Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1902-06-20
''Well, I'm dinged,r he muttered
"You're the spy, amt your"

influence him came in for large share
of his condemnation. Better hun
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 did," asked the confused Bar
ney.
HE did that to save me from the
hands of the Harmony people," an
swered Guy, with dash of irritation.
They're SO wrought up over this coun-
ty 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. Hes
gentleman
Hes ole business. t6at'swhat. Don't
you feel pretty meachin'2"
"That's my affair"
"S'pose you'll try TO run away nor.
heyq"
Barney cnught Guys arm, and Guy
wrenched away and gave his compan.
ion 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, I 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. HERBERT" she exclaimed, smil-
ingly. II 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 to see
that he didn't get away" responded
Barney, valantly.
well, you needn't remain. I'll 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.
|
ton at all. Miss Betty did not seem to
abate one jot or title of her friendli-
ness. "a consummate actress" Guy
thought; "the storm will come before
long" Miss Betty motioned toward q
chair. After Guy had obediently seat
ed himself she took rocker vis-a-vts.
She thought for moment, and then
laughed softly.
ITO think" she remarked, that
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't you denounce me for be.
ing spy?" asked Guy, impatiently.
"Why should denounce your Con-
cord is your town, Mr.. Herbert, and It
is right for you to do what you can to
hold the county seat. Harmony ia our
town, and we shall do what we can
70 take the county scat eway from
you. I'm sorry for you. for yours "a q
losing fight"
"Yet there are means you would not
oountenance even In q struggle of this
kind?"
II will have no violence. That is why
I 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 deep
breath.
''Then have you to 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 to 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 to the meeting and
he had not the slightest notion
he was harboring an enemy" Miss
Betty laughed again. cat heart" she
resumed, my father is one of the
| nODAeSt men IN Jne WOr1Q, DuI cdA'
not remember that he ever cham.
pioned losing cause. Whenever he
enters fight he goes in to win
With my aid he is going to be vic.
torious in this county seat affair "
She spoke decisively. I don't know
your real motive for coming here
but I presume you wanted to looI
over the rival town and find out what
chance there was for Concord retain
ing it's prestige
THAT was partly it," admitted Guy
'But also wished to attend the meet
ing and find out, If could, VIVA
move your side intended to- make"
"Col. Keever suggested that. did hi
not?" :.
ut was suggested to me-"
sand you endeavored to follow out
this counsel against your better judg
ment2"
II am very sorry now that I acted
on the suggestion at all"
'You are too much of a gentleman
for this sort of work, Mr.. Herbert. 4
county seat contest of this kind is {
very disagreeable affair"
"Why should there ever have been
a contest?"
'That was because Concord stole
. | the county seat from HARMONY in thf