Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-12-12

Htv.s
III beg DOur pardon, but tchO do you
thtnl; l dm3"
gilt titles on the imposing Lives Of
Great Naval Commanders" having re-
ceived their share Of the general dust
ing now shone forth resplendent, and
the captain noticed Ralph's eye as 1t
involuntarily turned toward them.
"Noticin' our library?' he chuckled.
"Perez's property, that is. 'Gusty
Black talked him into buyin' EN-"
Ralph laughed. $50 you have book
agents, tOo?" he said.
We'll, we've got 'Gusty," was the
reply, land she's enough to keep US
goin'. GIFTS round reg'lar as clockwork
once month to collect the 81 from
Perez. It's her day now, and told
Perez that that was why he sneaked
or to Barry's. You see. 'Gusty's after
him to buy the history Of Methuselah
or some old critter, and he don't like
to see her. She's after me, too, but
I'm 'fraid she don't git much encour-
agement."
After they had talked little longer
the captain seemed to remember some
thing, for he glanced at his watch and
said: "Mr. Hazeltine, I wonder II ]
could git you to do me favor? ]
really ought to 60 down and see to my
shanty. Amt been there sence day
afore yesterday, and there's 80 many
boys round I'm 'fraid to leave 1t un-
locked much longer. thought some Of
the folks would be back fore this, but
If you could stay here long enough for
me to run down there minute or
step up and see how John Is"
He went upstairs and returned to
report that the patient was quiet and
seemed to be asleep.
"If you hear him groan or anything"
he said, "jest come to the door and
whistle. Whistle anyway If you want
me. Amt nobody likely to come, less
it's 'Gusty or the Rev. Perley come to
ask bout John. If it's a middlin' good
lookin' young woman with a satchel.
that's 'Gusty Don't whistle. Tell her
I'm out. I'll be back in jiffy, but
you needn't T. i either of them SO un'
less your conscience hurts you too
much"
After the captain had gone Ralph
took down volume Of the Great
Commanders" and sat down in a chair
by the table to look it over. He was
smiling over the gaudy illustrations
and fiamboyant descriptions Of bat
ties when there was a step on the
walk outside and knock at the door.
(Which is it," he thought, "'Gusty or
the reverend"
Obviously it was Miss Black. She
stood OH the mica slab that formed the
step and looked up at him as lie swung
the door open. She had Il small leather
bag in her hand. just as the captain
had said she would have. but it flashed
across Mr.. HaZeltines mind that the
rest Of the description was not fair
one. She was certainly much more
than "middlln' good lOokin'!'
SIS Captain Hedge in?" she asked.
Now, from his friends hints Ralph
had expected to hear rather sharp
and unpleasant voice-certain disagree
able remembrances Of former encoun.
ters with female book agents had help
ed to form the impression perhaps
but Miss Blacks voice was mellow,
quiet and rather pleasing than other
wise.
"No," said Mr.. Hazeltine, Obeying or
lers with exactitude. Captain Hedge
Is out just now."
"Gusty" somehow the name didn't
seem to fit--was manifestly disapDoint-
ed.
"Oh, DEAR. she said, and then added,
"Will he be back sOOn?"
Now this was a question unprovided
for. Ralph stammered and then mis-
erably equivocated. He really couldn't
say Just when the captain would re-
turn.
"Oh. dearw said the young lady
again. Then she seemed to be waiting
for some further observation on the
part Of the gentleman ut the door.
None being forthcoming, she seemed TO
make up her mind to act on her owp
initiative.
81 think I will come in and wait"
she said with decision. And come In
she did, Mr.. Hazeltine not knowing
exactly what to do under the circum-
stances.
Now this was much more in keeping
with the electricians preconceived
ideas of book agents behavior. New
ertheless when he turned and found the
young lady standing in the middle OF
the floor he felt obliged to be at least
decently polite.
won't you take chair?" he asked.
"Thank you" said the caller and
| took one.
The situation was extremely awk-
ward, but Ralph felt that loyalty to
Captain Fri forbade his doing any
thing that might urge the self pos
sessed Miss Black to prolong her visit,
80 for a time he said nothing. The
young lady looked out Of the window,
and Mr.. Hazeltine looked at her. he
was more than ever Of the opinion that
| the '.middlin' (" term should he cut out
of her description. He rather liked her
appearance, so he decided. He liked
the way she wore her hair, 80 simple
an arrangement, but SO effective. Also
he liked her dress. 1t was the first tai
lor made walking suit he had seen
since his arrival In Orham. And worn
by country book agent Of all people!