The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-05-10
Sturman-Hancher VS. Hymen
(Copyright 1910. by AssocIated LITERARY press.)
BY STACY G. BAKER.

Copyright 1910. by Associated Literary Press.)
There bad blood between the house of Hancher
and the house OF Sturman This. however did not
vent the respective scons of the families from falling
in love with each other.
whom any youth with red blood In his veins would be
proud call sweetheart. She pretty the
long dashed. She TALL gracefully slim, and walked
with the vre spring OF youth. Tom Hatcher was
fortunate.
Tom knew this. but the peppery soul OF Father
fused discriminate between the old and his
daughter
But you don't know the girl" Tom protested. when
the old gentleman had included the maid In his fren
zied summing of the faults Of the head OF MabeIs
family.
She is her fathers daughter" growied Hancher II
don't need TO know more. The blood is bad
So again, the confession that trembled the
lips of the youth stilled. 1t would have been q
most unfortunate time to explain to this irritable parent
that his most hated enenys daughter was to become
his sons wife
The hatred of Sturman for Hancher. and vice versa
extended back over dozen years Both We're groeers
In the thriving of Tngsboro. Both had been fast
| ward, and had aspired the time. TO the COM
mon council Some has said that politics makes
ships After three weeks OF mud singing electioneer
ing. Sturman the coveted aures by majority of
sturman and Hancher were friends no longer Han
cher moved OF the ward Their shops were
opposite ends OF the city.
Tom Hancher, only son. was now his fathers part
fathers bookkeeper. The evenings however. belonged
solely to the young people. and they met frequently
at the homes OF mutual acquaintance. with their
Uttered parents being "A whit the wiser.
On the evening the day OF Tom Hanohers last argu-
men with his father the weiproportioned chap with
the frank eyes. walked with his lady fair under a
Father is So set complainea<aRe youth But never
mind. dear l have enough money OF my own. and
the governor has the nerve TO object-after seeing
you-you know he doesn't even know you by sight
All this brought the grated red to the pretty checks
of Mabel sturman and the light in her eyes nice
to she turned to the ardent Thomas.
IAN in due time Tom" she soothed There Is no
great hurry you know. Why you only twenty two,
hoy md I 0ofye ret
The plan of waiting did not appeal to the mpetuous
man to ask him his daughters hand. but know-
edge Of the temper Of the lean wiry East End grocer
Time dragged on Patience, tina, pearl among vir-
tues. paled the lovelorn pair. but still the girl
would not consent to secret marriage. Something
Something did happen.
sturman bought an automobiles big red touring
at once the pride and envy Of the neighborheod
done by his ancient rival he invested in the goods
a competing company yellow car The two, although
For a while they kept their particular neck
of the woods ut mischevous fate one day impshy
suggested each of them that he invade the others
territory and awe him with hts aptness In the control
OF his machine.
but bv different routes Patiently lean Sturman honk
honked up and down In front OF Hanehers store per-
the sturman srocery-and all to no purpose. stur.
dazzle the of his rival Puzzled clerks watched
the manifestations.
The sturman store a corner. Hancher
turning his machine close to the curb. and with his
back the walk, failed notice tipsy with .
number of long iron rods his waverng shoulder
The latter staggered around the corner and rods
suddenly turning struck the unseeng
Hancher the side OF his head preciptating him 10
the pavement. half unconscious Instantly q crowd
gathered. AS is usual with crowds, seemed In
cined render the iuckiess one assistance suddenly
dainty damsel tripped out of an adjoining store.
let In him." she said. authoritatpely,-
the gaping crowd broke before her In instant the
head OF the downed lifted to the lap Of the
girl and bottle OF strong smelling salts applied
to his Hancher gasped, wrthed and attempted
to gain his feet
"One moment" came in a sotthing voice. Hancher
realized that cool hands were applying bandage to
the slightly bleeding wound on his temple Gratefully,
and with the maids assistance. the grocer staggered
automatically stopped, stood little distance him
He turned to thank the girl. She Dizxiy he
scrambled into the car and turned homeward.
SturHan, at the other end Of the town, also
of his rivals store something went wrong with the
machine. 1t baked. Covered with perspiration and
Crime. he worked desperately.
Possibly be OF assistance to you" Eturman
turned to confront neat young with pleasant
blue and half smile his lips. II know some
thing about aut ons,bes.p
Without waiting fos permission the stranger crowded
under the car In a surprisingly short space OF time
he had ascertaned the and the
ready to respond to its owners hand climb
to thank the youth but he was gone. Etdrman went
home.
-Hs never knew me-" Mabel sturman explained 70
the younger Hancher that evening.
"And before he could get q chance to thank me- I
few back into store again" -
HE has been talking about all day." answered
her lover.
"some one told him yesterday that on several occa-
Asked me Why didn't look around for 4 eirl with
Aouno ~ "a nnninknnon4