Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1910-08-05

~ tdluS Ol uIS HlLe lie
was relieved to find that Pollock was
not there. and as 1t was past the usual
calling hour in the latitude and longi-
tude of Mariona, the army officer was
not likely to appear. Ever since the
unpleasant incident on the stairway at
the Athenaeum building, Balcomb had
been In the undignifed attitude of
lodging Captain Pollock, though he
had said. during Pollock's absence
from town. exceedingly cruel things
about the officer,
Mr.. Cameron came out and shook
hands with the young men, address,
ing a few words to each. Batcomb had
called upon him repeatedly in reference
to he purchase of the tract Of land
on the creek, but without encourage
ment. Cameron had Just been wonder
Ing how he could communicate with the
promoter without seeking him directly,
and this call gave him an opportunity.
BY the way. Mr.. Balcomb," said the
old man, pleasantly, some time when
you are passing. I'D be glad II you'd
call at my office. There's a matter II
mutual interest that I'd like to speak
to you about. A beautiful night, gem
tlemen. Very much cooler here than in
the city, as you may have noticed"
And he went down the steps and out
upon the highway for his usual even
ing walk.
"A remarkable man, your father,
Miss Cameron. He's quite the ideal
business man of the old school," said
Balcomb. I'VE youngsters are quicker
on the trigger, but our aim isn't 20
sure. No. stree; your father is an ideal
business man."
He had spoken impressively. He
would. In his own language, make
himself solid" when he had a chance.
Leighton was talking to Olive. and
Balcomb set about entertaining Zelda.
He ran on m-onotonously. He was anx-
ious to make an impression at once
without relinquishing the floor.
7 suppose you and Miss Merriam
do q lot Of reading out here. What
are the books ought to talk about? p,
We don't read much-except the
replied Zelda.
"Ha! ha! That Is rich-from the
great Miss Cameron, too. I like that!
! suppose as a matter OF fact you real
~ spend your morning with the clas-
sics.'
I'm sorry to %disappoint 0 but our
mornings are spent with books.
My cousin ID writing a cookbook and
we're reading all the old ones to be
sure hers is all new. It's delightfully."-
exciting
wouldn't that jar one7 1 say, 1
want to speak right now for an auto
graph copy OF the first edition of that
book"
"olive win be delighted" said Eel
ITS designed. you know. for the
very young"
There It goes again. Everybody has
II In for me! oh. we'll! Ny time will
comet
It came in an unexpected way. Cap
tain Pollock was riding up the drive
way. He vas on very good terms 1T
The Beeches. and had been told that
while there were lights there was a
hope Of finding some one at home.
Here another messenger
bearing tidings." said Balcomb. in his
cheerful note. IT hope 1t isn't
bad news"
mo: It's Captain Pollock. That
horse OF his 10 a beauty. isn't II? I
wish he would trade with me- an.
swered Zelda.
Leighton groaned inwardly al the
sight Of Pollock. whom he liked well
enough ordinarily. He did not under-
stand the reason for Balcomb's hur-
lried Night, % that the humor OF the
situation did not strike him.
"You may have MI. Balcomb,s seat
there by b railing. II you like said
Zelda TO Pollock.
You do mo too much honor" said
the of1cer. ~ he shook hands with
Leighton.
.Oh. I don't know!" and Olives imi-
tAtlon Of Balcomb's intonation was 10
true to life that they all laughed.
don't see why any one should