Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-31

gave no sign that\he Was disturbed.
a scout reported that his shack was
in darkness.
Il don't think I'd lose sleep my
self" admitted. TENDERS with regret.
q suppose it took him rather sudden
that some ones done his counting for
him. but he's willing to make GOOD for
his unknown friend with the original
of that photograph"
''VYait until he secs what he draws"
reminded Covell Hell go some shy
IF sleep when Cousin Adora gets after
him with all these letters. She'll new
ar believe that he didn't write them
The thought cheerGd the disappoinf-
cd ones, and even when Dan went
quietly to his claim on the morrow
and did not even ask the postmaster
about the letter they chuckled as they
thought Of the awakening that was In
store for him.
Every man IN the camp was On
hand when the stage came over from
Buxton three days later.
Far down the trail the driver waved
his hat three times as a signal that
the bride had arrived, ard they were
all lined up about the front Of the
hotel where they could watch Ben and
his sister without being so near that
he might suspect something.
There was tense moment when
the yelled figure descended from the
interior Of the stage, but a murmur OF
disappointment followed when it was
seen that q heavy automobile veil was
impenetrable.
Dan came forward. ard the arrival
turned to him. Ee led her up to his
sister and the three climbed into the
Betterlcy blackboard and we're eff to
Dams shack before the camp fairly
realized that 1t Was being robbed of
its fun.
Its going to be curious when she
takes off that there VEIL" said Hen
ders, with a sigh. but it's darned
mean that we can't declare in on the
deal. l sort of feel that I've been
! cheated"
| Same here" chimed another voice,
; and. though Covell urged that there
still would be plenty OF fun. he was
decidedly unpopular for the moment.
! In an effort to change the hum0r of
the crowd he invited them over to the
BrinGle Pup. and they were still hay
ing drinks at his expense when Dan
Betterley strobe in and drew Coyell
to one side.
: look here" he said quietly, but
with a ring Of determination IN his
voice. "Dora has been asking for 'Cous
IN Covell.' and I suppose that means
you. If If does. you are 1t the bot
tom Of this trick. want to know
what it all means"
at was sort Of joke" explained
Covell. who did not appear to l.,
greatly enjoying TIE coke" $50 ne
of the boys thought that you ought
to be married. SOS Julie could marry
Howard Wetton. end l remembered
| that / had Cousin Adora back east
who's been wanting 10 be married FOL
the last fifty years, 50 | thought II
make the whole Tot OF You happy and
"And you Cid the writing" eonclud
| ed Dan From what Dora says
gather that there were number OF
| letters | never saw. | want them"
From the saloon safe C0vcll extract
ed the package Of letters ard SILENT.
turned them over to Betterley.
u suppose you know what the pun
ishment is for illegal use of the nailst
he asked, raising his voice. The frs
hint from any one that reaches II.
wife's ears to the effect that She wa
the victim OF a rotten practical jok
will bring a postal inspector here wis
will see that you get what's coming 4
you
Your wifer' gasped Covell. "Yol
don't mean TO say that you're going t
marry that mummy
Doesn't the fact that ycu are still
alive argue that?" asked Bctterley
THE joke appears to be on you. Covei
1 fell in love with her photograph jus
as Dora did with mine, and l was We
content to make the match you s
amiably planned"
"She looks like that photograph:
| asked Cevell gaspingly.
1t doesn't half do her justice" dt
clared Betterley fondly. The Ador
Dedrick that you have been cGrrt
spending with became Mrs. Henri
Spraguc some ten years ago. Thi
Adora is her niece, her brothers chilt
named after her She was the onl
| Miss Adora DedricG, and she receive
the letters. She wants TO see be
cousin, and il you dare hint anythin
when you come Up III
| /r,z.:...z. : - ,,,-