"Perhaps she'll not have him, Father; he may have asked her," answered
Jane.
"I saw him to-day," said Tom.
"Mr. Chesney?"
"Yes; he gave me a present, and there's one for you, Jane. Here it is; he never forgets folks when he has a win," said Tom, handing her a small parcel.
Jane opened it eagerly, then gave a gasp and an exclamation of delighted surprise.
"Isn't it beautiful, Father! How good of him!" And she showed him a small horseshoe brooch set with rubies; it was an exquisite piece of jewelry.
"Must have cost a tidy bit," said Tom, as he handled it tenderly.
CHAPTER VIII
FRASER'S INFORMATION
Duncan Fraser sat in his private room at the brewery in deep thought; no one interrupted him: he gave orders and they were never disobeyed. A stern-looking man, not given to making many friends, yet there was a kindly heart beneath a severe exterior. The manager of a great concern, he was admirably suited to the position, accustomed to handle and make decisions promptly, no shilly-shallying or "wait and see" about his actions. Very few people were aware he possessed unique opportunities of getting behind the scenes, learning government moves, acquiring knowledge beforehand which was advantageous in his dealings.