Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 December 1910 — Page 2

THE FORTUNE HUNTER

Novelized

Novelized by LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE

From the Play of the < Same Name by <

WINCHELL SMITH

CHAPTER XL SHE was scrubbing blindly at the same glass when, a quarter of ’ an hour later. Blinky Lockwood strode into the store, his right eye twitching more violently than usual, as it always does in his phases Of mental disturbance—as when, for instance, he fears he’s going to lose a dollar. Lockwood is that type of man who was born to grow rich. In person be is as beautiful as a snake fence, as alluring as a stone wall Something over six feet in height, he walks with a stoop, one hand always in a trousers pocket jingling silver, that materially detracts from his stature. His face, like his figure, is gaunt and lanky, bls nose an emaciated beak. His mouth Illustrates his attitude toward property—is a trap from which nothing of value ever escapes. His eyes are small and hard and set close together under lowering brows. He’s grizzled, with hair not actually white, but gray as the iron from which bis heart was fashioned. Aside from these characteristics, his principal peculiarity Is a nervous twitching of the right eye which has earned him his sobriquet of Blinky. Legrand Gunn said he contracted the

"I'M AFBALD MOT.” SHE SAID.

affliction through squinting at the silver dollar to make sure none of its milling bud been worn off. I have never known the man to wear anythingbqt a rusty old frock coat, black, of course, and black and shiny broadcloth trousers. with a hat that has always a coating of dust so thick that it seems a mottled gray. He grunts bis words, a grunt to each. He grunted at Betty when he saw her. •‘Where's your father?” She put down her glass and dish rag. “I don’t know, sir.” “Don't know, eh?" he asked in an indescribably offensive tone. “I think he wont to the bank to see you.” “Oh. he did. eh? Did he have anything for me?" The girl rook up another glass. “I don’t know, sir.” she said wearily “I’m afraid not” "Well, if be didn't there’s no use seein' me It won't do him any good." “I guess tie knows that,” she return ed. with a little flash of spirit, “Does, eh? Well, that's a good thing —saves talk You don’t do no business here, not to speak of. do ye?" “No. not to speak of" "Then wtwit's the good of all this foolishness fixi-i’ up?" “I don't know ” "Costs money don't it ?" “1 guess so ' . “And that ii:<»*«*y “J>e!<»tigs to me.” “It’s Mr D'-n.-an’s doing Father ain't payin2 for it He can't ” “What's 'dthen? » Sit,tin', round foolin with bis inventions, ain’t he?” “Yes.” ‘ “What’s he inventin’ now?" “I don't know much about it" She pointed to the model beneath the window. “That’s the last thing. I guess.” Blinky snorted and stamped over to the window, stooping to peer at the machine. "What’s the good of that?” he demand<-d. disdainful, and without waiting for her response went on nag* ging. “Foolishness! ‘ That’s what it is. Why don’t you tell him not to waste his rime this way?" “Because he tikes it,” said Betty hopelessly. “It’s the only thing that makes life worth while to him. So I let him alone." “What difference does that make? It don’t bring him in nothin’, does it? No, airee. it don’t What does he do with them things?” “Patents them.” “And then what?" “Nothin’ that I know of." “That’s it—nothin', nor ever will. Well, he’s been gettin’ money from me for those patents. I thought at

fust there might be somethin’ in ’em. But be won’t any more." She interjected a significant “HuhT He broke off abruptly, pale with anger. “Well. I want to see him. and I want to see him before noon,” he snapped. “I’m goin’ over to the bank, an’ if he knows wbat's good for him he’ll come there pretty darn quick." He swung on one heel and slouched out as Betty turned to go upstairs.

BLINRY LOCKWOOD

Presently she reapp**arvd. pinning on her sad little hat. and left the store. It was upward of an hour before she returned, walking quickly and very erect with her bead up and shoulders back, her eves misphiously bright. Even old Sam. who bail returned from the depot after missing Blinky at the hank—«*ven he b’’nd a< he ordinarily was. saw instantly that something was wrong with thy child “Why. Betty,” he cried tn solicitude as she flung Into the store—“ Betty, dear, what’s the matter?” For an instant ahe seemed speechless. Then she tore the hat from her bead and cast It regardlesly upon the counter “Father.” she cried—“father!" and pulped to down her emotion “Can you get me some money?” "Money? Why Berry, what”— Her foot came down on the floor impatiently “Can yon get me some money ?" she repeated in a breath. “Well-er—bow much. Betty?” He tried to touch her. to take her to his arms, but she moved away, her sorry little figure ouivorinc from head to feel. “Enough." she said half sobbingenough to buy a dress—a nice dress—a dress that will surprise folks”— “But tell me what the matter is, Betty Wanting a dress would never upset you like iliis ” She whip; til the eracked and crumpled card fr<mi tier pocket and pushed

