Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1902-05-01

ing neither to right nor left. The
large man shifted his twinkling eyes
from her and gave Guy wink.
whats your line?" he asked.
81 don't understand you," returned
Guy.
Drummer, take it?" The large
man squinted about Guys vicinity as
though searching for sample cases.
Guy was annoyed, especially as
Miss Betty's sense of the ridiculous
prevailed over all and allowed a smile
to twitch at the corners of her
mouth.
"You are mistaken, SIR said Guy.
81 am not a drummer"
"Been long in Concord?"
ga few hours only"
"That was as long as you could
stand it, / suppose. Well, [ don't
blame you. If you want to make a
little money during this boom you've
got to buy lots in a live town like
Harmony. My names Vlandingham,
young man."
Guy had been on the point of say
ing that he already had more lots
than he knew what to do with, but
the large mans announcement of his
name caused him to take another
course. Here undoubtedly was the
very Vlandingham who had the coun-
ty commissioners under his thumb
and was the ringleader of the con-
spiracy to steal the county seat
away from Concord. Guy became
wary on the instant.
''My name is Herbert, Mr.. Wand
ingham,'' said he. 81 am going over
to have a look at Harmony"
''Mr. Herbert, my daughter, Miss
Elizabeth Vlandingham."
The easy familiarity of the north
west had long since claimed Wilbur
Vlandingham for it's own and he
presented the stranger to his daugh-
ter with cheerful disregard of the
proprieties. But if he forgot himself
Miss Betty was far from being ruled
by his example. To Guys profound
bow she returned only the curtest
of mods, two little wrinkles between
her brows showing her disapproval
of her fathers actions. Mr.. Wan
bingham smiled and winked again.
"Harmony," he resumed, sis my
town, Mr.. Herbert.
"Our town." corrected Miss Betty.
Certainly, my love-" deferred her
father; whatever is mine will some
day be yours" He turned once more
to Guy. Harmony is going to have
the county seat. Mr.. Herbert. and
the moment the result of this spe-
cial election is known lots will go
up with jump" Leaning sidewise
confidentially he tapped Guy on the
knee. s'Take my advice. Buy few
lots now before the rise"
s'I'll have to think about it, said Guy.
''Of course; and while you are think
ing about it you are to accept the hos
pitality of my humble home"
Miss Betty shot a quick glance OF
protest in her fathers direction.
"Really, Mr.. Vlandingham," an
swered Guy, couldn't think of such a
thing"
1t was one thing to prevent his for
tunes being wrecked by reconnoitering
the enemy, but it is quite another thing
to sit at table with the general of the
hostile camp and carry the espial into
his very household. Guy drew line
at that.
"Nonsense!" cried Vlandingham. 81
won't have it any other way. You're
going with me and l won't take no for
an answer"
'It is impossible" returned Guy,
firmly.
''By Jupiter, we'll see about that.
In my own town-beg pardon, Betty,
our own things go about as L
as we-want them to CO.
81 appreciate your kindness said
Guy, embarrassed by the persistent
nature of Vlandingham's hospitality.
''but I cannot impose upon you"
Impose! Hear that, Betty? He
talks of imposing on neon us-after
saving your life, my girl! Think Of
how you would now be lying crushed
and broken on that car floor but for his
heroic assistance! Jupiter! Mr.. Her
bert, I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Buy two lots at the present price and
I'll throw in two more. Now. then!"
Guy was overwhelmed. Miss Betty
bowed her head and her shoulders
moved convulsively.
''See how my daughter is affected"
cried Vlandingham. ''She understands
how much we owe you, Mr.. Herbert,
and"
A smothered laugh came from Miss
Betty. She looked up presently,
Strengthening her face with an effort.
Guy was chagrined. The more he saw
of Eliza beth Vlandingham the more he
wished they had met under happier
circumstances.
"My father, Mr.. Herbert" remarked
the young lady, ''is very anxious to sell
our lots. He has forgotten that there
are none for SALE"
"What?" gasped Vlandingham,
aghast.
"After the election the lots will be
worth double what they are now, and