Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-07-14

Marian continued that l was wholly
in the wrong, and that Captain Pollock
is a gentleman, who is an honor to his
friends and to his profession"
And the next day, in the same spirit
OF scrupulous honor Rodney Merriam
sought his nieces at The Beeches and
made his peace with them.
CHAPTER XIV.
Leighton always hated himself for
laughing at Balcomb, whose loquacity
was so cheap it was pathetic. Every
thing Balcomb knew he used constant
~. 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 i'm
press many of his acquaintance as
the real bloom of learning. Leighton
was not a 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.
4 say, old man." he began, abrupt
iy. as the car SKINNED through a strip
Of woodland, Just between old college
friends. what's your game. anyhow?
Which is it,"
Which Is what?" demanded Leigh
ton. who had been enjoying a moment
with his own thoughts. while BalcomD
stared out upon the darkling land
scape.
Which girl. l mean? There are two
out here"
Leighton took off his hat and laugh
ed
L 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 gem of purest ray Sc
rene. She amt so stand off1sh. some
way. as her cousin; she jollies easier"
I think I'VE noticed that"-and the
irony this time was meant for himself
They say olives are a cultivated
taste" persisted BaIcomb; but lawsy,
| knew right away that girl was a good
thing. And to think that she has to
teach lot of grimy little muckers
how to cook"
IT 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 Cameron
farm.
I think a man ought to marry ear
~" Balcomb announced. as they
trsmped along the road There's
nothing like a woman and a home 10
put snap into a man." he continued. no.
bly, "A man fools away a whole lot Of
money in his bachelor days. Doing So
cial stunts is expensive. Have yo.
any idea what my carriage bill was last
March? Eighty-four dollars! I hon
estIy believe 1t would pay me to own a
hack But, l say, the man who will
DRAG a girl to the theater in a street
car is fit for treason. strategems and
the stone pile. It amt enough to put
EN- on four wheels when it's showing:
no. l make a speciality OF hacks under
pale and naughty moon. There's no
better way than that to set solid with
a girl There are some that put their
faith in bonbous and new novel now
and then; but there isn't girl in Mar
iona tonight that wouldn't rather 20
to see a good show in comfort than do
ANYTHING else under the sun I saw
about hacks. don't give 1t away, but
I've Just got a transfer company pass
Wilson. the president, and I are pref
~ thick. and I do 8 little quiet work
for the company occasionally. l help
ed EN- beat the vehicle tax before the
Council last winter and I have an an
nuai now that gives me power Of life
and death over all the company's roll
ing stock night and day. And you bet
l won't use il or any thing!"
Leighton's silence did not disturb
BaIcomb: he talked for the Joy it gave
him. They reached the Cameron gate
and followed the winding path toward
the veranda.
Alloy, o bower Of beauty" BaIcom5
called cheerily when they were within
hailing distance Of the veranda.
Friends draw near bringing tidings."
On the veranda, as Balcomb's voice
smote upon the air, two girls fell on
each others necks in mocI. ecstasy OF
grief
They're there. all rtsht, announced
BaIcomb.
IF you yell at them again. they'll
undoubtedly bolt" sad Leighton. WHOSE
thoughts since they had left the car
had been far away from Balcomb's
babbIe.
If you're not afraid of the June
bugs. Wen stay here" said Zelda, when
she and Olive had shaken hands with
the men.
There's nothing better; its the cen
ter of ts4e universe right here" Bal
comb declared. I brought some poi
son for the June-b bugs with me. I viii
place it on yonder rail, lest we forget.
lest we forget"
This was Balcomb's happy idea OF
minimizing the value Of his gift. He
was relieved to find that Pollock was
not there. and as it 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 undignided attitude of
lodging Captain Pollock, though he
had said. during Pouock's absence
from town. exceedingly cruel things
about the officer.
MIR. Cameron came out and shook
hands with the young men. address
ing a few words to each. BaIcomb had
called uTnn him repeatedly in reference