Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1919-08-02

Barnes They were not 10 leave the
county until the authorities gave the
word. one would have thought. to
hear the stars indignant lamentations
that he and his party were in posi-
ton 70 depart when they pleased. II
would have been difficult to imagine
that he was not actually rolling IN
money instead Of being absolutely
pennileSs.
Barnes had been Immersed in his
own thoughts for some time. A slight
frOwn, as of reflection, darkened his
eyes. Suddenly-perhaps impOlitely-
he interrupted Mr.. Rushcroft's flow OF
elOquence
Have you any objection Mr.. Rush
croft, TO IA more or less personal ques-
ton concerning your own private-er-
misfortunes? he asked, leaning for
ward.
For moment one could have heard
pin drop. Mr.. Rushcroft evidently
held his breath. There could be no
mistake about that.
IT'S rather delicate, but would you
mind telling me just how much YOU
were stuck up for by thc-er-vas II
"A writ Of attachment"
at was" said the star. "A writ
Of inquisition, you might as we'll sub
stitute. The act of a polluted. impe-
cUnious, OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES shall I
say? Well, will be as simple as DOS
Slbie-hOtel keeper. Ninety seven dol
lars and forty cents. For that pitiful
amount he subjected me to"
well, that isn't so bad" said
Barnes, vastly relieved. He was COW
ertly watching Miss Thackeray's half
averted face as he ventured upon the
proposition he had decided to put be-
fore them. II am prepared and will
ling to advance this amount, Mr.. Rush
croft, and to take your personal note
as security"
Rushcroft leanef h 1ack in his chair
and stuck - 3 in the aruholes
of his We played no undue
siation. Inste. affected profound
His daughter slot a
swift, searching look at the would-be
There was a heightened
color in her cheeks.
Moreover, l shall be happy to in
crease the amount of the loan suffi-
GENTLY to cover your return at once
to New York, If you so desire-by
train" Barnes smiled as he added the
last two words.
Extremely kind Of you, my dear
Barnes" said the actor, running his
fingers through his hair. Your faith
in me is most gratifying. Il really
don't know what to say to you. sir"
May | inquire just how you ex-
pect to profit by this transaction. Mr..
BarnesT Miss Thackeray asked
steadily.
He started, catching her meaning.
MY dear Miss Thackeray." he ex-
this transaction is solely be-
tween your father and me. l shall
have no other claim to press"
Il wish l could believe that" she
said.
you may believe it," he assured
her.
1T isn't the usual course" she said
quietly. and her face Frightened. You
are not like most men. NJ. Barnes"
MY dear child" said Rushcroft.
you must leave this matter to our
friend and me. l fancy | know Oh
honest man when l see him My dear
fellow, fortune is but temporarily
frOwning upon me. In few weeks
| shall be on my feet ssSain. tipping
along on the crest Of the wave. | dare
say | can return the money 10 you in
a month or six weeks. If"
"Oh, father" cried Miss Thackeray.
'We'll make it six months, and I'll
pay any rate of interest you desire
Six per cent, eight per cent, ten per"
"SiX per cent. sir, and we will make
il a year from date"
agreed. Get up and dance for us,
Only, We shall be in New York to-
You forget the dictatorial sheriff,
Mr.. Rushcroft." said Barnes.
The varlet - barked Mr. RushcrOft
It was arranged that Dillingford and
Bacon were to 90 To Hornville in a
hired motor that afternoon, secure the
Judgment, pay the costs. and attend
to the removal Of the personal bcfong-
ngS of the stranded quartette from
the hotel To Harris Tavern. The
Younger actors Stoutly refused 10 ac-
rept Barnes offer to pay their board
while at the Tavern That. they de-
'lgred. would he charity. and they pre-
.erred his friendship and his respect
to anything of that sort Miss ThacI-
cray. however. was to be Immediately
relieved of her position as chamber
maid. She was to become a paying
guest.
Ru>hcroft took the whole affair with
he most noteworthy compiacency. He
seemed To regard il as his due. or
more properly speaking rs if he were
doing Barnes a great favor in allowing
him to lend money TO person of his
Importance.
y thought has just come to me.
my dear fellow" he remarked as they
arose from table. with the proper
kind of backing l could put over one
Of the most stupendous things the the
alter has known in fifty years. l don't
mind saying to you-althOugh it's
rather sub rosa-that have written Q