The Ironmaster's Daughte

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8315, 19 December 1906, Page 2

The Ironmaster's Daughte

f'TiiE Ironmaster's Daughter" was commenced on October 17th.]

CHAPTER XXXV.—Continued. Benson was flushing and paling, and appeared to be labouring under some very strong excitement. "If Mr Tressidy betrays any dangerous symptoms, Benson," Charlie said, "leave him at once, and don't tell him another thing." "Make yourself scarce, doctor. Evaporate—wilt!" Dick laughed. "Now, Benson, come here and shake hands. One of my faithful hands!" The chief clerk was almost unnerved. "I am proud, sir," he began. "Well, don't be, pride's a sin! Sit down here and help yourself to some iced claret. Then fire away! I'm simply hungry for news. You cm stay also, if you like, Mostyn." "Thanks—awfully good of you." Benson laughed now, he was regaining confidence. He drank his claret, and carefully unlocked a black leather bag. \ . ~ "I hardly know where to begin, he hazarded, glancing at Charlie Mostyn. He took two or three newspapers out of the bag and a packet of letters. "The works are doing full time, sir, and there isn't a complaint of moment. Several requests ate here for estimates on big contracts, but there isn't any hurry." "Good!" Dick nodded. "Now what have you got up your sleeve? I know that Isaacs & Co. have closed down. Can we buy the old works?" "I've already negotiated that,

sir." _ Dick flung his cap in the air. | "Come here and let me slap you on the back!" "At a reasonably low figure, sir," ; blushed Benson. "Hang the price! What's become of Chris Stanley?" "Gone. He fled before the crash came." "And Weeks?" "He went also, but two days ahead of Stanley, and cleared the bank with a forged cheque." "The little beast! I never did think he'd stick to his pals. And the others? Isaacs and Deverell?" "Both dead, sir." Benson's lips quivered. "Deverell shot himself when arrested by the police, and Isaacs had an apopletic seizure. The full particulars are here—how they tried to destroy our works, and the result. The riot fizzled out when two hundred policemen appeared." He glanced at Mostyn. "Let him read," said Charlie. Dick was overwhelmed. There it was in cold black and .white—the whole diabolical story, and finished with a girl's heroism. Dick passed a hand over his moist brow—his brain reeled. ~ ~,r "I'm all right," he said. "Keep your seat, Charlie. It requires a bit of realizing; but we are safe—safe! What do I owe to Bill Hebden—to Charles Benson—and Hilda Craven? Don't let it get into the ledger, Benson, or I shall be bankrupt!" He struggled up, and took two turns up and down the verandah. "Sit down, you dolt," growled Charlie. "I was wondering how I could reward Miss Craven," said Dick. "It's hard to approach a woman.'' "Benson has solved the difficulty," laughed Charlie. "He's married her. And who do you think she reaHywas,.Dick? ~Chris Stanley's, daughter!" "Good Lord! And yet I half suspected it." Dick turned to Benson: ' "Give me your hand and let me congratulate you. You've won a jewel, and both of you will have cause to learn that Dick Tressidy isn't ungrateful."

Eight days later. . Pauline Reitz and Dick Tressidy ; are together on the same verandah. ' It is evening, and the moon shows white amid millions of flashing stars. Dick's arm is around the girl's . slender waist. Her dark head is on his shoulder, the shining black eyes are turned fondly, lovingly, to his. "Peace atla3t!" he says passionately, '' and love eternal! Oh, Pauline, my happiness is more than I deserve!" "And love eternal!" she repeated, "in this life and the life to come! Dick, we have had many troubles and misunderstandings, but whatever is is best. " 'I know as my life grows older, And mine eyes have a clearer sight, That under each rank wrong somewhere There lies the-root of right, That each sorrow has its purpose * By the sorrowing oft unguessed; But as sure as the sun brings morning, Whatever is—is best!' " They look into each other's eyes. There is no shadow there. THE END.

Bv OWEN MASTERS. v1l(r of " Clyda'tt Lore Dream, V "Nina's Repentance," "Her Soldier Lover," "The Mystery of Woodcroft," " For Love of Marjorie," etc.