Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-07-01

was before we got married, thought
now it's different"
"What are you talking about, Pet
tibone?" The sheriff laid hand ON
his heart and winked.
"That little chap with pair of
wings and bow and arrow has been
getting in his work on you, and he's
hit you so fair and square that every
body can see it,"
"Pshaw!" exclaimed Guy, coloring.
"Don't talk nonsense"
"I'm not. Betty Vlandingham is
fine girl, but she's on the other side
o. the fence. She bosses her father
and her father bosses the town, con-
sequently things go about as she
here, Herbert" the sheriff dropped
his hand lightly on Guys knee
"'twon't do for you to be meeting her.
As far as I'm personally concerned,
think you're true as die, and don't
lay up anything against you on ac-
count of that crack on the head and
your work with the halter. There are
others, though, who won't think as
do when they"-he nodded his head
toward the little column of dust far
in advance-"strike Concord. They'll
publish your meeting with Miss
Vlandingham from one end of town to
the other. And what will be the re-
sult?" He shook his head seriously,
81 hate to think of it, do for fact,
You mustn't meet that girl again, Her.
bert-at least not before the elec-
ton"
Small chance of my ever meeting
her again. said Guy in angry discon.
tent. 'She sent line to me, as told
you, asking me to come alone and
meet her and Miss Pinkney. Now she
thinks I'm a treacherous hound, who
disregarded her request and brought
you and Glimmer and Bilkins-con-
found them-along with me-
Much bitterness of spirit was mani
tested in Guys voice, and the sheriff
gave him his earnest attention.
You'll have plenty of chances to
explain" said he, ''and when Betty
Vlandingham finds out how she has
wronged you she'll think all the moro
of you. Oh, know 'em! Twas that
way with me and Matilda. Why, we
used to quarrel every few days before
we got married and now look at us!
Hitched, by gee, and quarrelin' all the
time" Pettibone chuckled to himself.
"You leave .V,andingham's girl alone
until we win this election, then waltz
over to Harmony and tell her you want
to give her dover interest in your
town. She'll snap you up too quick, see
if she don't"
On reaching Concord, Guy went with
Pettibone to put up his horse, and them
they made for the hotel. Passing the
Emporium, they saw Mr.. Glimmer in
side holding forth to small and select
gathering of citizens. Farther on, in
front of the drug store, was Lem Bill
kins, likewise engaged. When Guy
and Pettibone passed the second group,
Biillins hushed his discourse, and every
man to whom he had been speaking
turned glazing eye in Guys direction.
Its very evident" remarked Guys
shat I'm prophet without honor in
my own town. Before long, however,
every one in Concord will see how
greatly he was mistaken"
81 hope they'll see that before they
do anything to be sorry for" muttered
Pettibone.
Guy did not hear this, and perhapsit
was just as well.
They had supper-a late supper OF
the,kind which Pedro Smith husbanded
for stragglers-and during the meal.
and afterward as they sat smoking in
the Office. the sheriff continually mani
tested the nervousness of his state OF
mind. The slightest noise would
startle him. Once, at whirr of wheels
in the street, he sprang up and ran to-
the door, returning in few moments
pale and fidgety.
whats the matter with you, Petit
bone?" inquired Guy.
"lm expecting something and am
afraid it's going to come"
"What is it?"
"a delegation of citizens looking for
you"
Guy laughed.
THAT'S giving you more concern
than it is me. Suppose we go to bed?
If the delegation arrives after that
hardly think they will dare to disturb
u.s."
Ito Be Continued.)