osed Swanson.
And into the tableau of congratulations that was being presented in the
Clancy apartment Swanson burst, leading the old gentleman, who was
struggling to smile and to be angry at the same time.
"Look who's here," he shouted. "Kohinoor's uncle, and from the looks
of things he has arrived just at the right minute to give his blessing."
"Uncle Jim," exclaimed McCarthy, stepping forward quickly.
"Larry, you young rascal!--Larry"----
His voice broke and tears rolled down his cheeks as he put his arm
around the boy's neck and wept. "Larry, you young scoundrel, what did
you mean by running away from your old uncle?"
"Uncle Jim," said McCarthy seriously, as he put his arm around the old
man's waist, "I was a fool. I found it out and I was coming home to
tell you I was wrong and beg you to forgive me, but I could not leave
the team when it needed me. I was only a foolish boy. If you can
forgive"----
"It's all right now, Larry, boy," said the old man, wiping his eyes and
laughing happily. "I was certain you'd come to your senses and find
you didn't love that girl."
"I am certain you will not object to the young lady I am going to
marry, Uncle Jim"----
"Marry!" cried Mr. Lawrence angrily. "Nonsense! You're not going to
marry anyone! Here we just make up and you want to start the quarrel
all over again. Marry? You young scoundrel! You're going to stay at
home with me"----
"Don't say that until you meet her, Uncle Jim," and, putting his arm
around Betty Tabor's waist, he said, "Uncle Jim, I want you to meet
Miss Betty Tabor, who has just honored me by promising to become my
wife."
"Why, bless my heart! Bless my heart!" exclaimed the old man in
surprise. "If it isn't the young woman who sat in the box next to me
at the game! I fell in love with you, my dear, when you applauded
Larry. Marry her? If you don't marry her, you young rascal, I'll cut
you off in my will. Not a penny, you understand--not a penny."
He kissed Betty Tabor gallantly while the others laughed and he bowed
low over Mrs. Clancy's hand as Kohinoor presented him to the manager
and his wife.
"Are you the Mr. Lawrence they call the Lumber King in Oregon?"
inquired Clancy, as he shook hands.
"They call me that out there," said the old man, testily. "Call
themselves democratic--then King everyone who makes a few dollars--bah."
"Oh," exclaimed Miss Tabor, in sudden alarm. "Then Larry is rich?"
"Never min
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