The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1910-08-05
By lola Forester

told herself over and over again, it
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 cnce there
was dead silence, and she turned
quickly. The colonel stood in the Gen.
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 I'm.
der the window ledge, suitcase with
the owners name written boldly across
it, -. P. Dexter"
Nell leaned her hands or the desk
and waited tensely. She had forgot
ten to hide the suitcase.
: well, 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 renectively,
almost with CLINT of humor in his
blue eyes, as he saw the look On Nells
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. Surety,
when you know you're in the right,
1t 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. l 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. I certainly wish 1t had been
some one else. always set heap by
Jack. He's a right fine boy. Studied
law with the Judge after VIC left, Nell
I understand he's prosecuting attor-
ney."
From the bridge camw the whistle
of the ITO. She was Oh 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 colonial stood
In the doorway and swept his broad
brimp1ed felt hat off in a general sa-
Lutte
And the ITO pulled out without its
extra passenger.
Somebody came hurrying along the
platform and into the depot
Il 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 Sea you
again, Jack. Just take your suitcase
right over to my house, sir. and We'll
have 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. / dOu'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
flatter than pancake. The whole city
is waiting to welcome you back. If
you'll only come. The president of the
bank confessed to the full amount,
sWore he had made scapcgoat o. you,
sir, and then gracefully committed sui
eide. 1t was the wisest thing he'd
done in five years."
"Well, now, that's too bad" the
colonel said, regretfully Gle neee not
have done that. I 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 CT you to come down and let me
know, Jack, though; mighty fine"
II wanted to be 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.
1--WE keep our word, we Actons," he
said. Don't we, Nell?"
II can hardly say that" she falte-ed.
IL didn't tell the truth to Mr. Tex
| ter when he asked me If | knew you.
just couldn't l don't know what he
must think of me-"
Think of you?" gasped Dexter. Il
think you are the brayest, tr,lcst,
bulliest-"
The colonel glanced at his watch.
I'VE will all lunch in honor of .he
occasion over ut the hote;. sir. Jack
just give my little girl your arm alt ng
Main street III lock ur the station
and carry the suitcase Until the n>xt
train comes along. No, sir, l can't
! permit 1t, as my guest, you will allow
F.: me to have my way" Jack hesitafed
still, looking down at thn heavy suit.
case, and the colonel gave him a deli.
cate poke in the side Ladies first
sir, light about face-forward, march,