The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-08-11

plot at present, with a geranium bed
in the middle. l suppose I'll have to
go, Be all right, won't you, Nell?"
She nodded and smiled. 1t was 10
minutes now. She watched the road
to Main street every now and then,
half expecting Fate to play her trick
and send the long-limbed stranger
back again. 1t wasn't wrong. She
told herself over and over again, it
wasn't
A hundred suggestions and plans
swept through her mind as she lis
tened to him chat of the new town hall
at Alcazar. Then all at once there
was dead silence, and she turned
quickly. The colonel stood in the CEN
ter of the little depot, his hands
clasped comfortably under his coat
! tails, his lips pursed up for a whistle.
And he was looking at the suitcase I'M
der the window ledge, a suitcase with
the owners name written boldly across
it, 81. P. Dexter"
Nell leaned Der hands on the desk
and waited tensely. she had forgot
ten to hide the suitcase.
We'll, honey girl. the cat wouldn't
stay put, would 1t? And you going to
all this trouble just to try and save
your dad from himself" The colonel
spoke very calmly, very ref1ectively,
almost with a CLINT of humor in his
blue eyes, as he saw the look on Nell's
face. when did Jack Dexter get
here?"
Father, listen" She put both
hands up on his shoulders and leaned
her face against his chin She was
Just about on a level with his chin!
You must take this train. Surety,
when you know you're in the right.
1t doesn't matter what other people
think. They don't know for sure that
you are here yet. The night operator
said you were, but know he isn't GER
tain, | can turn Jack Dexter away.
He didn't know me at all Think of
them sending him down here to bring
you back. the boy that owed every
thing to you"
He had to do his duty If they sent
him. | certainly wish It had been
some one else. | always set heap by
Jack. He's a right tine boy. Studied
law with the judge after we left, Nell
understand he's prosecuting attor-
ney'
From the bridge came the whistle
of the 1:10. She was on time to the
minute. The ticker was calling the
Canaan operator, and she went to it,
the tears streaming from her eyes. AS
the local pulled in the colonel stood
in the doorway and swept his broad
brimmed felt hat off in a general sa-
Lutte
And the ITO pulled out without its
extra passenger.
Somebody came hurrying along the
platform and into the depot
81 cant locate him yet, but I'm going
to stay over" Jack Dexter stopped
short and whistled softly under his
breath The colonel held Nell close to
him. and smiled.
How are you. boy, how are your"
he said, heartily. 81 can't offer you my
hand, because, you see, they're both
engaged, I'm mighty glad to ses you
again, Jack Just take your suitcase
right over to my house, sir. and Wen
have q good dinner before we start
north tonight. He put up one hand
as Jack started to explain, and shook
his head warningly. mo need for ex-
plantations. l understand the situation
thoroughly. l dou't want to disturb
Nellie here. with any of the details"
But, Colonel Acton" Jack ex-
claimed You don't know what I'm
after, sir. | came down to let you
know that that Indictment is squashed
flatter than pancake. The whole city
is waiting to welcome you back, if
you'll only come. The president Of the
bank confessed to the full amount
swore he had made scapcgoat of you.
sir, and then gracefully committed sui
eide. 1t was the wisest thing he'd
done in five years"
We'll, now, that's too bad" the
colonel said, regretfully. "He need not
have done that. l was comfortable
down here. It's home to Nell and my
self. In fact. we feel rather respon-
sible for the future of Canaan. Mighty
fine CT you to come down and let me
know. Jack, though; mighty fine"
II wanted to be the first to tell you.
sir" Dexter's hand gripped the col
onels closely "A crowd Of the news
paper boys were after your trail, but
knew you'd be in the same place where
you left word we could find you if you
were wanted"
The colonel smiled in a pleased, COM
Portable fashion all his own.
I'VE keep our word we Actions" he
said. Don't we, Nells''
81 can hardly say that" she faltered
II didn't tell the truth to Mr. Dex
ter when he asked me If | knew you.
just couldn't. | don't know what he
must think of me-"
Think of your" gasped Dexter. Il
think you are the bravest, truest,
bulliest-"
The colonel coughed and glanced at
his watch.
I'VE will ell lunch In honor of the
occasion over ut the hotel. sir. Jack,
just give my little girl your arm along
Main street. I'll lock up the station
and carry the suitcase until the next