“HE’LL COME PRETTY DARN QUICK.”

it into his bund “Look at that!” she bade him and turned away, struggling with all her might to keep back the tears. He read, bis old face softening. "Josie Lock wood’s party, eh? And she’s sent you an invitation. Well, that was kind of her. very kind.” She swung upon him in a fury. “No.

it was not kind.' It wr» mean! It was mean!” “Oh. Betty.” he begged tn consternation. "don't say that. I’m sure”— “Oh. you don’t know! I beard the girls talkin’ in the postoffice—Angie Tuthill and Marne Garrison and Bessie Gabriel I- was round'by the boxes where they couldn’t see me. but I could hear them, and they were laughin’ because I was invited. They said the reason Josie did it was because she knew I didn’t have anything to wear, and she wanted to hear what excuse I'd make for not goin*. Ah, I heard them!” * . “Oh, but Betty, Betty,” he pleaded, “don’t you mind what they say. Don’t”— “But I do mind* I can’t help mindin’. They're mean.” She paused, her features hardening. “I’m goin' to that party." she declared tensely; “I’m goin’ to that party, and—and I’m goin’ to have a dress to go in too! I don’t care what I do—l'm goin’ to have that dress!” Sam would have soothed her as best he might, but she would neither look at nor come uear him “We’ll see." be said gently. “We’ll see. I’ll try"— She turned on him! exasperated beyond thought. “That only means you can’t help me!” “Oh. no. It doesn't I'll do what I can.” “Have you got any money now?” He bung bis head to avoid her blazing eyes "Well—no— not at present, but here's this new stock and”— "That doesn’t mean anything, and you know 1L You owe that note to Mr. Lockwood, don’t you? And you can’t pay it” “Npttoday. Betty, but he’ll give me a Httle more time. I’m sure. He’s kind, very kind ” “You don’t know him. He's as mean —as mean as dirt—as mean as Josie.” “Betty!” “Then if you did get any money you’d have to give it to him. wouldn’t you?” “Yes. but I’m sure—l think It’ll come all right." “Ah. what’s the use of talkin’ that way? What’s the use of talkin’ at

"NOW DON’T SAY THAT."

all? I know you can’t do anything for me. and so d»> you”' Sam had dropped into bis chair, uniable to stand before this storm; be stared now. mute with amazement. nt this child who had so long, so uncomplainingly. shared his poverty and privations, grown suddenly to the stat ure of a woman—and a tormented, passionate woman, stung to the quick by the injustice of her lot He put out a hand in a feeble gesture of placa tion. hut she brushed it away as she bent toward him. speaking so quickly that her words stumbled and ran into one another “I can't understand it!” she raged “Why is it that 1 have to be more shabby than any other girl in town? Why is it that the others have al! the fun and I all the drudgery? Why is it that 1 can't ever go anywhere with the boys and girls and laugh and and have a good time like the rest do?" Sam bent his head to the blast. In his lap his hands worked nervously But he could not answer her “It ain’t that 1 mind the cookin' and doin’ the housework and—all the rest—but—why is it you can never give me anything at ail? Why must it be that every one looks down on us and sneers and laughs at us? Why is it that half the rime we haven't got enough to eat? Other men manage to take cate of their families and give their children things to wear You've got only us -two to look after, and you can't even do that It isn't right, it isn’t decent, and If I were yon I d be ashamed of myself"Her temper bad spent itself, and with this final cry she checked abrupt ly. with a catch at her breath for shame of what she bad let herself say But. childlike, she was not ready to own her sorrow, and she turned her back. trembling. ( Sam. too. was shaken In fils heart he knew there was justification for her indictment, truth in what she had said And he was heartbroken for her He got up unsteadily and put a gentle hand upon her shoulder. “Why. Betty -I”A dry sob interrupted him. He pulled himself together and forced his voice to a tone of confidence. “Just be a little patient, dear. I’m sure things will be better with us soon. Just a little more patience; that’s all. Why. there was a gentleman here this morning from Noo York city talkin' about an invention of mine." ■' The girl moved restlessly, shaking off his hand. “Invention!” she echoed bitterly. “Oh. father! Everybody knows they’re no good! You’ve been wastin’ time on ’em ever since I can remember, and you've never made a dollar out of one yet’”

