The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-08-11
CHAPTER III


Mr. Adam Doolittle reputed to be the meanest the
most obstinate, and meddesome man in the
whole spedwen territory driven in from the fields
by the sudden downpour. He sloomily engaged in
computing the loss he would by probable hours
idleness Of his hands telephone and he
creaked the the shattered dining
room to answer it. When returned he in good
humor.
IT'S just what always told you, Luelly." he
said dropping chair by the table, where Mrs Doc
little with practiced wrist trimmed ribbons of dough
from her pies The telephone certainly does beat all
Mr. Dootte, as instigator and chief stockholder of
the spedwen Circuit Telephone Company, never lost an
opportunity to sound praises of the system
What's it done now?" asked Mrs. Dooittle without
much interest as she punctured with
It's Incorrigtble Girls announced Mr..
Doolittle impressively
Mercy me. What do they want of you?"
The superintendent sending out alarm for two
runaways They OFF this morning, but wasn't missed
till dinner of the worst Of the bunch he says, and
as smart as you make them If they stop anywhere fc
supper or nights lodging. them detained, and
he wants notified. They'll have to do it, he says
for they amt got any money he knows Of How old?
Nineteen and o. he says Now. before 1 started that
telephone what would he have had to do to
warn US about runaways? He'd have
Lands sakes!" interrupted Mrs. Dooiittle, rising
from the There's some one at the front
door Whoever it be? No one amt used that door
since the lightenin man. back in March"
She hurried forward. closely followed by Adam. Two
dripping young stood on the Threshold. shaking
pools of water their duck They were soiled
and battered specimens youthful feminnity broad
smile lighted up the face Of Mr. Dooittle as he saw them
Il beg your pardon" said one, but stay here
spedwen?"
why of all the" began the injudeious Mrs. Doc
little But her husband elbowed aside.
Certain you wait here he said; and reckon
we can make kind of a bargain for rig when
it's cleared off a mite. by the kitchen
fire awhile"
You are very good" said Maude we would like
TO dry out a before going on.
Have you come today?" inquired Mr.. Dooltte.
gcnialy. when his guests were seated.
From Mount Hope" replied Phoebe.
Mr. Doolittle laughed and gave his wife look which
was equivalent a wink.
That's a matter of sixteen miles" he said. Better
make it nearer home"
Phoebe stared in naughty amazement but he went
Going far?"
ITO Green river said Maude. were on a waking
trip"
..Oh! To Green river? Well, that's long walk for
two girls wasn't thinking of doing it all today?
Doolittle leaned forward smlingly There could be
the jocose mpertinence Of his attitude
Phoebe's head up with gesture not unknown to
Mr.. David White.
Il don't understand your manner" she said. sharply
you drive TO the nearest village as
soon as the weather will allow, and
Don't you mind girls their host interposed'
soothngIy Maybe 1 amt polished the folks
where you from"-he laughed with hearty enjoy
ment of his own wit-"but I'm well-meaning man. /
reckon we strike a bargain thatn satisfy you Ia
drive YOU for nothing, if comes to that, Don't you
worry"
Angry, puzzled incTeduous of the imperunence, the
girls at Before they could reply their
host had creaked dningroom closing the door
after hin few minutes his voice, pitched at the
unmstakable telephone key, droned out to them but
his words were inaudble Mrs. Doolte, inpenerable,
suspicious, still stared.
Perhaps could walk; the rain is stopping said
Phoebe, gutturally whispering in German
MY friend-Aiaude pointed dramatically TO her feet
Il can this longer walk. After all, he can't be
Iunatc he wouldn't be at large. And he cannot
highroad in the middle of the afternoon
And it isn't far"
Meantime Mr. DooIttIe closing his conversation
words "Oh it's them Answer the descrip
a slick you please All right Ill fetch them
over. Yes, g." Then he hung the receiver