The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 6, 1903, Page 2

2 THE SUNDAY CALL. — LTI ” Al 1L - A = v Yes, dear reader, the fourth and last installment of “Brewster’s Mil- ay will solve the whether young Monty the extra six millions for spend- t the girl or 1 i lions. fascinating, no matter r interest lies. 8 end dissensions were embarrass- e was an ut- 1a w days later Mrs. Prentiss Drew I registered at the Ponce ere was with none of the cattpiteall ¥ s inevitable th 4 see hers ri.ing part! wae In despalr over Mon- e had become convinced his pride he was cherishing rbara. Yet she were to be ed this icy was sure that the masterful ne to win witu & girl like nty would not ac- at he was taken about feeling she did not doubt for end she saw things going wrong for t of a word s when she let herself ties, but they always s B t impossible. She thing. at she might which would “that much. marry him, it was only has spent dollars stif criticism. to be a virtue, ex; med Barbara, sharp- s sheer ocy Haven't you people are saying? They 1 in the clubs 1 be a pauper bly help him to spend noticed that even woridly mammas find him eligible.”” The comment not was without its caustic side. “That was months ago, my dear,” pro- tested Barbars, calmly. ‘“When he spoke to me—he told me it would be impossible for him to marry within a year. And you see that a year may make him bject beggar?” ally anything is preferable to a beggar,” came in Peggy's clear, soft rbara hesitated only a moment. 1, you must admit, Miss Gray, that shameful lack of character. girl be happy with & man after &ll, one must look “Undoubtedly,” replied Peggy, but many thoughts were dashing through her brain. ‘Shall we turn back to the cottage?”’ she sald, after an awkward silence. You certainly don’t approve of Mr. Brewster's conduct?’ Barbara did not like to be placed In the wrong, and feit that she must endeavor to justify herself. “He is the most reckless of spendthrifts, know, and he indulges in even less re- nt.” Peggy was not tall, but she carried her head at this moment as though she were in the habit of looking down on the world. “Aren’t you golng a little too far, Miss Drew?’ she asked placidly. y New York that laughs r his Q ansactions,” Barbara persisted. *Mr. Hampton, our guest from Chicago, says the stories are worse out ere than they are in the East.” “It is & pity that Monty's {liness should 50 weak,” said Peggy as they turned in through the n gates, and Barbara was not o see the point, XVIL THE NEW TENDERFOOT. Brewster was comparatively well and strong when he returned to New York in His iliness had erfered exten- vely with his plan of campaign and it perative that he redouble his ef- nding the manifest dis- fends. His first act was to call upon Grant & Ripley, from whom he hoped to learn what Swearengen Jones thought of his methods. The lawyers had heard no complaint from Montana, and advised him to continue as he had begun, assuring him, as far as they could, that Jones would not prove unreasonable. An exchange of telegrams .just before his operation had renewed Monty's dread of his eccentric mentor. NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 10— Swearengen Jones, Butte, Mont.: How about baving my life insured? Would it violate con- ditions? MONTGOMERY BREWSTER. To Montgomery Brewster, New York: Seems to me your life would become an asset in that case. Can you dispose of it before Septem- ber 237 JONES. To Swearengen Jones, Butte, Mont.: On the rary 1 think life will be a debt by that ne MONTGOMERY BREWSTER. o Montgomery Brewster, New York: If u feel that way about it, I advise you to take out a $500 policy JONES. To Swearengen Jomes, Butte, Mont.: Do you think that amount would cover funersl expenses? MONTGOMERY BREWSTER. To Montgomery brewster, New York: You won't be caring about expenses if it comes to that JONES. The invitations for the second ball had been out for some time and the prepara- tions were nearly complete when Brews- ter arrived upon the scene of festivity. It did not surprise him that several old-time friends should hunt him up and protest vigorously against the course he was pur- suing. Nor did it surprise him when he found that:his presence was not essential to the succ of some other affalr as it had once b He was not greeted as cordially as before, and he grimly won- dered -how mi of his friends would stand true to end. The uncertainty made him turn more and more often to the unquestioned loyalty of Peggy Gray, and her little library saw him more fre- < ¢ than for months b as he had dreaded the pretentious and respiendent ball, it was useful to him in one way at least. The “profit’” side of his ledger account was enlarged and in that the was room for secret satisfac- tion. The Viennese orchestra straggled into New York, headed by Elon Gardner, me to make a »earance behind ns, which caused his guests » American