The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-16

R 1 AFflL1 IOF Ou0can, Bi10ky
 had no sense of humor. If he u had he would explode the
 very first time he indulged in fntrospection-
 Not much." said he, with his sour smile '1 guess you're jokin' about the price of that drink We'll. good luck to you. MT. Duncan. I'd like to have you come round and see us some evenin'."
 can accompanied Blinky to the door. i've already had the pleasure of meet ing your daughter, sir. She's charm ing girl"
 "Tm real glad you think so." said Blfnky. intensely gratified. "She seems to we taken a great shine to you too. Come round and get 'quainted with the hull family. You're the sort of young feller I'd like her to know" He paused and looked Nat up and down cautiously. as one might ap- praise the points of a horse of quality i put up for sale. Good day." said he. with the most significant of winks.
 "Oh. that's all right" Nat hastened 0 about 1t"
 Blinky. on the point of leaving. start ed-to question this (to him cryptic ut terance. but luckily had the current of his thoughts diverted by the entrance of Roland Barnette in company with his friend MT. Burnham-
 Roland's consternation at this unex- pected encounter was. in the mildest term. extreme. At sight of his em- ! ployer he pulled up as if slapped. "Oh," he falteFsd, '1 didn't know you was hers. sir"
 "No." said Blinky. with keen relish; ! T guess you didn't" 'T-ah-come over to see Sam about ! that note." stammered Roland "WaaL don't you bother your head bout what ain't your business. Roy. Come on back to the bank" | "An right. sir" Roland grasped ! 1rantScaiiy at the opportunity to em- | phasize his importance. Excuse me, Mfr. Lockwood. but I'd Nike to inter. doos you to . friend of mine. MT. Burnham. from Noo York" Amused. Burnham stepped into the breach. "How are your he said with the proper nuance of oordiality. offsr- ing his hand
 Lockwood shook if internationally.
 "How de dor he said perfunctorily.
 T brought Mir. Burnham in to see Eam"-
 "Yes." Burnham interrupted Roland quickly; "Barnette's been kind enough to show me round town bit.".
 Here on businessY' inquired Lock wood pointedly.
 "No. not exactly" returned Burnham with practical ease; just looking round"
 "Only lookin'. eh?' Blinky's coun- tenance underwent one of its cratic quakes as he examined Burnham with his habitual intentness.
 The New Yorker caught the wink and lost breath. "Ah-yes-that's an." he assented uneasily. And as he spoke another wink dumfounded him "Why?' he asked. with distinct loss of assurance. Don't you believe itY'
 Don't see no reason why l should not" grunted Blinky. Hope you'll like what you see. Good day."
 ''So long. MT. Lockwood" returned Burnham uncertainty.
 Lockwood paused outside the door, ~Come Tong. Roland"
 "Yes. sir: right away; just a min ute" Roland was lingering unwilling ly. detained by Burnham's imperative hand. "What d. you want? l got to hurry"
 What was he winking at me fol? ?' demanded Burnham heatedly. Have you
 "Ohr Roland laughed. "He wasn't winking. He can't help doing that It's a twitchin' he's got in his eye. That's why they call him Blinky."
 "Oh. that was it" Burnham accept cd the explanation with distinct relief. regarded spectator. suddenly found cause to retire behind one of the show cases on important business.
 So that was the explanati5A!
 After his paroxysm had subsided and he felt able to control his facial muscles Duncan emerged suave and solemn. Roland had disappeared with Blinky. and Burnham was alone
 Anything you wish. sir" asked Nat
 Only to see MT. Graham"
 Hes out just at present, but ' think he'll be back in moment or so. Will you wait? You'll find that chair comforta bic, think"
 Believe will" said Burnhan. with an air. He seated himself. "I can't