Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-25
By J. LUDLUM LEE.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
 Literary Press.

only from him, but all other masculine
 creatures.
 She was most competent young
 person and never gave him the leas
 opportunity to do her service. In hii
 determination to make an opportunity
 for knightly service he ignored the
 friendly overtures of other neighbors.
 At last opportunity appeared on the
 horizon. Pierce had taken the 2:3t
 train home in hopes of getting turn on the links to counteract the depress. ing effects of falling stocks, and there walking briskiy ahead of him under the arching trees of the quaint village, was the inaccessible beauty. And in the dust at the right of her daintily up- lifted skirt lay handkerchief. Pierce Elkins darted forward.
 T beg your pardon. but I think you dropped this"
 The girl glanced first at the man, then at the bit of cambric in his hand, and smiled.
 But did not drop it." she said and in verification of the statement pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve.
 Mumbling inaudible words of apolo- gy, Pierce turned down the opposite street toward home. Even golf did not improve his humor, and the next morn ing at breakfast his mood had not changed.
 Will you have two lumps?" asked Harriet as she was pouring the coffee.
 Seventeen" growled Pierce.
 Seventeen, all in one cupw cried Harriet in amazement.
 T thought you asked me the day of the month" explained Pierce. Two will do. The fact is, Sis, I did not sleep well last night. and my brain is befuddled. That blamed roof leaked again, and the rain came right in on my bed. I've decided not to go to town this morning, but instead I'm go- ing round to see our landlord and tell him what l think of him."
 ''The roof over the kitchen leaks, too," said Harriet plaintively. You might mention that also"
 What's the beasts nameT asked Pierce.
 "I really don't know" Harriet an- swered. "T'he bills come in signed M. M., per Hook & Hock.'"
 "well, I won't bother Hook & Hook, for they are like all agents" said Pierce. "I want the man higher up- the owner himself. Nj. M.," he mused-- T bet his name is Mike Murphy, and I'll also wager that I'll rouse his Irish before I get through with him."
 He lives in the little white bunga- low on Maple avenue. MT. Hook point cd 1t out to me-" directed Harriet as her brother started on his mission.
 Pierce soon found the bungalow and rang the bell. He waited moment and then rang again. He was In no mood to walt From the hall inside a voice called. Coming. comlng"
 And she came-the beauty
 Pierce gasped. He had evidently made another mistake.
 "I am looking for our missing land ord" he exclaimed. ''I really don't lnow bis name-some Irish contractor, I'll bet. ashamed to sign his full name"
 ''Sit down on the porch. won't you. Mr."- She hesitated. The beauty would make no mistakes.
 "Elkins is my name-Pierce Elklns-- md I fear l have made a mistake. My lister and live in the little red cot age on New street. I'm searching for 'ur landiord-name unknown, but methods atrccIous Really Miss-Afiss"- iow Pierce hesitated.
 "Markweli," she added.
 This Landlord signs his receipts N. L. and I'm after his blood" finished slkins.
 Wont you si: downg' again sug- ested Miss Markwell. and she deftly urned the conversation into more greeable channels. The landlord was orgotten.
 T wonder If your sister would like Q know ne" said the beauty finally. I know 1t is my place fo call. but I l ather hesitated-well. for several req ons."
 "oh, do wish you would call on l IarTiet. She's brick all right and as | as a stray cat. No one has alled yet"
 Well. I'll come over this afternoon rhlle you are on the links said Miss Iarkwell. with some emphasis about | be links.
 But when Miss MsrkueII called that fternoo1 it vas Pierre who answered 1e bell.
 You see. I've such a fearful cold | rom that leaking roof he explained, that I thought had better stay home nd nurse it
 Mss Markwell bit her lip.
 II do hope, Ms EIkfns." sAe said I thnt I may he allowed fo see thls iuch t.l<nd cf roof. while I am hr-a. he fact IS.- she continued with rath- [ halting speech--the fact is. oh, your landlord Pierce took a firm grip on the table , kesp iron Iosing his bsIznce. NeL 1e- be nor Harriet spoke. zuf the sauty vas forced to cover the pause. I'm the Terrible Turk.- Tn '1fIke Iurphv. alas MurieI Msrkvsn. alias G M'- She ssened quite relieved 'at the awful news was cut