Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-09-15
CHAPTER XIV.

Leighton always hated himself for
laughing at Balcomb. whose loquacity
was so cheap 1t was pathetic Every
thing Balcomb knew he used constant
ly. At the college to which he referred
in terms Of raillery or contempt he had
picked the nearest and gaudiest flow
ers; but he wore them all in an amaz-
ing bouquet that did not fail to inn
press many of his acquaintances as
the real bloom of learning. Leighton
was not at all glad to see Balcomb one
night His friends eternal freshness
palled upon him. But it did not occur
to Balcomb that leighton might not
be delighted to have him for a travel
Ing companion. He thought his con-
versation was shortening the distance
for Leighton. Balcomb had been max
ing social history fact, He had. in his
own phrase. ,"butted in; and since the
performance of "Deceivers Ever" he
had been included in most of the gath
,erings of the Dramatic Club circle.
Il say, old man." he began, abrupt
Iy, as the car skinned through strip
of woodland, Just between old college
friends, what's your game anyhow
Which is it?''
ton, who had been enjoying a moment
with his own thoughts, while Balcomb
stared out upon the darkling land
scape.
Which glEl. mean? There are two
out here" ..
Leighton took off his hat and laugh
ed.
Il haven't decided yet" he said, pres
emily, with an irony that was quite lost
on Balcomb. I'm a good fellow though
and I'll take. the one you leave"
Miss Dameron's certainly a peach
dumping, all right But say, the lit
tie cousins a gem of purest ray. Sc
rene. She amt so stand -offish. some
way, as her cousin; she jollies easier
Il think I'VE noticed that"-and the
irony this time was meant for himself
They say olives are a cultivated
taste. persisted Balcomb; but lawsy',
1 knew right away that girl was good
thing. And to think that she has to
teach a lot of grimy little muckers
how to cook"
TT is too bad, isn't It? But I don't
think you need be sorry for her"
She's as proud as Lucifer. Here's
our stop"
The two men jumped out into the
highway and started for the Dameron
farm.
Il think a man ought to marry ear
Iy." Balcomb announced, as they
tramped along the road. There's
nothing like a woman and home 10
put snap into a man." he continued. no
bly,. "A man fools away whole lot Of
money in his bachelor days Doing So
cial stunts is expensive. Have you
any idea what my carriage bill was last
March? Eighty-four dollars! 1 hon
estly believe It would pay me to own a
hack But 1 say, the man who will
drag a girl to the theater in a street
car is fit for treason, strategems and
the stone pile. II ain't enough to put
'en on four wheels when it's showing;
no, make a specially Of hacks under
the starry hosts Of heaven. and exc the
pale and naughty moon. There's no
better way than that to get solid with
a girl. There are some that put their
faith in bonbons and a new novel now
and then: but there isn't a girl in Mar
iona tonight that wouldn't rather 20
10 see a good show In comfort than do
anything else under the sun. I say,
about hacks, don't give II away, but
I've Just got a transfer company pass
Wilson. the president, and I are pref
ty thick, and I do a little quiet work
for the company occasionally. I help
ed 'em beat the vehicle tax before the
Council last winter, and I have an an
nual now that gives me power OF life
and death over all the company's roll
ing stock night and day. And you bet
won't use II or anything!"
Leighton's silence did not disturb
Balcomb; he talked for the Joy It gave
him. They reached the. Dameron gate
and followed the winding path toward
the veranda-
~Ahoy, o bower Of beautyi" Balcomb
called cheerily when they were within
hauing distance OF the veranda
s-Friends draw near bringing tidings"
On the veranda, az Balcomb's voice
susoas unnn the air. two girls fell en-