Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-04-17
LOST RIVER.


twenty years ago
But Bob Blessing scarcely needed
her. He was saying over and over
to himself
: by all that's wonderful, it IS
| Thomas Middleton. my partner
( Gladys father. Now / begin to I'M
derstand why he opposed our taking
rthis Lost River contract; why he has
never come out here in person, and
W. he objected at first to Claude and
J Gladys coming"
Then a new thought occurred TO
him.
That story doesn't sound like Mid
dleton. II if is true, | believe he
acted as he did through cowardice
rather than from villiany. He would
probably be glad to make amends
If he knew Ora was living He will
| be at Lost River week after next to
look over the aqueduct and bring the
mems back pay. Can't | bring about
a meetng?"
The idea took hold of his magma
| ton.
Mrs. Gates" he said aloud, "an old
| friend of mine-my partner, Mr.
Middleton, in facts coming to our
hotel week after next. There is to be
6 hop there the evening he arrives.
Won't you do me the favor of coming
to. the dance and of bringing Miss Ora
! with your"
"Neveri"
! 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 risk"
But I 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?"
81 can't explain just now. You'n
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 a 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
hotel. No, don't stop to ask me qucs-
lions. ann 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
What's the row." asked Bob,
sternly,
None of your-business." growI,
ed Loucks.
He tried to kiss met" cried Ora in
the same breath.
II remember you. my friend" sad
Bob, quietly. and we've little score
to settle. You're the toll-gate keeper
and the man who has been spreading
the report that | am going to cheat
my aqueduct laborers cut Of their |
pay"
Il was talking to Mr. Middleton" |
went on Ola. 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 ne"
Loucks, taking advantage of the mo-
ment when Bob's eyes wandered from
him to Ora. sprang toward Blessing
with appraised fists.
The next instant the toll-gate keep
er 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 tha present"
he laughed
Bill Loucks staggered upstairs TO
his room, On the landing he paused,
glanced threateningly back at Bob and
growled, between his teeth,
Curse you, you may not pay your
workmen. but you'll pay me for that
blow"
Meantime Claude was busy explain.
ing to Bob.
You see" he said. 1T was this
way: Miss Ora introduced me to a /
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.