The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-09-07
CHAPTER xVi.-continued.

STAF EN- NHt.-SOnIinuSu.
ID
Caroline, crimson with modification,
protested Indignantly.
"Mr. Sylvester" she said, ut is not
necessary to-
Excuse me"-her uncle's tone was
sharper and more stern-"I think 1t Is
Go on, Sylvester"
The lawyer looked far from comfort
able, but he spoke at once and to the
point.
81 should have told you and your son
Just this, Mrs. Dunn" he said. Il init
mated it before, and Miss Warren had
already written you the essential facts.
A new and unexpected development,
the nature of which am not at liberty
TO disclose now or later makes Abijah
WalTen's estate absolutely bankrupt
not only that, but many thousand dol
lars in debt His heirs are lief; penni
less"
1t was blunt beyond doubt. Even
Captain Elisha WINGED at the word
''penniless.' Caroline, swaying, put q
hand on the table to steady herself
Thank you, Mr.. Sylvester" said the
captain quietly. 'I'll see you again in
a few moments"
The lawyer bowed and left the room
evidently glad to escape. Captain Eli
sha turned to Mrs. Dunn
"And now, ma'am," he observed
"that part of the business is over My
niece is poor girl She needs some
body to support her and look out for
her. She's got chat somebody we're
all thankful to say. She's engaged to
Mr.. Malcolm here. l understand from
Steve that Malcolm's been mighty anx-
ious to have the weddin' day hurried
along. can't say as l blame him.
And think the sooner they're married
the better. Now. how soon can we
make it, Mrs. Dunn?"
Caroline gazed at her guardian In
Mortified amaZement. "Whyw she cried.
"You-you- What do you mean by
SUCH
Don't be an idiot, Caro-" cut In her
brother. s,, II told you to be sensible.
captain warren's dead right"
Steve, you stay out of this" There
was no misunderstanding the captains
tone. "When / want your opinion I'll
ask for 1t. And, Caroline, l want you
to stay out too. This is my trick ut
the wheel. Mrs. Dunn, what d'you
say? Never mind the young folks. You
and me know that marriage is bust
ness, same as everything else. How
soon can we have the weddin'?"
Mrs. Dunn had apparently nothing to
say-to him. She addressed her next
remark to Caroline.
my dear" she said, in great agita-
ton, this is really too dreadful This
--er-guardian Of yours appears to
think he is in some barbarous country
-savages about. Come, Malcolm, take
her away"
mo" Captain Elisha steppedin front
of the door. "She amt goin' and I'd
rather you wouldn't go yet. Let's set
tie this up now. Well, Mr.. Dunn"
turning to the groom to be, you're
one of the interested parties-what do
you say?"
Malcolm ground his heel into the rug.
81 don't consider it your business" he
declared. you're butting in where
"No, no, amt. It's my business, and
business is just what it is. There's
business contract between you and my
niece. We want - know how soon 1t
can be carried out, that's all"
The young man Locked desperately at
the door, but the captains broad Shout
ders blocked the way toward it. He
hesitated, scowled, and then, with
shrug of his shoulders. surrendered.
GLOW can 1 marry" he demanded
sullenly. "Confound it! My salary
isn't large enough to pay my own way
decently."
"Malcolm| cried his mother warn.
ingly.
"Well, mater, what the devils the
use of all this? You know By Jove,
you ought tor
Hold on, young fellerl don't un-
derstand. Your wages amt large
enough, you say2 What do you mean?
You was goin' to be married, wasn't
you? Caroline don't you say a word.
You say-you"-addressing Malcolm
"thnt you can't support wife on your
wages. You could scrape along, couldn't
you Hey? Couldn't you"
Malcolm's answer was another scorn
full shrug. you be'Nng on Cape Cod"
he sneered. Mater, let's get out of
this"
wait Put 1t plain now. DO l un-
darstand that you cal'late to break the
<~.~N~~~~N~>~eS~~.~s~N
Blowing Wells.
What aro lvV.oxrvt, hIox1,iyo walls