pubiic couid A careful and receipts \ 4 bonanza The net loss was a trifle ) $36,000. When this story became t town everybody laughed poor Gardner was almost n he tried to explain the dis- man who lost the money. But M monious Srewster 3 sense of humor, singularly enough, did not desert him on this trying occasion. Esthetically the ball proved to be the talk of more than one season. Pettingill had justified his desire for authcrity and made a name which would last. He had taken matters into his own hands while Brewster was in Florida, and changed riod from the Spain of Velasquez to nce and Louis Quinze. After the cards were out he remembervd, to his ernation, that the favors purchased the Spanish ball would be entirely in- appropriate for the French one. He wired Brewster at once of this misfortune and was astonished at the nonchalance of his “But then Monty always was a good sort,” he thought, with a glow of affection. The new plan was more costly than the old, for it was no simple matter to build a Versailles suite at Sherry’s. Pettingill was no imitator, but he created an effect which was superbly in keeping with the period he had chosen. Against it the rich costumes, with thelr accompani- ment of wigs and powdered hair, shone resplendent. With great difficulty the artist had secured for Monty a costume in white sat and d_ brocade, which might have once adorned the person of Louis himself. It made him feel like a popinjay,.and it was with infinite relief that he took it off an hour or so after dawn, He knew that things had gone well, that even Mrs. Dan was satisfied: but the whole affair made him heartsick. Behind the compliments lavished upon him he detected a note of frony, which revealed the laughter that went on behind his back. He had not pealized how cn it would hurr. -~ two cents,” he thought, “I'd give up the game and be satisfled with what's left. But he reflected that such a course woull offer no chance to redeem himself. Once again he took up the challenge and des termined to win out. “Then,” he thought gullnn(ly, “I'll make them feel this a He longed for the time when he could take his few friends with him and sall away to the Mediter ranean to escape the eyes and tongues of patiently he urged Harrison to complete the arrangements, 8o that they could start at once. But Harrison's face was not untroubled when he made his report. inary detalls had been perfected. He had taken the Flitter for four months, and it was being overhau condition for the voyage. It had been Brown's special pride, but at his death it went to his heirs, who were ready and eager to rent it to the highest bidder. It would not have been easy to find a handsomer yacht in New York wat A picked crew of fifty men were under command of Captain Abner Perry. The steward was & famous manager and could be relied upon to stock the larder in princely fashion. The boat would be in readiness to sail by the 10th of April, “] think you are going in too heavily, Monty,” pro- tested Harrison, twisting his fingers nervously. “I can’t for my life figure how you can get out for less than & fortune, if we do everything you have in mind. Wouldn't it be better to pull up a bit? This looks like sheer madness. You won't have a dollar, Monty—honesty you wont.” “It’s not in me to eave money, Nopper, but if you can pull out a few dollars for yourself I shall not object.” “You told me that once before, Monty, Harrison, as he walked to the window. When he resolutely turned back again to Brewster his face was white, but thers was a look of determination around the mouth. “Monty, I've got to give up this job” he said huskily. Brewster looked up quickly. “What do you mean, Nopper?” over Brewster's head. “Good Lord, Nopper, I can't have thal must not desert the ship. What's the matter, old chap? You're as white as a ghost. What is 1t?" Monty was standing now and his hands were on Harrison's shoulders, but before intensity of his look hiz friend’s eyes fell help- lessly. your money and I've lost it. That den “Tell me about it,” and Monty was perhaps more uncomfortable than his friend. *I und and.” ou belleve too much in me, Monty. see, 1 thought I was doing you a favor. were spending so much and getting nothing in return, and 1 thought I saw a chance to you out. It went wrong, that's all, and before 1 could let go of the stock $60,000 of your money had ace it yet. But God knows I gone. I can’t re didn't mean to “It's all righ you were helping m ends it. Don't take it so hard, old boy.” “I knew you'd act this way, but it doesn’t help matters. Some day I may be able to pay back the money I took, and I'm going to work until Brewster protested that he had no ‘use money and begged him to retain his position of ad too much self- trust he had held. But Harrison respect to cure to be confronted he had wronged. Gr “Nopper” was pursuin to him, and gave up the effort to dissuade ingisted upon opportunity to redeem hims “I've made up my mind, Monty up In the mountains perhaps. 