Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-12-16


" by reducing the blase young
clubman to a state Of grinning ADM,
ration. "Fingerless" Fraser alone had
been missing from the coterie. He
had discovered them from a distance,
to be sure. and came over to exchange
greetings with Cherry. but the disas-
trous result Of the fellows garrulity
was still so fresh in Boyd's mind that
he could not invite him to Join them.
and Fraser. with singular modesty.
had quickly withdrawn. to wander
lonesomely for awhile till sheer ennui
drove him to bed. His detection
awakened little sympathy in Boyd.
who felt happier for the removal OF
his Irritating presence.
In the morning Boyd was brought
sharply back to realization Of his
difficult position by a letter from Mil.
dred Wayland.
"Father and had another scene
over you." wrote Mildred. ut was
the first quarrel we ever had, and I'm
half sick as result. simply can't
bear that sort Of thing. and we have
agreed to drop the subject. What
reused him to such a sudden fury I'm
sure ] don't know"
Boyd knew. however. and the knowl-
edge did not add to his comfort.
1t seemed. indeed. as II the trusts
enmity had marked him In the eyes
Of the whole financial world. He was
again denied assistance at the banks.
and this time in manner to show him
the futility of further effort.
In his perplexity he turned naturally
to Cherry. who listened to his tale of
repeated failure with furrowed brows.
bordering The matter as seriously as
II the responsibility had been her own.
1.-The battle has begun sooner than
expected" she said at length. Il new
err dreamed they could fix the banks
so quickly"
Somehow can't believe this Is
the work of the trust people. don't
see how they could accomplish so much
in so short a time. Why. 1t came like
a thunderclap."
II hope I am wrong" she answered,
but something unexpected must have
happened to change Mr.. billiards. at
titude. What could 1t be except pres
sure from higher sources?"
HAS he dropped any hint before
your
mot hint. He wouldn't let 60 Of
anything. Why. he is too close listed
to drop his rs"
Twill you take dinner with me this
evening so that We can talk over any
further developments?'
II am to dine with Mr.. Hilliard."
said the girl.
"Oh!' Boyd's tone Of disappointment
seemed disproportionate to the occa-
sion. He endeavored to disguise his
feeling by saying lightly: You are
breaking into exclusive circles. He
lives in quite palace. am told"
'I-I'm not dining at his home"
Cherry hesitated. and Boyd flashed
sharp glance at her. A faint color
flushed her cheeks as she explained.
"He could not see me at the office TO-
day. so he arranged for me to take din.
ner with him."
II see" Boyd detected note hither
to strange in his own voice. II am so
Ing to try the Tacoma banks tomorrow.
Would you like to run over with me ID
the morning? The sound trip Is beau.
tiful."
II would love to-" she exclaimed. II
may have something to report II I can
make Mr.. billiard talk"
"Out of curiosity. ! should like to
know what Influenced him. TIL call
for you in time for the 8 O'Clock boat"
he. added as he arose to 60. Mean.
while II you get hint from billiard
It may be useful"
Cherry had finished her breakfast
next morning when he called and was
awaiting him, clad in a brown velvet
suit which. set of her trim figure with
all the effectiveness Of skillful tailor
Ing. She was as perfect to the eye as
the morning itself.
"Well. did Hilliard expose the hid
den mysteries Of the banking system?"
he questioned as they walked down
toward the water front.
HE did. 1t Is no mystery ut all
now"
'"Then 1t was that newspaper story
that frightened him."
Indirectly perhaps. He didn't men,
tion It,"
what did he say1"
Nothing"
Nothing! Then how
HE Informed me that you are en-.
gagged to marry Miss Wayland."
Yes. But what did he say about
the loan?'
"Only what have told you. The
rest is easy. Had you been less Sc
rretive l would have known instantly