have chosen
would have married 1t, not me. Hav-
ing run up against your singular mar
riage custom here, thought l would
look into it. OF course I didn't display
my wealth. l had no intention Of 60
ing so far as to marry. The rest you
know"
Smiling, Blanca advanced to wilkins.
He opened his arms and took her In.
When wilkins returned to America
with his Italian bride the story got
about as to how he had won her, but
since neither he nor his bride told the