The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-12-16
THE CHRISTMAS
BEARS.
By GERALD PRIME.

Copyright 1909. by American Press
Association
" SABEL was having it out with her
father. 1t was only few days
before Christmas. and she should
have been at peace with herself
and all mankind in general. but she
wasn't. She had been telling herself
oil this particular day that as soon as
her father came home she would put
her case before him in light SO con-
viEcing that he would be brought to
admit that he had been little too ar
bitrary. Her scheme had not worked.
She was beginning to realize painfully
that her effort to gain her point bad
resulted in confirming her father In bis
opinion that it was mans privilege
to rule in his own house. especially
when the woman Of it was bis only
daughter, n girl of twenty. who could
not be expected to know her own mind.
"You know perfectly WELL" said Isa
bel. with final heroic attempt to
snatch victory from the jaws Of de-
feat, that Jack and l have been
have been good friends for Il long
time. The only reason be hasn't spo-
| ken about ito yOu-is because he has
been waiting until he was in more OF
| position to do so,
Then it's mighty lucky for him that
be concluded to postpone it," declared
| Tom Truesdell testify. Romance is all
| very well for those who can afford it,
| but Jack Goodaie doesn't belong to
that class. l pay him fair salary,
| and | admit be earns it. But l don't
see how he expects ME to accept him
| as son-in-law How could he ever
| provide for wife as extravagant as
| you? Absurd!'
! HE has a little money, and he may
make q lucky deal some day." she per-
sisted In spite of the forlornness of her
hope.
| do you mean that the young man
| intends to gamble in wheat?' he asked
ironically.
"why shouldn't he: You do, don't
ycu?"
Tom Truesdell snorted impatiently
NO. he retorted, II do not gamble. A
gambler risks his property. l never
risk anything. know how the market
is going because l make the market
There is a difference, Isabel"
Driven to desperation, Isabel played
her last trick. THE man you want for
son-in-law." she said, ''is no better
off financially. He has nothing but his
debts to distinguish him."
He smiled sardonically. IF l want
him for a son-in-law." he returned de-
cidedly, II am well enough of to at
ford him l grant you Gerald Van In
gen has very little means, but he has
something that the Truesdell family
needs good deal more He has posi-
ton"
Hes an empty makeshift." declared
Isabel wrathfully.
"ue isn't very brainy. ! suppose"
her father admitted. He'll be all the
easier to manipulate on that account
That ought to appeal to you. Isabel
But l haven't made up my mind yet
Mr.. Van lngen is coming To lunch
with ME tomorrow. and l shall make a
study Of him. He certainly ought to
do great things for us socially"
Van Ingen was punctual nj TRIES
| delrs Office on the following day. As
/ he entered the busy place he found
the hustle very disquieting to his
nerves. Tape machines clicked, clerks
were shouting perpiexing fractions
into telephones. and there was an up
roar quite unfamiliar to the young
mans ears. All at once Truesdell
rushed into view, almost overturning
his distinguished visitor. and without
even an apology shouted in a voice
that seemed peculiarly disagreeabie:
! Here. Goodale. Get move on and
: sell all you can-10.O0O.OO0 bushels to
: day. Keep a cool head. man.
Having given his commands, Trues-
dell turned to his visitor. You'll have