The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1910-08-18

A Colonist of Canaan
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 cen
ter of the little depot, his hands
| clasped comfortably under his coat
tails, his lips pursed up for whistle.
And he was looking at the suitcase un-
der the window ledge, a suitcase with
the owners name written boldly across
| 1t, a. 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 gcing to
all this trouble just to try and save
your dad from himself" The colonel
| spoke very calmly, very reflectively,
| almost with 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. Surety,
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 enc else. / always set heap by
Jack. He's right fine boy. Studied
law with the judge after we left. Nell
| 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 ITO pulled out without it's
extra passenger.
Somebody came hurrying along the
platform and into the depot.
81 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. 81 can't offer you my
hand, because, you see, they're both
engaged. I'm mighty glad to see 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 warningiy. mo need for ex
| plantations. / understand the situation
thoroughly. I dou't want to disturb
Nellie here, with any of the Details
But. Colonel Acton" Jack ex
claimed "You don't know what In
after, sir. | came down to let yol
know that that indictment is sQuashe(
flatter than pancake. The whole city
Is waiting to welcome you back, i
you'll only come. The president of the
| bank confessed TO The full amount
swore he had made scapcgoat of 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. "He need moi
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"
ST wanted to be the first to tell you
sir" Dexter's hand gripped the col
onel's closely.
The colonel smiled in pleased. com
Portable fashion all his own.
1--WE keep our word. we Actions" h'
said. Don't we. Nell?"
81 can hardly say that" she faltered
Il didn't tell the truth to Mr.. Dex
ter when he asked me if knew you
just couldn't. | don't know what h,
must think of me-"
Think of your" gasped Dexter sc
think yol are the bravest. truest
bulliest-"
The colonel glanced at his watch.
1--WE will ali lunch in honor of tn,
occasion over ut the hotel, sir. Jack
just give my little girl your arm alonl
Main street I'll lock up the station
and carry the suitcase until the mex
train comes along. No, sir, l can
permit IL, as my guest, you will ALLOW
me to have my way" Jack hesitatet
STILL looking down at the heavy suit
case, and the colonel gave him a deli
cate poke in the side. Ladies first
sir, tight about face-forward. march!
from the same family, never missin,