Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-04-17

a hop there the evening he arrives.
Won't you do me the favor of coming
to the dance and of bringing Miss Ora
with you?"
"Neverl"
"What?"
Never, say. 1t was at such a hop
as that, up to the hotel, that my girl
met Thomas Jones. Ora shan't run
such a risk"
But you'll be there to look after
her. pleaded Blessing, "and-who
knows but what the evil begun at one
hop may be set right at another?"
What do you mean?"
Il can't explain just now You'll
have to trust me-"
But how can you tell it'll bring you
good luck?"
Suppose" answered Blessing, sup
pose | should tell you that by going
there she would meet
Bob" interrupted sharp voice.
Blessing turned
In the doorway of the guest-room
stood Gladys Middleton.
Her face was pale; her eyes ablaze.
Order my horse at once" she con-
manded. Il am going back to the
MOTEL No, don't stop to ask me ques-
lions. l am going back at once.
Without waiting for him to comply.
the angry girl stamped out of the
house, followed by the amazed old
woman, who was anxious to know the
meaning of this sudden determination
why did she interrupt us just at
that point?" unused Bob. And how
strangely her eyes shone! Could she
have heard
The door flew open and Ora rushed
in painting and frightened.
You leave me alone, Bill Loucks."
she gasped, at the hulking brute who
followed her with outstretched arms.
Loucks paid no heed to her words.
but sprang into the room after her
only to confront Bob Blessing.
Whats the row." asked Bob.
sternly.
None of yOur-business, growl-
ed Loucks.
He tried to kiss me-" cried Ora IN
the same breath.
Il remember you, my friend" SAID
Bob, quietly "and we've a little score
to settle. You're the toll-gate keeper
and the man who has been spreading
the report that 1 am going to cheat
my aqueduct laborers out of their
pay"
Il was talking to Mr. Middleton
went on Ora, when Bill and Ezra
came up They insulted Mr.. Middle
ton and Mr. Middleton sailed into
them like a cyclone. He chased Ezra
down the road and then Bill tried TO
kiss me-"
Loucks, taking advantage of the mo-
ment when Bobs eyes wandered from
him to Ora, sprang toward Blessing !
with appraised fists.
The next instant the toll-gate keep |
ar was rolling, bruised and bleeding,
on the floor; while Bob Blessing stood }
above him with flashing eyes and Ora |
looked on in frightened admiration.
AS Loucks scrambled, cursing, 20 |
his feet, Claude Middleton came in.
ooh. there's the other Jay" he
cried, rushing at Bill. I've been
looking for him.
Bob stepped between.
He's had enough for the present" |
he laughed.
Bill Loucks staggered upstairs 10 |
his room. On the landing he paused, !
glanced threateningly back at Bob and |
growled. between IBIS teeth
Curse you! you may not pay your
workmen, but you'll pay NE for that |
blow"
Meantime Claude was busy explain
ing TO Bob.
''You see" he said, 1T was this |
way: Miss Ora introduced me to
Jolly little girl named Angie Wilmer
a friend of hers. 1t seems Ezra
Cookus is sweet on Angie, just as our
friend Bill seems to be on Miss Ora
The two fellows came along looking
for trouble. And l guess they found
it all right, all right They rushed
me. I side-stepped and then was all
over them. l handed out a bunch of
to Ezra and he ran with
me after him. He hid somewhere
and | came back to finish the other
one"
To be Continued.