Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-08-08

me an her got engaged, and
you let a gal in short frocks tell
you cock an bull story like that"
broke in Hanks, his sallow face work
ing visibly, IAN you swallowed it. like
the sucker you are"
II had no reason to doubt It," retort-
ed Bob, with flash. But found
tout afterward that 1t was all true. l
know tobacco drummer from up that
way. He gets all my trade in that nrc
Me an him are pretty friendly. IN |
lconfided In him. He told me he knew
lall about the family and substantiated
everything Dora May had said an
added lots more about investments
Iof hers that she didn't even know
about"
But why were you in such bur
Iry?" asked Kenner. who seemed to be
the only one in the group capable of
ready expression.
WELL" Bob hesitated, and a frank
flush spread over his face. there are
some boys in this town that would
run after rich girl. and Dora May
would have been entirely too popular
Ito do her any good. oh, you needn't
worry about me an her! tell you we
know what we are doing. She's bust
ness from head to foot an Knows can
manage her affairs all right. There
'ain't bit of harm in fellow marry
ling money II he loves his wife and has
the ability to make some himself.
believe I'm born money maker. ]
reckon l got 1t from father. i believe
III he'd "a had fair chance and not
peen afraid he'd "a been the richest
man in this state. He married poor
woman and had no start, and yet he's
done well--that is, pretty well-for his
chances"
''Ef he ever Is about to starve you
give i'm job collectin' Dora
Mays rent" said Kenner, who was
bubbling over with enjoyment.
Then silence fell. They were all
waiting for Hanks to speak, but he
had nothing to say. He rose and went
outdoors, his scrawny hands in the
pockets or his trousers.
1.-THE Lord only knows what he'll
do" said Bob But the die is cast, an
! feel sorter independent Of him. Look
here, Mr.. Kenner," turning back from
the door. you must get the idea out
Of your head that l did this thing just
because Dora May was well fixed.
tell you she's just what was looking
FOR. She's pretty. not a bit lazy and
thinks that what don't know amt
worth learning. She's been so much
interested lately in my business that
she wasn't studying good at school any
way. She's give me great many
pointers, tell you. She helped me
write all them ads. that folks said was
20 good, especially them with the poetry
N em. I'm bad speller, and she cor
.ected all Of 'em before they was print
ed"
Did you ever?' Kenner said when
Bob had gone. "I'll swear don't know
whether to kick or congratulate i'm
AS George was going home to din
Ter he saw old Hanks leaning on the
'ence of vacant lot waiting for him.
George paused. THAT ground I'D make
rood turnips," said Hanks, splitting
,ver the fence II believe I'll make
rrotter an offer for It. could pasture
ny COW on it in the spring.
George said nothing. He knew the
I'D man had waited for him to speak
II Bob's marriage.
went up thar to see Mrs. Styles"
Tanks nodded In the direction Of the |
choolhouse.
ooh, you did?'
Eyes. Found 'er with 'er head all
led up in rags an smellin' like drug
tore. At fust she kept up sech /
creechin' she wouldn't let me say
word, but she quieted down after I
while, an me m her sorter come to
understandin'."
IAN understandings That's good"
aid George.
Yes. We both sorter come to the
onclusion that II she'd write to that
that Bob was an only child
n could naturally expect something
t my demise that, maybe, he would
lot raise row"
Then the girl really Is rich," said
,eorge.
The old man spat over the fence
gain. He avoided Georges glance.
Yes, she's pretty well heeled," he
aid, IAN not fool by long shot.
he was up at Mrs. Styles this morn
4, the old lady said, with long dress
n. She talked pretty straight-didn't
ltend- to have nobody meddlin' with
er affairs-ef anybody had anything
, say agin Bob Hanks to send 'em to
err, an 80 on. Blamed ef hain't
orter curis to see 'er. Somehow al
rays wanted gal in the family. an
ne with plenty O. scads is about as
cceptable as any other sort-safer in
re long run"
when Mrs. Hillyer was told at the
inner table that day Of the outcome OF
obs marriage, she said: well,
ont know as Bob Hanks Is sech
ard case after all. The highest In the
nd is a-doin' jest what he done-mar-
I'm with Their eyes open. The only !
nerence Is Bob don't make no bones
7er It. He admits he's struck good
ling an has too much business pride \
underrate his investment"
Nevertheless, Martha" said Hillyer
rer his poised coffee cup, I'D little
xbar COO poh vnolo ,nnro ovor tho