The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-13


came over to prevent you from
doing anything foolish on my ac-
count" Belknap's old-time pomposity
had returned.
What have you been talking
about?" asked the girl.
Nothing of any consequence" re-
turned her father. Are you ready 10
go?"
"You are discussing that silly para
graph" she ventured.
Never mentioned It," said Bel
KNAPP. But your young friend here
seems to think / ought to feel CRATE
full to him."
$50 do l." she said to Toms
stupefaction and her fathers aston
ishment.
"What?" cried Belknap.
"He has sacrificed his personal in
terests rather than attack you." she
Tom had not seen for more than four
months.
That isn't So" asseverated Tom.
"Your Mother Told Me-"
Eyes, 1t Isl" insisted Jane. your
mother told me all about It,"
Il wish you woulnd't say anything
now"
He ought to know about it," she
said. Then, to her father Now.
Dad, ! want to know what you are
going to do"
Il don't intend doing anything"
said Belknap stubbornly. ut merely
shows that he hasn't the courage Of
his convictions"
IL think il shows great courage"
said Jane, stealing another glance at
Tom.
81 don't want to argue with you,
Jane" her father announced. But u
he possessed any character he would
never have returned here-a failure"
''He hasn't failed!" Jane cried, JOY
fully. He has succeeded In finding
out what he wanted to do, and he has
come back to do it."
"You remember what he did in the
CITY," Belknap reminded her.
Isn't ii the same with every boy
who goes to large city?" she re-
turned. Besides, We are responsible
for that. We knew the temptations
waiting for him there, and insisted
on his going"
Toms face was a study. He walked
up to Jane and looked into her eyes.
do you mean to say" he demand
ed, that when you advised me to go
to New York you knew what l was
going up against?"
"Of course" she replied 81 wanted
you to get II out of your system"
What do you know about that?"
said Tom, turning to Belknap. Isn't
II wonderful how clever women are
about these things? Neither of us
could have thought Of such an idea,
could WEI"
NO" said Belknap, grimly. Its
too big for US. You say you are will
Ing to start for S. week?" he ad-
ded, as Merkle strobe into the room,
with the air of one bringing news.
81 am. Yes, sir" Tom was sure OF
himself now.
Hold on, son." cried Merkle, join.
ing them. 1--WE fixed 1t with joe"
"How?" Tom looked up In surprise.
Hes homesick, and he's willing to
take that four hundred and anything
else we care to promise him-and
quit. told him l thought you'd
agree"
What about this other matter?"
asked Tom, doubtfully.
1--WE thought that over, too" said
Merkle. Perhaps, as you said, we
the light. Would you mind stepping
KNAPP.
Don't be stubborn, Dad" said
Jane, as her father hesitated. He
80
and then slowly followed Merkle out
Of the room.
"keep on Forgetting It."
Tom stood looking at Jane. At last
he said:
"Hez had a complaint about our is
sue. too"
What was that?"
HE said that we forgot to an
nounce your engagement"
She studied the floor, blushing.
Il think you'd better keep right on
forgetting about that" she murmur-
ed.
why, Tom. you haven't had your
pie" Mrs. Wilson came buzzing into
the room like a big bee. set right
down and I'll get you something 10
eat with It,"
Didn't you bring any for Jane"
asked Tom.
Il didn't know she liked 1t. I'll
get another piece" Out she buzzed
once more.
DO you like huckleberry pier
asked Tom, turning to the girl at his
side.
Sometimes" she said.
Lets share this till yours comes"
But it's such a little piece" she
said.
i've found that the little things
count" he returned. Their eyes met,
and he gathered her in his arms.
The firm of Merkle & Wilson are
still publishing the Fairview Herald
with great success.
Once or twice they have stepped
on the toes of the father-in-law of the
junior partner and business manager,
Mr.. Thomas Wilson. Belknap has
shouted "Ouch!" at the top of his