He bowed to the truth of this, then again braced up bravely. “But this gentleman seamed quite interested. He’s over to the Bigelow House now. I think I’ll step over and have a talk with him”— “You’d much better go and have a talk with Blinky Lockwoojd,” she told him brutally. “He’s waitin’ for you at the bank and said be wasn't goin’ to wait after 12 o’clock neither”’ “Well, perhaps you're right. I’ll go there. It’s after 12. but”— He started to get his bat and stopped with an “Why, Nat! I didn't know you’d got back!” . ■< Duncan was at the back of the store clearing the last remnants of the old stock from the shelves. “Yes,” he said pleasantly, without turning, “I’ve been here some time cleaning up the cellar to make room for the stuff that's coming in. I came upstairs just a moment ago, but you were so busy talking you didn’t notice me." He paused, swept the empty shelves with a calculating glance and came out around the end of the counter. “Everything’s in tiptop shape.” he said. “I checked up the bill of lading myself, and there’s not a thing missing. not a bit of breakage Mr. Graham.” be continued, dropping a gentle hand on the old man's shoulder, “you’re going to have the finest drug store in the state within six months. With the stuff that Sperry has sent us we can make Sotbern & Lee look like 65 cents on the dollar. We’re going to make things hum in this old shop, and don’t you forget it.” He laughed lightly, with a note of encouragement. But he avoided Graham’s eyes even as he did Betty's. He could not meet the pitiful look of the former, any more than that stare of hostility and defiance tn the latter. “It’s good of you. my boy.” Graham quavered. “I—but I’m afraid it won’t’’— “Now don’t say that!” Duncan interposed firmly “And don’t let me keep? you. 1 think you said you were going out on business? And I'll be busy enough right here." And. without exactly knowing how It had come about. Graham found himself in the street, stumbling downtown toward the liank When he had gone Duncan would have returned to the shelves for a final redding up. He desired least of all things an encounter with Betty in her present frame of mind. With a sud den movement she throw herself in front of Duncan. “So you were listening!” “I’m sorry.” he said uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean to hear anything.” he argued plaintively. “I was in the room before I understood and by the time I did it was too late—you had finished.” “Oh, don’t try to explain. I—l hate you!” she continued. He held her eyes Inquiringly. “Yes,” he said in the tone of one who solves a puzzling problem. “I believe you do.” She looked away, shaking with passion. “You just better believe it” “Rut.” he went on quietly, "you don’t hate your father, too. do you. Miss Graham?" ’ “What do you mean by that. Mr. Duncan?” “I mean.” he said, faltering, “I’m going to give you a bit of advice. Don’t you talk to your father again the way yon did just now ” “Well, you ain’t me!" she cried savagely. “You ain’t me! Understand that? When I want advice from you I’ll ask for it Until Ido you let me alone." “Very well.” he replied so calmly that she lost her bearings for a moment And inevitably this, emphasizing as it did all that she resented most in him—his education, wit. address, bis

"IT’S GOOD OF YOU, MY BOY."

advantages of every sort—only served further to infuriate the child. “Oh. I know why you talk that way!” she said, rubbing her poor little hands together k “Do you?” be asked in wonder. “Yes, I do-you!” • Suddenly she found words —poverty stricken words, it’s true, but the best she had wherewith to express herself. And for a little they flowed from her lips, a scalding, scathing torrent. “It’s because you go to church all the time and try to look like a saint and—and try to make out you're too religions for anything and like to hear yourself givin’ Christian advice to poor miserable sinners like me. You think that’s just too lovely of you. That’s why you said it. If you want to know. Folks wonder what you’re doing here, don’t they? Guess you know that, and like it too It makes ’em look at you and talk about you. and that’s wbat you like. I could tell ’em. You’re only here to show off your good clothes and your finger nails and the way you past your hair and —and all the other things you do that nobody in Noo York would pay any attention to.”

