The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1908-06-24
TheBeSt Man
By EMELINE BARR.
Copyright, 1908. by Associated Lit
erary Press.

For the first time In his life John
Amidon found himself In New York.
1t was warm spring day-much too
warm and too glorious to spend in
visiting round of stuffy offices. He
would make u holiday OF 1t and let
business wait until tomorrow.
An Inspiration seized him, and after
some search through the various COM
partments of his leather wallet he drew
out a dingy visiting card.
Him. he unused. That's funny.
l was sure l had his address. Richard
Malloney,' that's all 1t says, though.
that's sure"
He put the, card back thoughtfully.
at was something about Washing
ton," he reflected.
But the something" had eluded him
impishly. He drew Il map out of his
pocket and studied 1t carefully. With
an air of triumph he at length pounced
upon the words mount Vernon" lie
had 1t!
Should he consult telephone direct
DRY? What was the use? 1t would
be more fun to give Dick surprise.
Dick was Just the kind of fellow to
enjoy the unexpected. On the way
out on the train Amidon INDUCED In
pleasant "reminiscences of college days
when he and Dick had been such jolly
oh nv
ten years had gone since they had seen
each other2
But Dicks all right" he solilo-
quized Its great thing to be sure
of welcome. He'll be Just as glad
to see me as / will'--
Mount Vermont" shouted the con-
ductor, and Anddon got Off hurrledly.
"Can you tell me where Mr.. Richard
Malloney llvesY' he asked the first per-
son he happened to run into ut the
station. Before the person addressed
had time to reply IA, six-year-old boy
piped up;
II can"
"Is that soY" returned Amidon gen
tally. well. suppose you show me
then. VIII your"
For answer the .knowlngr one turned
to lend the way importantly. When
he came to the end of the, station plat
form he stopped beside a shining auto.
mobile.
Get In" he said to Amidon hos
pitably
Amidon hesitMted-
why, thank you, young man." HI
replied. You are very kind, but /
| you'll Just be good enough to tell III
where MIR. Mnlloney lives I'll wall
there"
But we're going right there" pei
sisted Amidon's personal conductor
"Mr. Richard Malloney isemy fatheI
I'm Richard Malloney. Jr., you know.
In spite OF his amazement Amidol
was alert enough to be conscious o
the chauffeur's silent chuckling. Rich
ard Malloney, Jr., was proving mos
unexpectedly sprightly pilot. 1t nigh
be well before committing oneself II
revocabfy to his management to asl
Il few definite questions. So Amidol
addressed the amused chauffeur.
Il arrived from town ON this las
train," he stated. Can you tell M
II Mr.. Malloney is,at homer
VERY sorry. air." returned the chauf
feur clvilly. Hes Just started FOL
town himself"
"And-Mrs. MalloneyT
she went with him, SIR"
Amidon reflected a moment.
"Barbara's home" volunteered Nal
loney junior.
Amldon's face lighted Instantly. Bar
bara that was Dicks sister, of course
He remembered but,this was no tim,
for "reminiscences.
rs she, indeedY' hesexclaimed 1oyial
ty. '"rhen l will run out" And ht
jumped In beside Richard.
Lets see" I've unused, hardly con
scious TINT he spoke. show old mus
barbara be nowY'
about thirty" Richards suggested.
Amldon glanced at the chauffeur
| He was quite sure she was, chucklini
again.
about tlirtyr' repeated, Amidon
1T doesn't seem possible"
"She's grown lup awful fast" Rich
ard commented. she was only just |
girl when she went away to school
but now she does her 'hdr'up,and stay
up evenings l wish l was thirty"
This yearning waA accompanied b.
Il very genuine sigh. but Amidon hal
quite forgotten to listen to the child
prattle. His ownsthougfns were NOR
absorbing
Had he or had he notsInet Dicks sls
ter? SO many bellows at, college ha'
sisters II 80, what had. she locke
| like? She must ihave been very youn
and to think " Dicks ,betng marrie'
and never letting him lsnow-mor
than that. to think Of fhere being
Richard Malboney. Jr.!
Here We are" exclaimed tthe boy
"and there's Barbara on. the porcl
HoooO."
Barbara,came to the nopsof thesstepi
looking at, Amidon curibusly.
AS for Amidon, he ,was. seized' with.
panic Of misgivings. SuDay, II he ha
ever In his life seem that GID. no maj
| teT HoW many yeaAS uBos hc "oo'
never have forgotten her.
But he must say something, 10
young Richard had already clirnbe
Uut of the machine and announced
Here's a mani to see you, Barbara.
an introduction that certainly needle
calculating
Amidon braoed himself.
| II am John. Amidon," hesstated SIN
ply, standing below her, with hut i
hand. your brother and ! wer
friends aticoilege. I:hopedl tflnd hir
here"
TO his establishment Barbara .burs
out laughing. revealing two'vey beat
tiful dimples In her glowing cheek
She recovered ,herselfa with .evident.e
fort
Il beg. your paNion,b MIRA Anhdoi
There must be some mistake. You se'
this is my only bnotlser," she said a
she lifted Richard, Junior or his fet
and then let him down again with
suddenness that evidently tick2ed\ tina
| young mans fan.W