The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1909-03-26
GOrdOn'S Last
Chance.
By TAYLOR WHITE.
Copyrighted. 1903, by Associated
Literary Press.


DO walk Oh my feet?" demanded
Jimmie in surprise. "Pipe your lay
angel face. I'll get you somehow,
even if your speaks are all to the
middle. Throw it off your chest"
Its this way" explained Maud.
"You know Mr.. GordonY
1--WE seen him once or twice" ad-
mitted Jimmie, with a grin. Gordon
was regular visitor at the TolIiver
home.
Papa wants me to marry him." ex-
planned Maud. Hes so strict and
proper that hate him. bought that
if were to talk slang and act up' per
haps he would leave me in peace. He
hates slangy girl. He said so last
night"
Jimmie grinned approximately. He
had no great liking for the eminentIy
staid and correct Gordon. He hated
men whose suits always looked as
though it was the first time they had
been worn.
His own preference was for Barry
Spaulding, who occasionally offered
him cigarette and who talked to
him precisely as though he was a
grownup.
Gordon never seemed to see him,
never laughed and joked, and Jimmie
entered into the conspiracy with his
whole heart after being assured that
Maud would never disclose the source
of her education In slang
Before the week was out Gordon
looked troubled. He was very much
in love with Maud after his own fash
ion. There was no want of real affec-
ton, but Gordon was no gallant wooer.
He had been accepted by the family,
and in his quiet, patient fashion he
was laying siege to Maids heart.
He had fancied he had been making
Roadway until she developed trick of
interlarding her speech with slang ex-
pressions.
At first he was shocked, but as Maud
acquired proficiency and grew more
and more slangy Gordon withdrew
from his campaign. Though he loved
the girl as much as ever, he assured
himself that a wife who used slang
was utterly impossible.
In secret Maud gloated over the fact,
but bore herself demurely when her
father sharply questioned her concern
ing her treatment of Gordon, for the
latter's visits had fallen off, and,
though Gordon had pleaded business
as an excuse, Mr.. Tolliver had an idea
that there was something else that
might explain the lovers sudden lack
of interest
Then fate took a hand, and so 1t hap
peDed that Jimmie Tolliver, crossing
the avenue, slipped on the muddy paw
Ing and fell directly in front of a rap
idly advancing automobile.
There was cry of horror from the
spectators, but one man sprang for
ward and with an easy movement
grasped the boys arm and carried him
to safety.
For moment Jimmie was too dazed
to comprehend; then he slowly came
to realize that Gordon, unmoved as
ever, stood beside him, answering the
questions of the crowd, but refusing to
give his name.
"All right, old mann" he asked as he
saw that Jimmie was pulling himself
together. Suppose we move on. This
crowd is little too eager"
He signaled a passing taxicab and
directed the driver to go to a tailor's
where Jimmie's muddied garments
might be made presentable. The rush |
of cold air drove the last of the cob |
webs from Jimmie's brain, and, gazing |
admiringly at Gordon, he decided that
Maud was wrong in her estimate of
the man. There was fire under the
ice. red blood beneath the waxenly,
immobile expression, and Jimmie's
heart warmed to his rescuer
Say, b." he demanded suddenly,
'are you still dead nuts on Maud?"
Il esteem your sister very highly"
admitted Gordon.
You're all right" declared Jimmie
IF you want to win cast
your port ear over this way and make
a noise like listen"
The noise Of a listener was contin-
1ed long after the visit to the tailor's
was concluded. Gordon's face was as
expressionless as ever, but there was
a twinkle in his eye.
Some evenings later Maud, coming
downstairs, reached the lower hall Just
rs Gordon was admitted by the butler.
Jimmie had been cautioned under pain
II losing his promised reward to say
nothing of his rescue so II was merely
that tireSome Kenneth Gordon" whom
Maud greeted with perfunctory cor ,
liality.
Il butted in to tear or a piece of
ak with the boss bloomer wearer. Is
lie in?" asked Gordon.
IF you mean my father began
Maud icily. /
That's the guy" interrupted Cor c
on. "Will you tell the delegate from !
he wax works to ask him to grease
Ifs heels and slide down hereY' a
II will go myself" offered Maud
ervously. Gordon was as coldIy cor
ect in appearance as ever, but per- l,
APPS he was drunk.
mix on the scamper." declared Cor I
on, raising a OBTAINING hand. "Use y
he butler for the wireless, and wen n
all out some conversation while he
lakes a home run" r,
81 must GO" explained Maud. Il o
'rgot something upstairs. and 1 must n
be about Il at once" #
Tell II to wait" commanded Cor -
on. Pm the head Of the procession :,
lst now. Don't you bother about the :,
alter carriers" :.
"But'- began Maud. And Gordon =
corrupted again. G
Don't be a goat and butt in" be te