Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-15

bush Oh my Lord! They say In
Alfs meeting house that it's sin to
play poker with no stakes, but Alf's
in a game with half the earth put up
agin another fellers wad as big as a
bale O. hay. Play down, All Play
down. You've got full hand an
plenty to draw from"
I'VE couldn't let you do this, Ray"
expostulated Alan.
But assure you it is merely mat
ter Of business with me-" declared the
lawyer. you know I'm Interested
myself, and | believe we shall come
out all right. I'm simply itching to do
It,"
Bishops face was ablaze. The as
surance that wise young business
man would consider purchase of his
of sufficient value to put a large
amount of money on pleas him, ban
ished his fears thrilled him.
"1f you feel that way" he said, smil
ing at the corners Of his mouth, go
ahead. 1 don't know but what you
are DluIllD IlGHl. IL VIII Sll'W w iISOH
that we amt beholden to him an will
set i'm to work ef anything will"
SO it was finally settled. and no one
seemed so we'll pleased with the ar
rangement as Miller himself. Adele
entered the room with the air of one
half fearful of intruding. and her
three relatives quietly withdrew, leav-
II wonder what's the matter with
your brother" Miller remarked az his
eyes followed Alan from the room
ooh, brother?" laughed Adele. "No
one tries to keep up with his whms
and fancies."
But, really" said Miller in a serious
tone "he has mystifed me lately.
wonder if he has had bad news from
! Dolly. I've tried to get into a conf
dental chat with him several times of
late, but he seems to get around it.
Really, it seems to me at times that he
treats me rather coldly."
"Oh. if you waste time noticing Al
you'll become a beggar" And Adele
gave another amused laugh. Take
my advice and let him alone"
II almost believe YOU know what
ais him. said Miller. eying her
closely.
Il know what he thinks ails him.
the girl responded.
And won't you tell me what-wha
he thinks ails him.
NO. l couldn't do that" answered
our young lady, with a knowing smile
"If YOU are ever any wiser on the sub
iect. you will nave to get your wisdom
from him."
She turned TO the piano and began 4
arrange some scattered pieces of music
and he remained on the hearth, hi
back to the fire. his brow wrinkled il
pleased perplexity
I'll have to get my wisdom from
him repeated Miller pronouncin
each word with separate distinctness
as if one Of them might prove the Ike
to the mystery
"Yes, | should think two wise me
could settle Il little thing like that.
not, you may call in the third-yo
ing to the Bible"
, "Oh. 80 there were" smiled Miller
"but it's hard to tell when we thre
shall meet again. The last time say
; the other two they were having thei
: sandals half solcd for a tramp acros
: the desert. | came this way to build
railroad. and l believe I'm going to q
= it, That's linking ancient and moder
: times together with coupling PHI
isn't it,
She came fr~n the piano and stoo
l by him. looking down into the tir'
, "Ah." she said seriously, If you coul
| only do it,.
. Would you like it very much:"
= VERY. very much. 1t means tn
world to us-to Alan, to father an
mother and-yes, to me. l hunger fc
D Independence.
Then it shall be done" he said fe
= vently.