Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1925-05-20

money. He more than filled the gap
created by the hostile eX-directOr
People argued that such a clever man.
just returning from the Far East af
ter accomplishing a public mission of
some Importance, must be reliable
guide. The mere cabled intelligence of
his intention to join the board Sc
stored confidence and credit.
But-there was bargain. If Iris
lived, she must become the Countess
of Ventnor His lordship was weary
of peripatetic love-making. 1t was high
time he settled down in life, took an
interest in the legislature, and
achieved position in the world OF at
fairs. He had a chance now. The GER
tain success of his friends project,
the fortunate completion of his own
diplomatic undertaking, marriage with
a beautiful and charming woman
these items would consolidate his ca
reer. If Iris were not available, plenty
of women, high-placed IN society,",
would accept such an eligible bach
elor. But his heart was set on Iris.
She was honest, high-prlnc1pled, pure
in body and mind, and none prizes
these essentials in wife more than
WORKOUT rOue.
He seized the first opportunity that
presented itself to make Sir Arthur
Deane acquainted with decision al
ready dreaded by the unfortunate
shipowner. Iris must either abandon
her infatuation for Anstruther or bring
about the ruin of her father. There
was no mean.
eff she declines to become Countess
| of Ventnor, she can marry whom she
likes. as you will be all paupers to-
gether." was the Earl's caustic sum-
ming up.
This brutal argument rather over
shot the mark. The shipowner's face
flushed with anger, and Lord Ventnor
FASTENED to retrieve a false step.
ST didn't exactly mean to put 1t that
way. Deane, but my temper is NIUE
short these days. My position on board
this ship is intolerable. AS matter OF
fair dealing to me, you should put d
stop to your daughters attltuoe
towards Anstruther, on the GROUND
that her engagement is neither ap-
proved of by you nor desirable unoer
any consideration"
1t may be assumed from this remark
that even the Earls sardonlc temper
was ruffled by the girls outrageous
behavior. Nor was it exactly pleasahC
! to him to note how steadily Anstruther
advanced in the favor of every oI1cer
ON the ship. By tacit consent the court
martial was tabooed, at any rate until
tho Orient reached Singapore. Every
one knew that the quarrel lay pc
tween Robert and Ventnor, and II IS
NOT To he wondered at if Ir1sS 1nnu-
ence alone were sufficient to turn the
scale in favor of her lover.
The shipowner refused polnt-blanK
to Interfere in any way during the
voyage. IN
"You promised your cooperation III
bucinass even if we found that the
Sirdar had gone down with all nanos'
he retorted bitterly. do you Wlsh me
to make my daughter believe she mas
come back into my life only TO prlng
me irretrievable ruin?
'"That appears to be the result no
matter how you may endeavor 10 dls-
guise it,"
II thought the days were gone when
man would wish to marry woman
AGAINST her will"
.Nonsense! What does she know
about it? The glamour of this lsland
romance will soon wear off. 1t would
he different if Anstruther were able
to maintain her decently. He is an an
solute beggar, tell you. Didn't he snip
on your own vessel as a steward
Take my tip, Deane. Tell him how mat
tiers stand with you, and he Will cool
off"
He believed nothing of the sort, but
he was desperately anxious that IRIS
should learn the truth as to her fath-
er's dilemma from other lips than his
own. This would be. the first point
gained. Others would follow.
The two men were conversing IN
the Earrs cabin On the deck over
head very different chat was taking
place.
The Orient was due in Singapore
that afternoon. Iris was invited into
the chart-room on some pretext, and
Lieutenant P1aydon, delegated by the
commander and the first lieutenant,
buttonholed Robert.
With sailor-like directness he came
| STRAIGHT IN fhe point