Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-05-16

of him?
why the dickens did the squire act
like he dido" asked the confused Bar
ney.
.'He did that 10 save me from the
hands of the Harmony people an
swered Guy, with a dash of irritation.
They're so wrought up over this coun-
" seat matter that they would have
acted and thought about their actions
afterwards"
You bet they would.
"Mr. Vlandingham is head and shout
ders above the rest of them. He's n
gentleman"
Hes ole business. that's what. Don't
you feel pretty meachin'?"
That's my affair"
"S'pose you'll try 10 run away now,
hey?"
Barney caught Guys arm, and Guy
wrenched away and gave his compan-
/ ion a 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 a. the meetin' had
known who you was. ! guess you'd
have been carried back TO Concord feet
foremost"
Guy made no answer 10 this, and they
shortly arrived at Mr.. Nladingham's
house. Their ring was answered by
Miss Betty herself.
Mr. Herbert" she exclaimed. smil-
ingly, al knew very well that father
wouldn't allow you 10 be hurt. But
you took frightful chances. Why are
you here, Barney"
"The squire sent me along 20 see
that he didn't get away" responded
Barney, valiantly.
"Well, you needn't remain. III see
that he doesn't get away. Good night"
The door was closed in the aston
ished Barney's face.
Come into the parlor, Mr.. Herbert"
said Miss Betty.
Guy couldn't understand the situa-
ton al all. Miss Betty did not seem 10
abate one Jot or title of her friendH-
ness. "a Consummate actress Guy
thought; "the storm will come before
long" Miss Betty motioned toward a
/
ed himself she took a rocker vis-a-vis.
She thought for a moment, and then
laughed softly.
ITO think" she remarked. that
neither father nor /. on hearing your
name, ever thought OF connecting YOU
with Mr.. Montfort Herbert, Of the Con-
cord Townsite company! And you
boarded that freight train at Concord,
tool"
"Why don, you denounce me for be-
Ing a spy" asked Guy, impatiently.
"Why should | denounce you? Con
cord is your town, Mr.. Herbert, and it
is right for you 20 do what you can 10
hold the county seat. 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 is
losing fight"
yet there are means YOU would not
countenance even in q struggle of this
kind?"
IL will have no violence. That is why
| added 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: "See that no harm comes TO
Mr.. Herbert, Betty" He drew a deep
breath.
Then | have YOU 10 thank for my
present safety" said he, replacing the
note in his pocket
please don't misunderstood me,
Mr. Herbert" returned Miss Betty.
MY fathers ruling passion is real es-
tate. He wanted 10 sell YOU some
lots in Harmony, and, for fear You
wouldn't be where he could watch
YOU. he insisted on having you come
here. That was also his reason for
taking you 10 the meeting and
he had not the slightest notion
he was harboring an enemy" Miss
Betty laughed again. AT heart she
resumed my father is one of the
noblest men in the world, but ! can
not remember that he ever cham
pioned "A losing cause. Whenever he
enters a fight he goes in 10 win.
With my aid he is going TO be Vic
torious in this county seat affair"
She spoke decisively. | don't know
your real motive for coming here,
but / presume You wanted 10 look
over the rival town and find out what
chance there was for Concord retain
ing its prestige"
THAT was partly it," admitted Guy,
"But also wished 10 attend the meet
ing and find out, if l could. what
move your side intended 20 make"
Col. Keever suggested that, did he
not?"
at was suggested 10 me-"
And YOU endeavored to follow ont
this counsel against your better judg-
ment?"
II am very sorry now that I acted
on the suggestion at all"
you are too much OF gentleman
for this sort of work. Mr. Herbert. \
county seat contest of this kind is a
very disagreeable affair"
"Why should there ever have been