Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-07

down here and look around; and if |
liked the place to stay permanently
The cashiers face cleared instantly
Good" he exclaimed. You can't
help liking such a grand country. All
1t lacks is money and energy. But
what part of the west are you FROM"
"Leadville, Col.''
"Ah. l began to suspect it. You
have been connected with the house of
Waldron & Co., and called in to see if
the check reached it's destination all
right" He came from behind the
counter and took the young mans hand
warmly. II am right glad to see you,
sub. Yo' house never sent out better
check than that in all it's life. Miss
Willie has paid off mortgage on her
plantation, and is making wonderful
| improvements, suh-wonderful! And
| do you know" lowering his voice, ''if
| it hadn't been for that check I achally
believe she'd been forced to go off and
| look for work-achally forced, suh.''
! Indeed! That would have been too
Dad" said the young man, but"
There's no butts now" interrupted
the cashier cheerfully. Her futures
as clear as a June sky. If I'd received
the check myself I wouldn't have been
half as much pleased. Miss Willie's a
fine girl-a gem in land that is full of
jewels. You must excuse my enthusi-
asm, subj" alphabetically, but in a
sort of way yo' house seems to have
had a hand in the good fortune. But
come into my private room and we'll
talk over the country. You're to be
one of us now, and maybe l can give
you some points on buying a place.
And I'll tell you about Miss Willie and
1er plans" Here a new thought
seemed to strike him. How'd you
like to go out and see her yo'self?" he
asked abruptly. I'VE close early, and
[ generally go that way for a walk.
She'll be glad to see anyone from
Waldron & CO..
Nothing would please me better.
very well. You'll take dinner with
ne and if can be of any assistance in
you plans do not hesitate to use me.
Now, there's the Calhoun plantation.
Joins Miss Willie and just now can be
had for song. And really, it's the
best thing you can do in the whole
country. But you haven't told me yo'
name yet, subj
"Smitl1-er Call me Hamilton Smith,"
I "A good name, suh-a good name.
We have Smiths in every country in
he south, but tell them good thing
cannot be too common. My mother
vas a Smith,"
/ He led the way into his private room
| and motioned the young man to an
Easy chair by an open window. Then
the settled himself in an easy chair and
| rave glowing picture of the Calhoun
. plantation.
/ The young man said little, but on his
teace was an expression of mingled
amusement and indecision. And this
/ amused indecision remained with him
and even appeared in his voice until
I. hey went out to the Calhoun planta-
Ion But when they returned, late in
the evening, it had wholly disappeared.
+ Miss Willie is an exceptionally fine
/ GIRL he said, with suppressed enthu-
,iasm, land if 1 am not mistaken the
community will yet be proud of her
plantation. She seems to have
the faculty of knowing just what she
wants and just how to go about
LONG it. / could not have planned
he improvements better myself. Miss
Willie told me she wanted to plant
rees along her bank Of the river which
'uns between the two plantations, and
hat it would be nice if the owner on
he other side could be induced to do
he same. Are you sure the place can
be bought" abruptly
The Calhoun place? Certainly, and
Tor a song "a
well, / want it. ! suppose it's too
ate to get it tonight" regretfully, 'but
f you'll arrange for it's purchase early
IN the morning, so that the papers can
be made out before noon. I'll be in
anitely obliged. And I'll make it worth
your WHILE"
But you haven't seen the place
yet?" expostulated the cashier in
.amazement.
yes. ! haye-across the river, you
know. Besides. I'm willing to take
your word for it. If you can have
everything settled before noon / will
20 over after dinner and talk with Miss
Willie about the shade trees. And, do
you know" with animation, 1--WE been
thinking that those bluffs above the live
AK grove will be fine place to throw
4 bridge across the river. wonder IL
Miss Willie will like the idea.''
The next day the good people Of Tai
bottom were stirred to unwonted ex-
element by the news that an energetic,
sitranger had bought the old Judge CAL
noun plantation, and that unlimited
imprcvementswere contemplated. And,
even while this report was being cir
,ulated from mouth to mouth. it was
iollowed by rumors of lavish contracts
md engagements made with the
.ownspeople of the town. Decidedly
he stranger was no ordinary man.
And evidently Willie thought SO. too.
or she would flash covert. inquiring
Continued on page 12)