station, Charles Grafton finds himself in the midst
of a crowd of gaping rustics and hears his new
Dunlap the subject of the witticisms of several
country beau. These slight annoyances produce
but little effect upon his equanimity, forgazing be
yond the crowd he espies an ancient buckboard
and seated in it in marked contrast to the dull
surroundings, a fresh blooming girl of eighteen.
The face attracts his attention at once and strid
ing quickly to her side he exclaims ''Miss Saund
ers ?"
''Yes, and you I premime are Cousin Charles."
"The same" he answered and then flashes upon
him his dee( it. Retreat is impossible,—he has com
mitted himself and must continue his false part.
Lightly leaping in, he takes the reins from her
hands and starts old Barney down the road at a
rambling gait. Swiftly the time flies in her pres
ence'and by the time they had arrived at their
destination he realizes that that in her was the
girl of his fondest dreams.
Hone;t John Saunders meets them at the bottom
of the lane which leads to the ancient farm house.
"Welcome, my boy to the home of your an
cestors" the exclaims as he grasps him heartily
by the hand.
CHAP. 111
"l'was Christmas day. The old farm house had
put on its holiday attire and was gaily decorated
with evergreens by the united labor of the cousins.
The turkey had been slaughtered, pudding cooled
on the window and apparently happiness reigned
supreme. Never before had Charles made him
self so agreeable or had his addresses been so well
received. 'To-night," he thought "will decide."
Dinner is announced. Gaily they seat them•
selves around the table. Not until then do2s
Grafton see that another guest is evidently ex
pected by his host for he frequently casts an in
quiring eye toward the hall door.
"And is not the strange gentleman who has
shooting hereabouts arrived yet" he inquired of
the servant then by way of explanation he said to
Grafton "being taken by his gentlemanly bearing
LANCE.
THE FRE
I have asked him to dine, though our acquaintance
has been of such short duration that I do not know
his name,"
Hard . ) , were the last words out of his mouth be
fore three heavy raps were given on the door, and
in walked the expected sportman—a tall young
man of excellent proportions, which showed to
good advantage in the hunting suit which he wore.
Saunders welcomed the guest with a hearty
shake of the hand, and leading him to the table,
inquired his name, prior to introducing him to his
daughter and Grafton.
"Charles Grafton," replied the stranger, and
then became dumbfounded at the change his ans
wer had wrought, for Miss'Saunders shrieked, her
father stood speechless with amazement and the
ghost at the table, slunk towards the door.
"Explain this," exclaimed Mr. Saunders, as he
looked hastily from one guest to the other. "Which
is my rightful nephew ?"
"1," said the sportsman, "and is it possi
ble, that this man has deceived you ? I was sent
here by my mother to hunt you out and to seek to
reconcile you to her. She prays pardon for all ill
thoughts against you and and requires a return of
love for the love which she has retained for you
all these years. Uncle, .look at me and tell me
that you believe me your nephew."
Saunders looks and sees what he has failed to
notice before, that there is a striking resemblance
between mother and son.
"And so I have been deceived ; Where is the
wretch who has deceived me ? Gone ? "lis well,
and may he never be seen in the neighborhood
'Twas true. The man had taken the first train
to New York with a heavy heart. It was not his
lot to partake of a Christmas dinner.
Two months after while looking over a New
York paper in his apartments the unfortunate
man Mr. Grafton, No. 2, noticed the announces
went of the marrige of Charles Grafton, of Fifth
Ave N. Y. to Miss Saunders of Jamestown.
RADIATOR