1 may that seems to be the only chan what I have taken from you.” “By Jove, you must go, In the end * ster’s & share equally ing tour. Brewster “‘grub- year, and before the end of the week a tenderfoot We Mountains. ily with Tl stake you In the hunt fo: XVIIL THE PRODIGAL AT EEA. Harrison's departure left Brewster sore straits. the actual managemen vate acc ts he had kept revealed some palling facts when he one morning at 4 o'clock, after With the ledger. With infinite pains he had rise to something over $4 original milifon it had which he h some of his other “unfortunate’ least $40,000 would come to through longings, and the like $20,000 interest to consider. alded him In getting rid of his money. bank failure had cost him $113,468 25, pper” Harrison -had helped him to the extent of $60,00. The reckless but deter- tnined effort to give a ball had cost $30,000. What he had lost during his {llness had been pretty well offset by the unlucky concert tour. The Florida trip, including the cottage and living expenses, had entalled the expenditure of $15.500, and his princely dinners and the- ater parties had footed up $3L000. Taking all the facts into consideration, he felt t he had done T er well as far as he had gone, but the hardest part of the undertaking was yet to come. He was still in possession of an enormous sum Which must disappear before September . About $40,000 had already been eX- pended in the yachting project. He determined to begin at once a ¥ tematic campalgn of extinction. It had been the intention before sailing to dis- pose of m household articles, either by sale or gift. As he did not expect to return to New York before the latter part of August, this would minimize the @ struggles of the ¢ month. But the prospective ‘‘profit” to be acquired from keeping his apartment open was not to be overlooked. He could easily rmlr‘x; eperous sum for aries an DO B B es. Once,om gHe other side of the Atlantic, he hoped that new opportunities for extravagance would present themselves, and he fancied he could leave the final settlement of his affairs for the last month. As the day for sallin yproached, the world again seemed bright to this most mercenary of spendthrifts. ‘A farewell consultation with his attorneys proved encouraging, for to them his chances to win the ex- traordinary contest seemed of the best. He was in high spirits as he left them, exhilarated by the sen- sation that the world lay before him. In the elevator he encoun= tered Colonel Prentiss Drew. On both sides the meeting was nOt . without its dif- ficulties. The col- onel had been dazed by the in- explicable situa- tion between Mon= ty and his daugh- ter, whose invalu- tions he found hard to under- stand. Her sum- mary of the ei- fort she had made to effect & recon- cilation, after hearing the story of the bank, was rather vague. She been necessary to medical attention, I've got lo leave, that's all,” sald Harri- gon, standing stiff and straight and looking “The truth is, Monty, I've taken some of the reason I—I can't stay on. I've betrayed your confi- pper. I see that you thought e. The money's gone and that dually Monty realized that the most manly course open leaving New York, as there was no If in the metropolis. to go out West, There's no telling, stumble on a gold mine up there—and—well, ce I have to restore Vopper, 1 have it!” cried Monty, “If opper”’ consented to foilow Brew- tce, and it was agreéd that they should all that resulted from his prospect- aked” him for a s on his way to the Rocky in It forced him to settle down to t of his own affairs. He was not indolent, but this was not the kind of work he cared to encourage. The pri- went over them carefully an all-night session ,000 in six months. But to his d realized from Lumber and Fuel and operations. At him ultimately the sale of furniture and other be- n there would be something But luck had The and New York. Im- All the prelim- led and put into sald You the don’t You You help I do.” for the the man him. He r golal” new ap- managed to add $58,550 ) \ .\'/ P2 Bad done her utmost. she said, to be nice %o him and make him feel that she appre- clated his generosity, but he took 1t 1 tha most disagreeable fashion. Colonel Drew knew that things were somehow wrong t he was too strongly an American fat - 4 atter of the affec- to e in a tions. stre for he had a lik- ing for Mon bara’s “soclety Judgm as he called them, had no welght with h mfi‘wn,,d with Brewster in the elevator, the old warn evived and the ald hope that the quarrel might have an end. His eeting was cheery £ & ¥ou have not forgotten, Brewster,” he said, as they shook h-.nd; that you have & dollar or two with us?” o, sald Monty, “not exaoctly. And I shall be calling upon you for some of it very scon. I'm oft on Thursday for @ cruise