Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1902-08-19
"The best laid plans of mice and

"The best laid plans of mice and
maids gang aft agley, you remem-
ber." observed Guy. "For my part,
hope that Inflated courthouse will
be burned to the last stick. 1t has
caused trouble enough
Together they sat on the porch
watching the yellow flames leap high
and toss their sparkling, star-like
cinders. Then gradually the fiery
tongues sank down and down, the
glare faded out of the sky and they
knew that the courthouse had ceased
to be factor in the contest.
The squire returned, by and by,
and with him walked youth who
was wheeling q bicycle.
"Let us go in for minute" they
heard the squire say. "You can leave
your wheel at the gate"
They entered the house, whittier
Miss Betty and Guy had preceded
them, and Guy then discovered that
the youth who was accompanying
the squire was none other than Lem
uel Billsins. Notwithstanding GER
tain air of bravado and triumph, it
could be seen that Lemuel was very
much agitated and frightened
IA fellow-townsman of yours, Mr..
Herbert" remarked the squire, a
grim smile fitting across his face.
"This young man." he laid his hand
on Lemuel's shoulder, "came over
from Concord and burned the court
house. He was caught while at
tempting to escape. The people were
strongly tempted to make an exam
F. our new policy"
"Of my new policy, father" inter-
rupted Miss Betty.
"Quite SO, my dear. I reminded
them of your new policy and the in
cendiary was turned over to me. His
name is Lemuel Billsins and he has
probably done brave thing, as his
people will look at it. That was n
very bright idea of yours, Mr.. Bill
kins.'
There was sarcasm in the squirrels
voice, but Lemuel could not detect it.
ut was the Colonel's idea," an
swered Lemuel, falteringly but
proudly. "He said if I'd do it 1 could
have sampson's place in the Office"
Has Sampson left Keever's en-
ploy?" queried the squire, with sud
den interest
"Why," returned Lemuel, .he set
on the Colonel like a tiger an if the
Colonel hadn't held himself in he'd
jest naturally have killed Samp."
This is news indeed!" exclaimed
Guy.
81 have brought the young man
here, Betty" resumed her father, $50
that you might tell him what you in
tended doing with the courthouse to-
morrow. He will see, then, that the
building was sacrificed to no pur-
pose"
won't you sit down, Mr.. Bilkins 2"
asked Miss Betty.
I'D ruther stand,' returned Lem
uel, fidgiting. IF it's all the same
to you, I'd ruther go right off, too"
"You are in no danger, Mr.. Billlins,'
went on Miss Betty. Il give you my
word. Stand if you like, for 1 will
detaln you only Il few moments. The
pasiom1ng of the courthouse was my
plan. l did not intend to steal it,
but after Harmony had legally ac-
quired the county seat ! was going
to have the building paid for. Had
l not done this, 1 hardly see how a
clash could have been avoided. for
the 1nvinciblcs We're organized and
drilled, and it was their ayowed in
tentlon to march upon Concord and
take the records by force. 1 had alb
solutely no power over them. BY
allowing them to work Off their ar.
dor in more theatrical way their
purpose was accomplished without
violence. We bear no i'll will toward
you OF your people. and 1 had ar
ranged to have the courthouse hauled
back to its original site in the early
hours OF the morning. 1 am very
sorry. indeed, that you have made
this impossible. If you will remem-
Der what l have told you, however,
and tell your fellow-citizens about it,
they may perhaps accept the inten-
ton in lieu of the deed"
Lem Bilkins, when the squire con-
Quoted him from the house and start
ed him homeward on his bicycle, ap-
peared as one stunned. AS for Guy,
this fresh proof of Miss Betty's con
summate ability in managing deli
cate situation merely increased his
admiration for her.
Next day came the crucial test,
and the nerves of the entire county
were stretched to tightest tension.
There was much excitement in Har-
mony, and the squire was abroad all
day, not even returning home for his
luncheon. Miss Pinkney walked over
from the town and awaited the re-
turns IL company with Miss Betty
and Guy.
Great was the CONSERVATION of the
ladies when Barney, late in the aft
ernoon, arrived with the intelligence
that Amityvtlle had gone solidly for
Concord.
why" cried Miss Betty. every
one of the Amityville people signed
the petition for this election!"
"And the squire gave Mr.. Landy
six lots!" walled Miss Pinkney, who
was the picture Of despair.
"The squire wasn't liberal enough"
put in Guy, looking keenly at Miss
Betty. II gave Mr.. Landy two en-
tire blocks and distributed Concord
real estate to every man, woman and