Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-08-01
CHAPTER Xix.

CHAPTER NIX.
II was on Monday afternoon that
Miss Betty dashed up TO the door OF
Sile Whittaker's shack in the gro
tesque trap. A dazzling picture she
presented TO Guy with her light
dress, her futtering ribbons and her
bewitching hat. The ubiquitous Miss
Pinkney was not along and the sill
ver-plated harness jingled rare mu-
sic as Miss Betty drew 10 a halt.
Mr.. Whitaker had gone off to at
tend 10 some farm work and Guy was
alone at the house. He went out
forthwith 10 greet the young lady
and 10 ask her if she would not
alight.
oh, no." said she. II can't stop.
l have come for you, Mr.. Herbert"
For me-" he echoed.
Certainly. IL was understood that
when you were well enough TO leave
Mr.. Whittaker's you were 10 come
TO WillowNiew. Don't you remem-
ber?"
That was not Guys remembrance
Of the understanding.
II can't go with you, Miss Wand
ingham," he murmured, confusedly
Really, I"
Now, Mr. Herbert" she pouted
81 have driven out here purposely
20 get YOU and is il possible that YOU
will refuse 10 go back with me?"
There was laughter in her eyes as
she added: you need apprehend no
danger, now. 4 Concord man. ! am
happy 10 say, may walk the streets
Of Harmony without the slightest
fear"
1T isn't the danger that deters
me-" answered Guy. 81 am not such
coward as that, | hope"
aren't YOU well enough ," She
eyed his stalwart form archly.
Richard is himself again-almost.
But tomorrow, you know, is the
election.
The returns will reach you more
quickly in Harmony than they will
here"
Il shall not stay here My post
OF duty is Concord and Mr.. Whit
taker is going 20 take me there IN
the morning"
From the way the Concord people
treated You" she said, her eyes
glowing reSentfully, II shouldn't
think you'd ever want TO set foot in
the place again"
retrospective OF the feelings Of the
Concordians, he smiled, there is my
financial interest. cannot abandon
those loo lots"
What are 1900, or 10000 lots 10
the son Of Mr. Montfort Herbert"
she returned "a mere bagatellel I
know perfectly well that il isn't the
money at stake, in your case, nor is
il in mine. IL is the excitement OF
the contest" She threw back her
shoulders and tossed her fair head.
"A stout heart, fair fight, and the
rigor Of the game The end of our
plots and our counterplots is now
at hand. Either success or defeat
will prove equally glorious and you
can learn the worst. or the best, at
Willowview just as well as you can
III NbHCpIu. lleaSe uon Keep me
waiting, Mr.. Herbert"
Evidently she thought the son OF
Mr. Montfort Herbert had n compe-
tence in his own right! No one had
informed her Of the real condition
Of Guys fortunes and he was not
the one TO lay bare the truth.
Guy reflected. He might do more
harm than good in Concord If he
went there during the crisis. He had
no vote, anyway, as two weeks in
the territory would not give him the
right of franchise. Besides. had he
not, in quiet way, gained a stratcg-
c advantage which would keep the
county seat at Concord?
VERY well, Miss Nlandingham," he
said. 1T is kind Of YOU 20 come for
me, and if you really care for my
company at Willowview | shall he
most happy TO return with you"
lie went into the house for his
'atchel and then started for IIar-
nony with a snap Of the whip and
1 jingle Of chains. Very shortly they
passed Mr.. Whitaker, at work by
he road, and there was a brief halt
while Guy explained matters. Mr..
Whitaker said little but smiled in
! knowing way, and they could see :
Tim lean on the handle of his shovel