Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-06-28

Ing OF the candle at both ends, and
you are here, gentle stranger. because
papa telegraphed for q suite for you.
explained the many little mental
vagaries of his promising son as he
did 80. Now, my boy, you just leave
| 1t all to us. Don't worry. Physical
culture and total abstinence from
grog will serve to put you properly
back on your feet again, and you will
thank the Blissville Physical Culture
sanitarium for your cure"
"Blissvelle PHYSICAL Culture sani-
tartum!" reiterated the youth. isn't
this hotel?"
"This my lad Is a health resort.
We hand you an ample abundance OF
the vital spark here-at so much per
spark. Your board Is paid in advance
youngster. Don't worry"
Listen" came from Damon, who
was now beginning to understand the
situation. Don't interrupt. Just
pretend that you believe me, you
know, and I'll entertain you for few
brief moments.
"In the first place, really am who
I say. am. I have no empty rooms
idea what made your driver bring
me here-unless it is that my initials,
A. D., N. Y. c.. are on my suitcase.
Anyway, to get down to the subject.
II am here on more explicit business
than the mere selling OF cigars.
Ny prospective papa-in-law is at the
hotel-the real hotel in Blissville-
and l am supposed to meet him and
discuss-er-certain things"
(Which you won't" beloved the
other, and with click of his stern
jaws. II wouldn't dare let you go
while the boss is away, and. besides.
| don't believe you"
It will be an easy matter for you
to establish my identity, If your thick
head is capable of assimilating rea-
son." snapped Damon. "Just call up
the hotel and verify my statement"
why should your prospective
father-in-law be here?" asked Null
queen suspiciously.
"He it at the head Of the cigar COM
bine." explained Damon, impatiently.
81 am to marry his daughter If l can
prove, by sticking out on the road and
selling cigars, that have enough bust
ness ability to support her. I have a
million, more or less, that the pater
left me, but Mr.. Caxton wants me to
prove up. He telegraphed me this
morning that he would meet me in
Blissville today"
\"You don't mean John Coxton?"
asked the athletic instructor.
Eyes,
"Well, my boy. either you are one
of the most imaginative bugs l have
seen for some time, or else you are
telling the brand of truth that Is
stranger than fiction. Anyway, John
|Coxton owns and controls this insti-
tuition, and if he is In Blissville. as
you say, he will be out here, and you
will have chance to see him and
prove your story"
"I'll prove it all right" Damon as
serted grimly.
| And this was easily done, for to the
diving whirr of suddenly-stopped
motor Coxton entered the office.
| "Mr. Coxton!" Damon arose eager
Ily and strobe toward the man. The
stout, middle-aged man with the ford
cheeks and iron-gray hair, turned in
surprise.
"You-Damon!" he calculated.
"Just So" ventured the youth, ex-
tending his hand. Kindly assure
yolr-er- instructor as to my
sanity was kidnapped by the driver
of this sanitarium, and this gentle
man wants to keep me here"
"This is Damon, Mulqueen,' came
from the cigar magnate, crisply land
he is all right-but don't under
stand this complication. Explain"
Damon speedily explained.
Coxton laughed at the completion
of the tale. well, anyway, you're
here-and unhurt," he ventured. II
wanted to see you and tell you that
your sales up to date have proved
that you can make good. No use in
covering these tank towns. I'll ac-
cept your resignation, If you like, and
you can go home and prepare for an
early autumn wedding"
.Sorry we can't have that go, )"
ventured Mulqueen as sometime later
the youth was leaving the institution.
I'm not" grinned Damon, survey
ing critically the husky frame of the
man. I'm in training for bout with
Hymen, and l don't care to take on
any one before the great event"