Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-08-06

HE Is also a director IN the largest
packing concern at the Stock Yards"
Boyd reminded her. "This Is much the
same sort Of thing"
"To be surel Do you know, he has
become greatly interested in your
country Of late. have heard him
speak of Alaska frequently. In fact,
think that is one reason why he has
been, SO nice to you; he wants to learn
all he can about it."
"Why?"
ooh, dear, l never know why he does
anything"
"Tell me, does he still legislate in
favor of this mysterious sutton whose
identity you have never revealed to
.me?"
"Nonsense!' said the girl. There is
no mysterious sutton. and father does
not legislate for or against any one.
He isn't that Sort
"And yet I never seem to meet this
stranger"
Indeed" she observed, trifie in
differently. "It Is your own fault. You
never go out any more. However, you
won't have long to wait. Father tele-
phoned that he is to dine with u.s."
Tonight"
eyes,"
"But. Mildred, this Is our last even.
ing together" said Emerson seriously.
Cant we have 1t alone?"
"I am afraid not. had nothing to
say in the matter. 1t is some business
affair"
So the fellow was business assoc
ciate Of the magnate, thought Boyd.
"Who is he?"
HE is merely Mildred paused to
listen. Here they are now. Please
don't look SO tragic, Othello."
Hearing voices outside the library,
the young man asked hurriedly: "Give
me some time alone with you. my
Lady. must leave early"
eve will come in here while they
are smoking" she said.
There was time for no more, for
Wayne Wayland entered, followed by
another gentleman, at the first sight
of whom Emerson started, while his
mind raced off into a dizzy whirl OF
incredulity It could not be! 1t was
too grotesque-too ridiculous! what
prank of malicious fate was this? He
turned his eyes to the door again, 10
see if by any chance there We're
third visitor, but there was not, ana
he was forced to respond to Mr.. Way
lands greeting. The other man mad
meanwhile stepped directly to Mildred,
as If he had eyes. for no one else, and
was bowling over her hand when her
father spoke.
"Mr. Emerson, let me present you to
Mr. Marsh / believe you have never
happened to meet here" Marsh turned
as If reluctant to release the girls
hand, and not until his own was out
stretched did he recognize the other.
Even then he betrayed his recogni-
ton only by slight lift of the eye
brows and an intensification of his
glance.
The two mumbled the customary
salutations while their eyes met. AT
their first encounter Boyd had consid-
cred Marsh rather indistinct In type,
but with a lovers jealousy he now be-
held a rival endowed with many dis.
quieting attributes. J.
"You two will get along famously, :"
said Mr.. Wayland. "Mr. Marsh Is &C
quainted with your country, Boyd"
"Ah!" Marsh exclaimed, quickly.
"Are you an Alaskan, Mr.. Emerson?
Indeed, he is so welded to the
country that he is going back tomor-
row." Mildred offered.
Marsh's first look Of challenge now
changed to one of the liveliest inter-
est, and Boyd imagined the fellow en-
deavoring to link him, through the af-
fair at the restaurant, with the pres
ence of Big George in Chicago. Al
| though the full significance OF the
meeting had not struck the lover yet,
upon the heels Of his first surprise
came the realization that this man
was to be not only his rival in love,
but the greatest menace to the sue
cess Of his venture-that venture
which meant the world to him.
Eyes" he answered cautiously, Il
am typical Alaskan disappointed,
but not discouraged.
what business?"
"Mining!"
"Oh!" indifferently. Marsh adj
dressed himself to Mr.. Wayland: Il
told you the commercial opportunities
in that country were far greater than
those in the mining business. All min
ers have the same story Sensing the
slight in his tone rather than in his
words, Mildred fastened to the de-
tense of her fiance, nearly causing dis
aster thereby.
Boyd has something far better
than mining now. He was telling me
about it as"
"You interrupted u.s." interjected
Emerson, panic stricken. II didn't have
time to explain the nature Of my en-
terprise."
The girl was about to put in dis
claimer. when he flashed look at her
which she could not help but heed.
81 am very stupid about such things,
she offered easily. II would not have
understood it, am sure" To her IA.
! Their, she continued, leaving what she
felt to be dangerous ground: Il didn't
look for you so early"
eve finished sooner than / ex-
pected," Mr. Wayland answered, $50
drove Willis to his hotel and waited
for him to dress. I was afraid he
might disappoin. us If let him out
OF my sight. couldn't allow that-not
tonight of all nights, eh?" The mag
nate laughed knowingly at Marsh.
4 s~ko