The daily democrat. [volume] (Anadarko, Oklahoma) 190?-1908, 1908-10-05
A Lost Bargain
By Charles Poole Cleaues
Copyright. by shortstory Pub. Coz

1919 wi
ground by the sea. I drew a long
breath. We came alongside the wooden
pier on which | looked back long
enough To feel how completely the
view answered the description then
w went up TO survey the premises.
The cottage was just to my liking
furnishings, 90. Then we returned to
the piazza.
The far ledge swan at sea.level.
Calm streaks wound about the bay
singular paths of the No-wind across
the haunts of the Wind. An old sail
lay On the rustic seat. and the 'slish"
Of the canvas as | crumpled it in my
hands had a delightful sound. The
salt air was refreshing. Across the
cove the shadows OF ov%erhanging oaks
fell on the rocks. An old orchard
craned upward along the rampant
bank. green with grass-venerablo
trees. hoar with apple blossoms. sym.
bols Of age and eternal youth. Out
OF the southern horizon fieecy puffs
rose like tufts of foam aioat on the
sea.
There It was! Just what ! wanted!
Mine. II | had only said the word
there M then. And | left II! Yes.
left it without clinching the bargain.
1t was cheap enough at W thousand.
Fool that | was. ! wanted to chatter "A
little. and get IL for less. That was
possible-anyway ! had the option on
II till refused. SO we went back to the
city.
The manager seemed disappointed
at my reticence. After we reached the
ONCE | was ready to chatter. but the
stenographer interrupted us as we
entered.
Telegram from Mrs. Dutch, sir"
"Confound Il! What does the wom-
an want now"
Hold property. offered two thou
sand. viii write"
rs this a put.up job. sir?" ! blurted
out. He turned red to the collar.
mo, no. my dear sir! Believe me
BY Jove, but IL looks like II, doesn't II!
That woman cant leave the property
in my hands - hours without inter.
ference. Now, I'll tell you what-do |
understand that you want It at 81, 000?'
Yes. sir"
81 think you have the option on II.
But | mustn't offend Mrs. Dutch. I'll
Ak il up II | can. and at that figure. II
more is offered, | assure you, you shall
have opportunity"
/ confess my heart sank. I thought
OF the other property. But to fnd II
.ya..Il -A,nt.A IN xaaAaa M an
Maria Gould. and the lot might be
anywhere along shore between Cape
Porpoise and Camden. Besides. l
didn't really want IL under considera-
ton. 1t might lead to adherence
of opinion with my wife. took the
train home.
George" said my wife, calmly, aft
er her affectionate greeting. 1--WE sat on
the sofa together-that's m thing
married her for.) Are you too tired
to talk about it,"
We'll | think can brace up to it,
I said, with an inward shudder as
prepared to confess failure. What
do you wan to know"
"Oh, everything. Is there anything
coy about it,"
Nothing so cozy as this, my dear"
You may guess what happened.
There. George. Weren't there any
dainty hooks and shy retreats, sweet
flowers and lovely lounging-places-
such as Priscilla's letter described OF
the place she wrote about?"
g~roaned. Il didn't see any, darling
But don't worry. / didn't buy, and
don't know but you were right last
night, my dear. Perhaps | cant AT
ford IT,"
I'm glad she said, relieved. 81
thought you couldn't. | bought mine
| telegraphed Maria Gould last might
to bid mine in at any cost up to two
thousand. That's what you said yours
would cost, didn't your"
For heavens sake, Lina!" / ex
claimed. For the first time in my life
| glared at her-yes, sir, | glared al
that sweet woman! And for the frs
time in my life | was speechless. The
door-bell rang.
sit down, George. Do be calm. It''
only the newsboy."
II was a messenger boy with q tele
gram.
Here's a reply from Maria Gould
George"
''''''.''''.''..
Mrs. Emiline Stubbs: Mrs. Dutch
says 5000. Sold to you.
Mrs. Dutch?" I sat down, weakly
I have some power of intuition. Gal
the boy back. Yes, yes, it's all right
dear. Lucky woman-glad for you
give him this" She read II first and
l we'll, she has some intuition, too:
Manager Maine Coast Agency,
, Portland, Me: Call II on. Let the
|. GEORGE STUBS.
's..'.'.'sss'''''''
3 The oldest part OF IL is that my -