The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-03-02

! thought of establishing home of his
own.
Lindsey had saved and made by in
vestment $4,000. Hugh had never saved
penny, but his grandmother had left
him $500 in the Greenwood Savings Bank
which he had been restrained from us
ing by the constant pleadings of his
mother
1t was early in the month of March
when Lindsey first spoke OF Ottertail
City. The cousins were on a down
town car, and Hugh was deep in the
excitements of the morning paper.
I've been thinking, Hugh" Lindsey
suddenly said, that If you and 1 were
to go to Ottertail City and open a
store of general merchandise we would
be wealthy and independent men ten
years from now. If we stay here we
will still be clerks, and little better off
than we are to-day"
Hugh rested his paper on his knee
and looked at his cousin in amaze
ment.
Where the devil is Ottertail City?"
he asked.
1T is in the western part of Mime
sofa. l understand that there is a fine
business for sale there. That is a great
country up there for fishing and hunt
ing
LOU Knew the HSnlng ana hunting
would take me-" Hugh replied, laugh
ing.
II felt you would need some induce
ment aside from the business interest.
OF course, there would be little or no
social life''
mo .girls!" exclaimed Hugh with
look of dismay. Think of winter in
a wilderness without a girl! I've no
doubt could manage to live through
the summer"
Couldn't you have a wedding before
we go? | am sure you are old enough
to settle down; twenty-eight!"
Il don't believe one girl could make
a WILDERNESS blossom as a rose for
me-" Hugh replied, shaking his head,
My joy is in numbers, you know"
You may find a girl up there that
will outshine any you've met here in
Chicago. There are many prosperous
farmers all through that country, and
some fine old New England families
How far is it to the nearest city?"
The neaerst town of any size is
Fergus Falls. 1t is thirty miles away,
but there are small towns nearer"
Fergus Falls! Why, that is where
Marion Williams lives! Lindsey, you
old fool, see now what you are
after!"
1--WE not heard a word from Marion
for three years. She may be married
for all l know" Lindsey replied. NO
there is good store, for sale in Otter
tail City, and an extensive country
trade. If am not greatly mistaken
that is coming country. 1t is a rich
wheat district. I intend buying me a
farm up there, too
We'll, l always hoped we'd go into
business together. but the capital 1
have will not go far in any place."
Hugh replied. taking up his paper.
IF You will let me manage your lit
tie capital you will have something in
few years. Lindsey replied in his
kind, even voice.
II believe you. Cousin Lindsey. Did
you think of taking a trip up there and
looking over the ground?'
Yes; 1 have asked for a leave of
absence next week for that purpose"
well. I'm with you, Lindsey. if you
decide to locate. Now take my advice
and don't set your heart on meeting
that old sweetheart of yours. She was
nice girl, but there are thousands
that equal her."
Marion Is as dear to me as she was
the first day of our engagement, but
my hope of winning her has been dead
for long time
Lindsey went to Ottertail City the
following week and Hugh received a
most enthusiastic letter describing the
beauty of the country.
There Is no scenery superior to this
in our country he wrote. "Ottertail
City is on the bank OF the most mag
nificent lake you can imagine. There
are four other lakes within a radius
of five miles. The city VIII amuse
you. 1t consists of four houses and
one storei shall close the bargain for