The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-01-17

tooh paper Out VI Ills luDie urdWeI,
and, with little show of embarrass-
ment, brought 1t over to Edwards Ia
, bic and sat down near him.
I've got a thing here that l want ia
leave with you very much. VIII you
look after it all right as want you
top
"Of course will" replied Edward
without exercising his usual cautious.
ness in making promises.
"Well, two years ago ! owned pa.
per route and rented it out, as you
know, I've told you about th.!%,tt. The
route changeu lianu, 81 e s..'. ...iIes, 49,,
in deal that made last year 1t got
into my possession again. Bruce has
been carrying ii, but he's in the com
pany now, and the whole thing comes
right back to me. Mother wrote about
ii the last time she wrote giving her
consent to my going. ] didn't show
that part of the letter. But it's her
wish and mine that the route be turned
over to you.
"How? In what way? asked Ed.
ward nervously.
"Oh, you needn't be afraid that I'm
going to try to corrupt YOU" said VIII
lis, laughing, because | know it can't
be done. If you'll just sign your name
right here you'll see what | mean."
~ Edward read the paper through and
saw that it was q transfer Of the paper
route to him, entire, he agreeing to pay
500 for the route at his own conven-
fence.
But" he said, understanding Willis
motive, "tlis route Is worth seven
times as much"
IL don't care If it's worth 700 times
as much. You pay me 500 on it at
route. If I'm killed in the war, you
can pay it to mother. We made the
arrangement together. You've prom
ised to do it," continued Willis as Ed
ward made gesture Of refusal IL
shall feel very much hurt if you don't
take it. So will mother. We are rich.
The money Is Of little account to us.
But you've got your way to make, and
the route is the best one In Raynor.
You can make enough on 1t to pay in
the 500 inside of six months, and"-
here Willis hesitated curiously and
stammered littie-"and you can ar
ford to have your sister go back to the
hall. Don't refuse me, Ned. It's the
last favor l may ever ask of you"
Edward had nothing else to do but
accept the offer. He signed the paper,
and Willis turned the route over to
him, giving him the original contract
properly signed and attested.
The next morning Willis was due at
the camp to report for final marching
orders. He had packed a few of the
things remaining after sending some
Of his effects home and leaving other
articles In the room under Edwards
care, and as Edward came in after
his first lecture he found Willis trying
to decide on a few articles such as
he might possibly carry with him. He
was going over the things he had
packed and expressing his regret that
he had to leave so much behind.
Finally he made his selections and
handbag. AS he dropped in one thing
after another he picked up small
volume of poems which somehow look
ed strangely familiar to Edward, who
was standing by his table silently
looking ON.
Willis looked up and after a momen
Of hesitation he said: II might as well
say that this book OF poems isn't mine
1t belongs to your sister. She didn't
give 1t to me. of course. | picked 1t
up in the classroom one day. I'm 60
ing to take it with me If you don't OBJ
ject."
Edward was startled by the uncy
pected revelation of Willis feeling to
ward Freeda. He had never seen them
much together, and he had never lad
the slightest suspicion that Willis cared
anything for her. Freeda was old fol-
her years. In spite of her poverty she
always knew how to appear well dress.
ed. She had an attractive personality.
was popular among the students and
was good talker. Edward thought he
knew and had given credit for his sis.
ter's personal attractions, but he had
never dreamed that student like VIII
lis would ever he moved i'm any way to
a deeper feeling toward her than mo.
mentary pleasure in her company. He
was so upset by the revelation that he
did not reply to Willis, who still stood
with the book In his hand looking n
him.
"If you don't object" Willis repeated
'Why should | object?" replied Ed
ward stilly.
81 don't know, but 1 thought YOU
might" muttered Willis. He slowly
dropped the book into his bag, and
then looked up again. Edward wa
clearly vexed and disturbed.
"Yon needn't worry over this any,
Willis said. with an attempt at indif
ference that was poorly acted. "She
doesn't care rap for me. She's toe
far above me; same's you are"
Edward did not know what to say
and. according to his habit when II,
felt that way. he kept still. The whole
incident was painful to him. Finally
when Willis was all ready to go and
had gathered up his few belongings
Edward asked him when the regiment
was to start.
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