in the Mediterranean.” “I've heard something of it.” They had reached the main floor and Colonel Drew had drawn his companion out of the erowd Into the rotunda. ‘““The money is at your disposal at any moment But aren’t you setting a pretty lively pace my boy? You know I've always liked you, and I knew your grandfather rather well. He was a good old chap, Monty, and he would hate to #See ¥yOU make ducks and drakes of his fortune™ There was something in the ocolonel’s sdanner that wsoftened Brewster, much as he hated to take a reproof from Bar- bara's father. Once again he wWas tempted to tell the truth but he pulled himself up in time. “It's & funny old world, colonel,” he said, “and sometimes one’s nearest friend is a stranger. I know I seem a fool: but, after all, why lsn't it good philosophy to make the most of a holiday and then settls back to work™ “That is all very well, Monty,” and Colonel Drew was entirely serious; “but b/ | the work is a hundred times harder e played to the Iimit. that you are way be- It's no joke getting back into the harness. “Perh you are right, col- onel, but at least I shall have something to loog back upon—even if the worst comes.” And Monty instinctively stralght- ened his shoulders. They t ed to leave the bulld- ing, and the c ! had & moment of weakness. “Do you know, Monty,” he sald, “my daughter s awfully cut up about this business. She is plucky and tries not to show it, but after all a girl doesn’t get over that sort of thing all in & mo- ment. 1 am not saying’—it seemed necessary to receds a step—“that it would be an easy matter to n up. But I ltke you, M and if any man could do it, you can “Colonel, i that he after y You yond I might” and Brew- 4 not hesita “For h wish the situation seems, But the are some t t forget, and —well—Barbara has shewn in & dozen ways that she has no faith In me.” “Weil, I've got faith in you, and a lot of it. Take care of yourself, and when you get back you can count on me. Good- by On Thursday morning the “Flitter” steamed down the b and the flight of the prodigal grandson was on. No swifter, cleaner, handsomer bost ever sailed out of the harbor of New York, and it was & merry crowd that she car- ried out to sea. Brewster's guests pum-~ bered twenty-five, and they brought with th a liberal supply of maids, valets and luggage. It was not untll many weeks later that he read the vivid de- scriptions of the weighing of the anchor which were pr! d in the New York papers, but by t time he was imper- vious to their ri : On deck, watching e rugged silhou- ette of the city disappear into the mists, were Dan DeMille and Mrs. Dan, Pegsy Gray, “Rip” Van Winkle, Reginald Van- derpool, Joe Brag: Dr. Lotless and his nd Mrs, Valentine d their daughter Paul Pettinglll, ss distinguished, e eager crowd a peculiar glow that ted his best and truest loyaity of these com- tested, and he knew d by him through ster fo lttle surprise when it DeMille was really ile voyagers ven- tured at he would try to desert tb loc he saw a chance tc ba his club on & west bound stes DeMille, big, indo- lent and i and hoped he v it he “stuck to the ship” u the end. For a tim sea and the sky and the talk of the crowd were enough for the of living. But at days was a | and it was that M y gained the nickname of A din, which ciung to nim. From some- where, from the hold or the rigging a few peacef from der sea, he brought rth four kies from the south who med gultars and sang ragtime melo: M than d & the voyage t. were use “Peggy,” sald Brewster one da when the sky was particularly clear and things were quiet on deck, “on the w I pref. this to crossing the North River on & ferry. I rather like it, don't you?" “It seems like a dream,” she cried, her eyes bright, her hair blowing la the w “And, Peggy, do you know what I tucked away In a chest n my cabin? t of books t ou like—some from the old garret. I've saved them to read on rainy Peggy did not speak, but began to creep Into her face and she locked wistful across Then she sn “I didn't know thing,"” she sald weak “Come now, P much 2 you m there are ot one. Do you know wh “Peggy, dear, please don't me,” Le begged so piteously that couid not be serious “The class ed for to-day Monty she the pro- his duty fessor knows and won't let yoU off so easily next time.” XIX. ONE HERO AND ANOTHER. At Gibraltar Monty was handed an om- fnous 'coking cablegram, which he opened tremblingly To Montgo Brewster, Private Yacht Flitter, There 18 tion to declare for free eflver. You = spend. Hooray To which Monty responded: measure at any cost. and charge it to me. twice as much to the possibili Monte Car- 1o were too al he host to admit of a iong stop at Gibraltar. But the -De- Milles had letters to one of the officers of the garrison, and Brewster could not overlook the opportunity to give an elab- orate dir The success of the affair may best be judged by the fact that the