Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1910-04-28

met In the subway station on the way
home from work or they wandered
into the parks with which the city had
surrounded Itself But this evening
had been set apart as the one I'm which
her father was to be consulted regard
ing the all important question, and 1t
was with more trepidation than he felt
when he faced the warike Stephens
that he tinkled the electric bell Of the
front door. She answered 1t in person.
and Greyson noted with satisfaction
that she. too. WAS in need Of nerve
strengthened. ->~-
"Oh, Georger' she cried softly.
"Father came home with his face all
bruised and blood on his clothes. He
must have been In some terrible acci=
dent. but when mentioned 1t to him
be just, glared. Perhaps you better not
see him until next week"
Greyson held her at arms length
and studied her face. Her name was
Stephens. What If Then the alb
surdity of 1t struck him with full
force. John Stephens was reported a
millionaire. His rating could be found
In Bradstreet's. 1t wasn't likely that
his daughter should be working for n
living as typewriter In a lawyers of
fee and be the affianced Of twenty
dollar clerk. Nevertheless he asked:
whats your fathers name and
business, Alice?" b..
She shook her head. His name Is
John, but l don't know his business.
He's in an Office somewhere In the
city, but he never talks business with
me and has forbidden me mentioning
him to any one. Almost every one
thinks I'm an orphan. A little while
after mamma died he told me that he
wanted me to know what money was
worth and must earn my clothes. He
said | must save quarter of all
earned, and I've done 1t, but he's aw-
fully queer about some things"
Greyson nodded. Her description
fitted his John Stephens to a nicely.
rs he good to you?"
She laughed. Roaring lions aren't
to be compared with him, but it's all
roar. just pull the lions paws around
me ana SnugSle up CLOSE
Before Greyson rose the picture of a
man in a duck suit sitting on floor
writing a check. He made a resolu,
ton born of sudden inspiration
"Where is he?" he asked. LET me
see him now and have 1t over"
I'm the room just above this. And
George, he wears just such an emblen
as that on your coat. It's fraternaI
society, isn't it?" tny
Greyson nodded. "Glad you told me
it'll all help. Don't worry, little girl
I'll win out"
In the hall she pointed upward
fright above u.s." she whispered. HE
spends every evening there, and some
times I'm with him. but tonight I'm
afraid" +-.
The Come" which Greyson received
in response to his knock was as ami
able as the growl of grizzly.
81 thought got rid Of you this
mornipg. he shouted, springing to his
feet. what do you want now7"
0reyson's spinal column stiffened
and there was need. He also took
care that the Hrelight shone strong
upon the fraternal pin he wore. I'll
may be of some help" he thought as
he answered.: sH s. 1Tota
"I did not know was to meet you
sir. l came to see Alice Stephens
father"
What for?" The words were hurled
at him.
ITO ask his consent to our mar
riage. She has promised to be my
wife" fN
"She has. hey?" shot out TO the &c
compartment OF two heel whacks on
the floor. How dared she make q
promise like that? Who let you in
here?"
''She admitted me TO the house. You
invited me In this room. believe
May she marry me?"
Marry you Then he stopped
Alice. Alice" he roared In his deep.
est trombone tones.
She came running In with u quick
ness which told Of listening outsid
the door. Her father looked into her
face: at Greyson, standing straigh.
and stiff before him. Then he broke
silence with:
Alice, this scoundrel came into my
Office this morning. refused to leave
when l ordered. assaulted me, punched
my nose until 1t bled, sat upon me,
compelled me to do something | swore
I never would do and now has the ua
speakable gall to ask me to let you
marry him. What do you think Of 1t p
The girls eyes danced with merrl-
ment as she stepped behind him and
her arms formed q circle round his
neck.
Are you quite sure. father" she
asked demurely, that he was not fol
lowing the advice you are always quot
ing, Find out what the other fellow
wants to do to you and then do it frs;
to him."
Stephens voice beloved through the
room in an elephantine laugh His
hand went out In fraternal greeting
toward the man who had followed his
advice. Shake" he said, land then
sit down. Wen talk things over"
The Ingenious Magpie.
The magpie is nothing If not ingen-
ious. He always barricades his bulky