The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-05-23
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change the facts at all II you per.
sist in your blindness?"
Il can never believe that father
deliberately tricked or cheated
anyone"
He shrugged. "As you wish." he
said coolly. but it is still true,
nevertheless, and you are giving
up the one chance to make good for
him. He wanted to do it himself.
Can't you see that in his letter? He
asked for time. but he knew he
couldn't raise the money"
Through V:rginia's mind shot a
perplexing question. one that
strengthened her faith. but II
father cheated you why didn't he
have the money to pay you back
when you found 1t out?" she asked
cunningly.
"A very bright idea, my dear.
but not so confounding as you
think. He hadn't the money for the
simple reason that he himself was
double.crossed after he had double.
crossed me. It goes that way In
B. L." He Tipped his hand in a
negligent motion. and smiled. 1T
was rather joke on Richard an
expensive one. He informed me
that he'd been hi-jackcd. and SO he
was, later. got in touch with his
lieutenant and found out for my.
self, because I don't allow any man
to lose 100000 for me without
looking into it.
His voice was hard as steel now
and Virginia felt the first pang of
genuine doubt creeping into her
heart. But she fought or.
HE was ready to try again." she
said. would he have wanted>to do
that If he had been hi.
jacked?"
Richard would, yes. He was al.
ways fool about money. You can
see for yourself in his letter that
he admits failure and still ex.
presses his willingness to take an.
other chance. All his life he'd been
wrecking the Brewster fortune be.
cause he didn't know how to handle,
It, And at last he was driven des-
perate to keep up appearances. His
doctor and his lawyer both advised
him to put on the brakes. but he
hadn't the faintest idea OF how to
do It,"
A tortured cry rose in Virginia's
throat but she stifled It, determined
not to show her fear and grief.
But I can say tina: I believe he
wanted to return my money" Dean
went on, his tones a little less
sharp. Perhaps he would have
done 1t, too. If he had lived. And
l dare say he never would have
taken advantage Of friend IL he
hadn't been fighting with his back
to the wall. Adversely is a great
lcveler of character, you know. But
your refusal to acknowledge the
debt is greater surprise to me.
Virginia, than your fathers dis.
honesty"
HE wasn't dishonest! No matter
what you say I know my father
never cheated you. But II you be-
lieve 1t. IL you want your pound OF
flesh, you shall have it," She was
on her feet now. hands clenched at
her side and her whole body trem.
bling with emotion.
For an instant Deans gaze wav.
cred under the lash Of her scorn.
but only for an instant. Then he
was coolly assuring her Of his
whole.hearted desire for the last
ounce Of the proverbial pound.
"And you must change your mind
about leaving the house," he added.
I'VE will arrange to be married
quietly In Z few weeks and slip
away to the Mediterranean for our
! honeymoon"
| Married." Virginia cried. <Mar
T1ed! Id rather die!"
| Deans face darkened instantly.
| How then. may I ask" he said
fhisidly. "do> you propose to pay
the debit"
10 BE Continued)