“A pretty good guess at that.” he acknowledged candidly. “Yes. it and I know it, and you know It. Ob. it’s easy enough to give advice when you've got plenty of money and fine clothes and—but”— “I understand." he said when she paused to get a grip upon herself and find again the words she needed “You needn't say any more The only rea-

“I’VE SLEPT ON PARK BENCHES."

son I said wbat I did was because I’m strong for your father and—well, I wanted to do you a good turn too." “1 don’t want your apologies.” “All right Only think over wbat 1 said seme time.” “1 ha a good reasob for saying wbat 1 did ” “I know you had ” “How do you know?”' “Because I'm not what you think I am altogether '■' “I guess you're not.” she snapped. “But I don't mean what you mean. I mean you think I'm conceited and rich and don't know what trouble is Well, you're mistaken. Many’s the time I've dodged round corners to avoid meeting men I knew would invite me to have dinner or luncheon or a drink—of soda—or something—for fear they'd find out that I couldn’t treat in return. Many a time I’ve gone hungry for days and weeks and slept on park benches until an bld friend found me and took me home with him.” She eyed him with attention. “But it's your father I wanted to talk about.” be hurried on “I'd bet a lot he knows more than any other man in this town. and. besides, he’s a fine, square, good hearted old gentleman. Anybody can see that. Only he's got one terrible fault—he doesn’t know how to make money And that’s mighty tough on you—though It’s just as tough on him. But when you roast him for it. as you did Just now. you only make him fee! as miserable as a yellow dog. and that doesn’t help matters a little bit.- He can't change into a sharp business crook now; he’s too old a man Before long he won't be with you at all. and when he’s gone you'll be sore on yourself sure if you keep on throwing it into him the way 1 heard you. and that’s on the level.” “I—l won’t do it again.” she faltered. twisting her hands together. "Bully for you!” be cried and, with an abrupt if artificial resumption of

SHE GRASPED HIS ARM TIMIDLY.

his businesslike air, turned away to a showcase to spare her the embarrassment of his regard. “I didn’t think,” said the voice behind him; “I didn’t mean to. Something happened that almost drove me wild and’’— “I know.” he said gently. After a bit she spoke again, “I’ll go up and get dinner ready now.” He heard her footsteps as she crossed to the door and opened it. There followed a pause. Then she came hurriedly back He faced about

to meet her eyes shining with wonder. She gras|>ed bis arm timidly “I wanted to ask you.” she said hastily. If—was it this friend you spoke about—that found you in the park—who set you op the road to for tune?" That's what he said.” Duncan an swered whimsically (To Be Continued.)

DEAFNESS CANNOT BE CURED by local applications, as they cannot reach the diseased portion of the ear. There is only One way to cure deafness, and that is by constitutional remedies. Deafness is caused by an inflamed condition of the mucous lining of the Eustachian Tube. When this tube is inflamed rou have a rumbling sound or imperfect hearing, and when it is enirely closed, Deafness is the result, uid unless the inflamation can be ak-?n out and this tube restored to is normal condition, the hearing will be destroyed forever; ninecases iUt of ten are caused by Catarrh, which is nothing but an inflamed ’OEiition of the mucous surfaces. V.e will give One Hundred Dollars or any case of Deafness (caused by Catarrh) that cannbt be cured bv Hall’s Catarrh Cure. Send for circulars; free. F. J. CHENEY & CO., Toledo, O. Sold by Druggists, 7 sci Take Hall’s Family Pills for constipation. ■ NOTICE OF DITCH SALE. Notice is hereby given that on Friday, the 30th day of December 1910, at one o’clock P. M., at the town of heatfield, in Jasper county, Indiana, the undersigned Drainage Commissioner will offer for sale at public outcry, to the lowest and best bidder therefor, the contract for the construction of the R. E. Davis Ditch, Cause No. 11l of the Jasper Circuit Court. Bids wiM be received for the construction of the work by sections, or as a whole, at the option of the Commissioner. Each bidder upon the dredge work will be required to deposit cash or a certified check in the sum of sl,000.00, or to give bond in said sum with two resident freehold sureties, as a guarantee that if awarded the contract, he will enter into a written agreement to perform according to the pians and specifications and give bond as the law requires, conditioned for the faithful performance of his contract. Biders for the scraper work will be required to deposit cash or a certified check, or to give bond in a sum equal to ten per cent of their bid. The Commissioner reserves the right to reject any and all bids. THOMAS F. MALONEY, Commissioner of Construction.

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