Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-08-08
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
n Ian made his way along the
u7 wall, out Of the track of the
ES6113rSI promenaders, into the Office
ys24&) anxious to escape being spo-
ken to by any one. But here several 10
vial men from the mountains who
knew him Intimately gathered around
him and began to make laughing re-
marks about his dress.
"You look fer the world like a dirt
dauber." This comparison to a kind
OF black wasp came from Pole Baker,
a tall, heavily built farmer, with an
enormous head, thick eyebrows and
long, shaggy hair. He lived on Bish-
ops farm and had been brought up
with Alan. "I'll be derned eff you
amt nimble on yore feet, though. I've
seed you cut the pigeon wing over on
Messy creek with them big, strappin'
gals fore you had yore sights as high
as these town folks"
Its that thar vest that gifts me-"
said another. II reckon it's cut low
SO you won't drap saft victuals on it,
but I guess you don't do much eatin'
with that collar on. 1t don't look like
yore Adams apple could stir a peg un-
der it."
With good natured reply and
laugh he did not feel, Alan hurried out
Of the Office and up to his room, where
he had left his lamp burning. Ray.
burn Miller's hat and light overcoat
were on the bed. Alan sat down In
one Of the stiff backed, split bottom
chairs and stared straight in front Of
him. Never in his life had he suffered
as he was now suffering. He could see
no hope ahead; the girl he loved was
lost to him. Her father had heard OF
the foolhardiness Of, old man Bishop
and. like many another we'll meaning
| parent had determined to save his
daughter from the folly of marrying q
penniless man who had doubtless in
herited his fathers lack of judgment
and caution.
There was rap on the closed door,
and Immediately afterward Rayburn
| Miller turned the knob and came in.
His kindly glance swept the face Of
his friend, and he said. with forced
ughtness:
II don't want to bore you, old man,
but just had to follow you. saw
from your looks as you left the ball.
room that something was wrong. and
l am afraid l know what it is. You
see, Captain Barclay Is a rough, out
9nnI~0n ho ~1,
the other day which reached me. I
wasn't sure it was true, so 1 didn't
mention it; but reckon my informant
knew what he was talking about"
Alan nodded despondently. II asked
her to go to church with me tomorrow
night. She was awfully embarrassed
and finally told me Of her fathers OBJ
jections"
Il. think know what fred the old
devil up" said Miller.
"You doT'
| Yes. 1t was that mistake of your
father. AS told you. the colonel Is
as. mad as a wet ben about the, whole
thing. He's got rope tied to every
nickel he's got, and he intends to leave
Dolly good deal Of money. He thinks
Frank Hillhouse Is just the thing. He
shows that as plain as day. He no.
dced how frequently you came to see
Dolly and scented danger ahead and
simply put his loot down on it, just
| as fathers have been doing ever since
the food. My dear boy, you've got q
bitter pill to take. but you've got to
swallow 1t like man. You've reached
a point where two roads fork. 1t IL
for you to decide which one you'il
take" .-."-.. -
| Alan made no reply. Rayburn MIL
Ter lighted q cigar and began to smoke
steadily. | ~ =
tits none Of my business" Miller
burst out suddenly, hut I'm friend
enough Of yours to: feed this thing IKE
the devil. Howe@eR, don't know
what to say. I only wish knew bow
far you've gooe into u. Il" ~ :
| Alan smiled mechanically. '~s>
IF you can't hook ct me and see how
far I've gone, you are bind, /" he said.
Il don't mean t11ak. : replied Miller.
r was wondering how far you had
committed yourself hang It! y
m 1 sove ann al mat sort Of thing.
q We never spoken 70 her on the SUI
Jet, Alan in6ormed him gloomil,.
Good. good Snlendidy'