The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1905-11-16


that called old man Stoughton down."
said he. Its clear enough. haven't
talked much about it,
Don't" said I, ito anybody except
me-"
He glanced out OF the window which
opened directly upon the platform,
and, seeing nobody within hearing. he
proceeded.
Cumming Is the man-Bill Dunning,
owner of the News. His paper wouldn't
have dared to come out with the brib-
cry story unless Dunning had the In
side facts. The trolley people proba-
bly, tried to bride him, but he doesn't
tell his man Dillon all that he knows.
Dunnlng is a man who understands
how to keep his mouth shut He has
forced Stoughton to some kind OF q
compromise, and he Is satisfied. It Is
a great triumph for the News to have
forced Stoughton of the stump today.
Tonsilitis! Ha, har'
His fat body shook with slow, luxu.
rious laughter
"You go to see Bill Drmning," he
continued. "Of course he won't give 1t
to you straight, but you can get line
on it. You'll find him at his house"
l inquired the way and set out with
all haste, but Us I was rushing along
the street l was brought to a sudden
halt by such an obstacle as would stop
any man with eyes in his head. At the
same moment voice Of incompatible
sweetness pronounced my name. Not
even the dust for which scarborough
is justly Infamous could affect the mag
ic music Of that voice.
Miss I1overingv' I exclaimed. II
had no notion you were here"
I'm visiting Nellie Olmstead," re
piled the vision Of beauty, which had
not gladdened my eyes before In sew
eral months. 1.-The Olmsteads have a
beautiful place on the lake."
II was there long ago with her broth
err" said I-"before Nellie grew up"
They're going to have lawn party
and dance and no end Of good time
today" said she. "Nellie and are
downtown buying few little things.
The stores are open till 10. Wait.
She'll be here In a minute, and she'll
ask you to the house."
II have not on a wedding garment"
said l, land, besides, I'm on job"
At this moment Nellie appeared,
changed almost beyond recognition in
five years.
Nellie invited me most cordially to
the festivities ut her fathers house
and laughed ut questions of attire on
the freest day Of all the year.
IF can corner this story" said I.
you may be sure that I'll attend. My
time will be my own after the story Is
DONE"
whats Il about?' asked Miss Low
ering.
This Stoughton matter"
MY father probably knows all about
It" said Miss Olmstead. why don't
you come out to the house with 10
now? Our carriage is Just around the
ccrner."
The voice Of experience spoke just In
! time to prevent me from accepting this
invitation. Bill Dunning was the near
er source of information and probably
the better. It was wise to pump him
first. could catch Mr.. Olmstead aft.
erward IL necessary. The essential
facts OF the situation stated to the
two young ladies, and 1t was agreed
that } should obtain my news from
Mr.. Dunning and take a trolley for the
Olrlstead place when I had written
NY story and sent it to the city.
Life was much brighter after this
chance encounter. and swept on t.
the conquest Of Bill Cummings honor
able secret with an assured heart.
l found the gentleman sitting on thu
steps of his residence. and attacked
him boldly. He listened to my state
ment with rising Impotence.
This dream" said hs at last, II
worthy Of a fat witted old imbecil,
like Porter, the station master. VIVA
he doesn't know would reach arount
the world three times and tie in a dou
BILE bowknot. II I had been able t
bluff Stoughton out Of speaking toda.
I'd have stopped that ordinance befor
the board of aldermen. Why didn'
that occur to Porter's alleged mind?"
And he proceeded to show me i
about five minutes that I was on tn
wrong trail absolutely.
III you want to get Mt the bottom Q
this" said he, "I'l! tell you how to d
it. can't, because I'm tied up wit
the man in business way"
with what man?~
with Lawyer Sam Danforth. He
the man who called Stoughton Of
Danforth was counsel for the trolle
company ut one time, and they had
row. He knows enough about the II
side Of this infamous business to pla
this trick, for that's all it is; just
trick to annoy the railroad crew. Da,
, forth doesn't dare use his fnfluene
against the franchise, because he's bee
, In the same business himself. You 4
! to see him, but don't tell him ser
you"
+ I went to see Danforth and foun
him in his office pacing the floor.
I wheezy old rascal he was and or
that was too near the grave to be {
busy with iniquity. When l told hi
what knew he nearly choked.
You ought to be under some form ,
} restraint, young man." he gaspe'
You're too weakminded to be at larg
, What? I? I pulled the string tn,
. choked OF old Josh Stoughton toda,
Ha. ha! Not II the court knows itsel