The Lamar register., 1902-07-23

OF his cOnuemnation. ocbISA q NUN
dred times that he lost every cent he
had in the world and preserved his self
respect. He was going to meet Miss
Betty now, and what would she think
of him?
"Why the dickens did the squire act
like he didf" asked the confused Bar.
ney.
"He did that to save me from ths
hands of the Harmony people," an.
swered Guy, with n dash of irritation.
"rheyre so wrought up over this ooun-
ty seat matter that they would have
acted and thought about their actions
afterwards"
"You bet they would"
"Mr. Vlandingham is head and shoul-
ders above the rest of them. He's
gentleman"
Hes ole business, that's what. Don't
you feel pretty meachinr
"That's my affair"
"S'pose you'll try to run away now.
hey?"
Barney caught Guys arm, and Guy
wrenched away and gave his compan-
ion n push that almost upset him.
"I'm not going to run away. I've
given my word and shall abide by It,"
Barney whistled.
"If the people at the meetin' had
known who you was, guess you'd
have been carried back to Concord feet
foremost"
Guy made no answer to this. and they
shortly arrived at Mr.. vladingham's
house. Their ring was answered by
Miss Betty herself.
"Mr. Hcrbert!" she exclaimed, smil-
ingly, 81 knew very well that father
wouldn't allow you to be hurt. But
you took frightful chances. Why are
you here, Barney7"
1.-THE squire sent me along 70 see
that he didn't get away" responded
Barney, valiantly.
"Well, you needn't remain. I'll see
that he doesn't get away. Good night"
ished Barney's face.
"Come into the parlor. Mr.. Herbert"
said Miss Betty.
Guy couldn't understand the situa-
tion at all. Miss Betty did not seem to
abate one jot or title of her fSiendl-
ness. "A consummate actress" Guy
thought; "the storm will come before
long" Miss Betty motioned toward
chair. After Guy had obediehtly seat
ed himself she took rocker vis-n-vis.
She thought for q moment. and then
laughed softly.
ITO think" she remarked, shat
neither father nor l. on hearing your
name. ever thought of connecting you
rhar NH< <ha
cord Townsite company! And you
boarded that freight train at Concord.
tool"
"Why don't you denouncs me for BE-
ing a spy?" asked Guy, impatiently.
"Why should denounce you? Con-
cord is your town, Mr.. Herbert, and II
is right for you 70 do what you can to
hold the county scat. Harmony is our
town, and we shall do what we can
to take the county seat away from
you. I'm sorry for you. for yours y .
losing hght."
"Yst there are means you would not
countenanee even in . struggle Of this
knd7"
"I will have no violence. That 10 why
addeS q line TO the note which Bar
ney brought from Concord"
THAT line" had escaped Guy. He
took the note from his pocket and saw
penciled dimly at the bottom the
words: ''ses that no harm comes to
Mr.. Herbert, Betty" He drew . deep
breath.
Then I havs you 70 thank for my
present safety" said he, Replacing the
note In his pocket.
"Please don't misundssstAnd me.
Mr. Herbert" returned Miss Betty.
my fathers ruAng passion is real es-
tate. He wanted 70 ssll you some
lots in Harmony. and. for fear you
wouldn't be where he could watch
you, he insistsd on having you come
here. That was also his reason for
taking you TO the meeting and
he had not the slightest notion
he was harbofing an enemy" Miss
Betty laughed again. "At heart" she
resumed, my father = one of the
noblest men In the world. but I cas-
not remember that he ever cham
pionsd q losing cause. Whenever he
enters q fight he goes IN 70 win.
With my aid he 10 going 70 Be VIC
torious in this county seat affair." :"
She spoke decisivsly. don't know
your real motive for coming here,
but presume you wanted to look
over the rival town and hnd out what
ahnnce there was for Concord retain
ing its prestige"
THAT was partly IT," admitted Guy.
"But also wished 70 attend the meet
ing and hnd out, II I could. what
move your side intended 70 make"
"Col. Keever suggested that. did he
not7"
'It was suggested to me-"
"And you endeavorsd 70 follow out