The Somerset reporter., 1909-01-28
hand when the stage came over froul
Buxton three days later

hand when the stage came over from
Buxton three days later
Far down the trail the driver waved
his hat three times as signal that
the bride had arrived, and they were
hotel where they could watch Ben ard
his sister without being so near that
he might suspect something.
There was n tense moment when
the veiled figure descended from the
interior of the sta"e, but a murmur of
disappointment followed when 1t was
seen that a heavy automobile veil was
impenetrable.
Dan came forward, and the arrival
turned to him. lie led her up to his
sister. and the three climbed into the
Betterley blackboard and were off to
Dams shack before the camp fairly
realized that 1t was being robbed of
its fun
'It's going to be curious when she
takes OF that there veil" said Hen
ders, with a sigh, but it's darned
mean that we can't declare In on the
deal. 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 humor Of
the crowd he invited them over to the
Rrindle Pup, and they were still hav-
ing drinks at his expense when Dan
Betterley strode in and drew Covell
to one side,
Look here" he said quietly. but
with ring Of determination in his
voice, "Dora has been asking for 'Cous-
in Covell.' and suppose that means
you. If 1t does, you are at the bot
tom of this trick. want to know
what It all means"
at was a sort of joke" explained
Covel who did not appear to be
greatly enjoying the Joke" Some
Of the boys thought that you ought
to be married, SOS Julie could marry
Howard Wetton. and remembered
that | had a Cousin Adora back east
who's been wanting to be married for
the last fifty years. so | thought Id
make the whole lot Of you happy and
"And you did the writing" conclud
ed Dan. From what Dora says
gather that there were number of
letters | never saw. | want them"
From the saloon safe Covell extract
ed the package of letters and silently
turned them over to Betterley.
Il suppose you know what the pun
ishment is for illegal use of the maisf'
he asked, raising his voice. THE first
hint from any one that reaches my
Wife's ears to the effect that she was
the victim Of q rotten practical joke
will bring a postal Inspector here who
will see that you get what's coming to
you"
"Your wifew gasped Covell. you
don't mean to say that you're going to
marry that mummy"
Doesn't the fact that you are still
alive argue that?" asked Betterley.
"The joke appears to be on you. Covell
l fell in love with her photograph just
as Dora did with mine, and | was well
content to make the match you 80
amiably planned"
"She looks like that Photograph
asked Covell gaspiDgly.
at doesn't half do her Justice" de-
clared Betterley fondly. THE Adora
Dedrick that you have been CORE
spending with became Mrs. Henry
Spraguc some ten years ago This
Adora is her niece. her brothers child,
named after her She was the only
Miss Adora Dedrick. and she received
the letters. She wants to see her
cousin, and If you dare hint anything
when you come up up
"You won't have to-" said Covell
humbly. i've acted like hound
puppy, Dan You needn't be afraid.
I'm only too glad the jokes been
switched"
Same here" said Betterley, more
contentedly. "You fellows come up to-
night. There's going to be a double
wedding, for now Julia cap marry
Wetton. You're pretty good joker,
colonelw
81 amt no Joker" declared Covell,
with more emphasis than grammar.
"I'm one of them pretty pink Cupids
that they have on valentines-and I'm
rather good at the job too"