Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-05-27

the large mans announcement of his
name caused him to take. another
course. Here undoubtedly was the
very Vlandingham who had the .,coun-
ty commissioners under his. thumb
and was the ringleader 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. 81 am going over
ito have look at. Harmony"
MIR. Herbert, my daughter, Miss
Elizabeth vlandingham."
The easy familiarity of the north
west had long since claimed Wilbur
Vlandingham for it's own and he
presented the stranger to his daugh-
ter with cheerful disregard of the
proprieties.. But if he forgot himself
Miss Betty was far from being ruled
by his, example. To Guys profound
bow she returned only the curtest
of mods, two little wrinkles between
her brows showing her disapproval
of her fathers actions. Mr.. Wan
bingham smiled and winked again.
Harmony" he resumed, "is my
town, Mr.. Herbert.
"Our town." corrected Miss Betty!
Certainly, my love-" deferred her
father; "whateversis, mine will some
day be yours" He turned once more
to Guy. Harmony is going to have
i r. y
the moment the result of this spe-
cial election is known lots will go
up with jump" Leaning sidewise
confidentially he tapped Guy on the
knee. Take my advice. Buy "a 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
thing"
1t was one thing to prevent his for
tunes being wrecked by reconnoitering
the enemy, but is quite another thing
to sit at table with the general of the
hostile camp and carry the espialinto.
his very household. Guy drew line
at that.
"Nonsense!" cried Vlandingham. 81
won't have it any other way. You're
going with me and won't take no for
an answer"
! Sc ;,,roee;t1a .o+r,1oS &c.
firmly. ~. 4:.s.p
by Jupiter, weM see that.
In my own town-beg pardon, Betty,
our own town-things go about as Il
as we-want them to co." Rsah.s@
IT appreciate your kindness,'l said
Guy, embarrassed by the persistent
nature of Vlandingham's hospitality.
"but I cannot impose upon yon.ih ns2s
Impose! Hear that, Betty? He
| talks Of imposing on neon us--after
saving your life, my girl! Think of
how. you would now be lying qcrushed
and broken on that car floor but for his
heroic assistance! Jupiter! Mr.. Her
bert, 1 owe you debt gratitude.
Buy two lots at the present price and
1 I'll throw in two more. Now, then!'
Guyswas overwhelmed. Miss Betty
bowed her head and, her shoulders
moved conyulsiyely. ~
'"See how my daughter is affectedm
cried vlandingham. "She understands
1 how much we owe you, Mr.. eHerbcrt;-
| and"
A smothered laugh came from Miss
Betty. She looked up presently,
Strengthening her face with an effort.
Guy was chagrined. The more he saw
of Elizabeth ylandingham the more he
wished they had met under happier
circumstances. ~ -
"My father, Mr.. Herbert" remarked
the young lady, sis very anxious to sell
our lots. He has forgotten that there
are none for SALE"
WHAT" gasped Vlandingham,
aghast.
"After the election the lots will be
worth double what they are now, and
why should we divide our profits with
anyone?"
Miss Betty had delightfully."- con-
trary nature. Had Guy accepted her
fathers hospitality she would have
been set against him; but now that he
had determined not to accept, she was
equally determined that he should.
"Mr. Herbert" she went on, "allow
me to second my fathers invitation.
We shall be glad to have you stay at
Willowview while you are in Har-
mony."
| The witchery of her blue eyes made
the temptation powerful one, yet
Guy shook his head. Then the blue,
eyes grew imperious.
"You must!" declared Miss Betty,
and Guy yielded under mental pro-
test.
A few minutes later they were in
Harmony, descending from the ca
| boose far below the 6epof and Dro.