The Lamar register., 1902-07-16


picture she was. too. sitting stiilly
cree; in her injured dignity and look
ing neither to right nor left. The
large man shifted his twinkiing eyes
from her and gave Guy wink.
whats your line?" he asked.
~ don't understand you," returned
Guy.
Drummer, 1 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 nll and allowed snile
to twitch ut the corners OF her
mouth.
"You are mistaken, sir." ssd Guy.
"I am not a drummer"
.'Been long in Concord7
"a few hours only"
THAT was MS long as you could
stand it. 1 suppose. Well. 1 don't
blame you. If you want TO make
little money during this boom you've
got to buy lots in live town like
Harmony. Ny 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 eoun-
ty commissioners under his thumb
and was the ringleadsr 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. "I am going over
to have n look at Harmony"
"Mr. Herbert, my daughter. Hiss
Elizabeth Vlnndinghnm."
The ensy familiarity of the north
west had long since claimed Wilbur
Vlandingham for its own and he
presented the stranger to his daugh-
ter with n cheerful disregard of the
proprieties. But IT, he forgot himself
Miss Betty was far from being ruled
by his example. To Guys profouni
bow she returned only the curtest
of mods. two little wrinkles between
her brows showing her disapproval
of her fathers notions. Mr.. Vlan-
bingham smiled and winked again.
"Harmony," he resumed, '7s my
town. Mr.. Herbert.
"Our town." corrected Miss Betty.
"Certninly, 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 scat. Mr.. Herbert. and
the moment the result of this spe-
cinl election Is known lots will 60
up with jump" Leaning sidewise
confidentinlly he tapped Guy on the
knee. Take my advice. Buy q few
lots now before the RISE"
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 q quick glance Of
protest in her fathers direction.
Really. Mr.. Vlandingham." an
swered Guy, couldn't think OF such Q
thing"
tunes being wrecked by rsconn offering
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 q line
at that.
"Nonsenssl" cried vlandingham. II
won't have 1t any other way. You're
going with me and won't tAhs DO for
an answer"
"It i. imposdbss.- rstu,nsd Guy.
firmly.
by Jupiter. we'll see about that.
In my own town-beg pardon. Betty.
our own town-things go about ss l.
as we-want them to 60"
ct appreciate your kindness" said
Guy, embarrassed by the persistent
nature of vlandingham's hospitality.
"but I cannot impose upon you"
Impose! Hear that. Betty7 He
talks of imposing on ms-on 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 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 eonvulsively.
"See how my daughter 10 snsetsd!"
cried vlandinghnm. "6he understands
how much We owe you. Mr.. Herbert,
and"
A smothered laugh came from Miss
Betty. She looked mp presently.
Strengthening her face with an effort.
Guy was chagrined. The more he saw
of Elizabeth 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"