Part 23 (2/2)

_In Which Sir Archibald Ar Is Almost Floored By a Business Proposition, But Presently Revives, and Seems to be About to Rise to the Occasion_

Sir Archibald Arht His decoration--one of Her late Majesty's birthday honours--had come to him for beneficent political services to the colony in time of trouble and ruin He was a Newfoundlander born and bred (though educated in the English schools); and he was fond of saying in a pleasantly boastful way and with a little twinkle of amusement in his sympathetic blue eyes: ”I'm a fish-merchant, sir--a Newfoundland fish-merchant!” This was quite true, of course; but it was only half the truth Directly or indirectly, Sir Archibald's business interests touched every port in Newfoundland, every harbour of the Labrador, the al, of the West Indies and the South American Republics

Sir Archibald was alone in his cozy office The day was raw and wet

There was a blazing fire in the grate--an agreeable bit of war on the -panes

A pale little clerk put his head in at the door ”Beg pardon, sir,” he jerked ”Master Archie, sir”

”Master Archie!” Sir Archibald exclaimed

Archie entered

”What's this?” said Sir Archibald, in amazement ”Back from Ruddy Cove?”

”On business,” Archie replied

Sir Archibald laughed pleasantly

”Don't make fun of me, father,” said Archie ”I'm in dead earnest”

”How much is it, son?” This was an ancient joke between the two Both laughed

”You'd be surprised if you knew,” the boy returned ”But look here, father! please don't take it in that way I'm really in earnest”

”It's money, son,” Sir Archibald insisted ”I know it is”

”Yes,” said Archie, with a grave frown; ”it _is_ ood deal of money It's so much money, dad, that you'll sit up when you hear about it”

Sir Archibald looked sharply into his son's grave eyes ”Aheood deal of it What's the trouble, son?”

”No trouble, father,” said Archie; ”just a ripping good chance for fun and profit”

Sir Archibald moved to the chair behind a broad flat-top desk by theThis was the queer little throne from which all business problems were viewed It was from the shabby old chair--with a broadbehind--that all business judgments were delivered Did an outport e way, it was fro full in his face through the broad --that he put the case to Sir Archibald Archie sat down in that chair and leaned over the desk Sir Archibald stretched his legs, put his hands deep in his pockets, let his chin fall on his breast and stared searchingly into his son's face The rain was driven noisily against the s; the fire crackled and glowed As between the two at the desk there was a momentary silence

”Well?” said Sir Archibald, shortly

”I want to go trading,” Archie replied