Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1910-08-04

told herself over and over again. 1t
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 a 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 un-
der the window ledge, a suitcase with
the owners name written boldly across
it, 81. P. Dexter"
Nell leaned her 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 it? And you going to
all this trouble just to try and save
your dad from himself" The colonel
spoke very calmly, very re1ectively,
almost with q 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. Surely,
when you know you're in the right,
It 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. I 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 1t had been
some n else. always set a heap by
Jack. He's a right fine boy. Studied
law with the judge after We left, Nell.
II understand he's prosecuting attor-
ney."
From the bridge came the whistle
of the ITO. 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 1:10 pulled out without its
extra passenger.
Somebody came h%urrying along the
platform and into the depot.
II can't 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. Il 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 we'll
have a 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. understand the situation
thoroughly. l don'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
1atter than a pancake. The whole city
. is waiting to welcome you back, If
you'll only ONE. The president Of the
bank confessed to the full amount,
swore he had made a scapcgoat Of you,
sir, and then gracefully committed sui
eide. It was the wisest thing he'd
, done In five years"
t well, now, that's too bad" the
i colonel said, regretfully. "He need not
have done that. / 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 Of you to come down and let me
; know, Jack, though; mighty fine"
} IT wanted to DO the first to tell you,
| sir" Dexter's hand gripped the col.
onel's closely.
The colonel smiled in a pleased, com
Portable fashion all his own. *
I'VE keep III word, we Actions" he
} said. Don't we, Nell?"
: 81 can hardly say that" she faltered
IL didn't tell the truth to Mr.. Dex-
t 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. q
!. think you are the bravest, truest,
; bulliest-'
The colonel glanced at his watch.
. I'VE will all lunch In honor Of the
occasion over at the hotel. sir. Jack,
just give my little girl your arm along
Main street. Ill lock up the station
and carry the suitcase until the next
train comes along. No, sir, / can't
permit It, as my guest, you will allow
| me to have my way" Jack hesitated
, still, looking down at tho heavy suit
case. and the colonel gave him a deli.
cate poke in the side. Ladies first.
sir, right about face-forward, march!''
from the same family, never missing
a day. Then, for 81 years l was shaved