Novelist. ALICE: EPISODES IN THE LIFE OF A MILLIONAIRE. CHAPTER XVIII. (Concluded.)

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1857, 31 May 1884, Page 5

Novelist. ALICE: EPISODES IN THE LIFE OF A MILLIONAIRE.

CHAPTER XVIII. (Concluded.)

By DONALD CAMERON.

The man's face had now become flushed and his eyes dilated — there was in them a desperate, deadly glitter. Unlocking a private drawer, he drew out a beautiful little revolver, exquisitely plated. "Here is the laettj^of escape," he said, looking earnestly aftno cold, deadly weapon. " Strange that in so insignificant a thing there should be the annihilation of the greatest giant, the mightiest intellect. But not new — the time will come. Ila ! " There was a tap at the door, and in answer to the managei'h "Come in," Harry Forbes strolled into the chamber. Though he had been up the whole night, he looked cool and calm, as if he were the most regular of men. "My dear joung friend," cried Whinafcun, rising and giaspmg the young fellow'rf hand; " how are you?" " Oil, fanly well," caid Harry, casting his strange, slumberous, wicked eyes round the sanctum and taking in every detail. There was no affectation in his voice ; he spoke the purest Bngli3li, distinctly, nnd with peculiar oadence and melody. There was a strange mockery in his tone a& he looked at the worn, anxious face of the manager. '• I am glad you are resolved to stay here a bit," said Whinstun, nervously, "as indeed yeu should, for your property in this colony is large." " I think I will settle here altogether," was the reply ; "at least, unless I cletermine to reside in Paris or London, which is not unlikely. You wished to see me this morning on bu&inorfs, Mr. Whinstun?" There was an abrupt change of tone. Harry's voice was almost hard. " Yes, my dear sir," replied Whinstun, endeavouring to alter his tones to his old wheedling style when dealing with persons from whom he expected a benefit. " I wished to know if you had fully considered what we were speaking of yesterday. Remember," he added, earnestly, pleadingly, " that I was one of the most intimate Inends of your father ; that we were long connected in business." " Of course," said Harry, " of course, and I may be certain you lost nothing by it — no offence. I have looked into thiags carefully, at least as carefully as I could, and I don't see why I should interfere with Herbert Gifford, or undertake to back you up should he succeed. Even if I were inclined I could do nothing ; I am not yet of age." "But you are so near it that your guardians would act upon any wish you expressed. I know them ; I know they would." "Perhaps," said Harry, in a careless tone; " perhaps they would. But I mean to enjoy myself, to have every pleasure the world can aftord, and if I plunge into business I can't do that. I will have my fling first, and then perhaps settle down. Excuse me, Mr. Whinstun ; I have to go to the Country and Town Bank to make what they call a ' demonstration' — quite a bore." " The directors are waiting, sir," said the messenger, looking in at this moment, and Harry went out at the front while Whinstun piopaied to meet his fate.