Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1911-04-20

l received n of these only a few days
ago, and want you to read It," War
tossed it into Bennington's hands. Read
that. It's worth while to get q letter
like that one
Bennington took up the letter. smil-
ing at his friends enthusiasm. A sin-
gle glance at the graceful script, how
ever, changed his expression. He sat
back and stared at Warrington.
Whats the NATTER"
Bennington did not answer. but set
lied down to his task. reading careful
| ly and slowly. He did not look for any
signature, for he knew there would be
sober, but his eyes dancing.
Now, what the deuce do you see
that is SO amusing?'
"Oh, nothing"
Don't tell me there isn't any ro-
nance in the world. But. hang it, Jack.
I'm not worth a letter like that" earn
estly.
'Of course not
Tn not jesting. I've sown wild oats.
and God knows what the harvest will
be. There's a law that exacts pay
ment. R%etribution is the only certain
thing in this world"
ooh, you're no worse thar the aver
age man. But the average man is jolly
bad Bennington added gravely. But
you. Dick: I'm not worrying about you.
Perhaps the writer of that letter sees
good in you that you amt see yourself:
good that is in o but of which you
are unconscious. One thing, you have
besmirched the talents God gave
you. Everything you have done has
been clean and understandable YOUR
SELF"
Il wish l could believe that! But
I've had no ties, Jack, You can't
keep to a course without a compass.
The real good in life, the good that
makes life worth while, is the toll for
those you love. / love nobody, not even
myself. But this girl rather woke me
up. / began to look inward, as they
say. So far I've not discovered much
good. I'd give a good deal to meet this
writer"
Doubtless you will n her charm
ing"
Suddenly Warrington turned upon his
friend. Blu what l want to know is.
what brought you around here this
time o night? neve knew you to do
anything without a definite purpose"
That's precisely what I've been
waiting for o to lead up to. h
truth is Bennington hesitated. His
hand, idly trailing over the desk. came
into contact with something smooth
and soft. 1t was a pair of white kid
gloves. a woman's. Absently he drew
them through his hand. He was only
half conscious Of his action. and he did
not observe Warrington's sudden agi-
tation. The truth is. I've gone and
done it. I'm going to be married in
June. and I want you to be my best
man."
Warrington's hand went out impul-
sively.
"Oh, 1 felt it in my bones when your
card came in," he said, re-arranging
the glasses. Lucky woman! Long life
to you. Jack, and long happiness!"
l sNThonS vn,, Mol (GNororonpio1 no.
currence of drinking a healthy
Now. out with it. Who is she, and
all about her?"
Dick. I'm genuinely sorry, but I'm
still under bond of silence"
more mysteries!" cried Warrington,
with evident discomfort.
"Only for a week. when, IL you say,
We'll have breakfast here in these very
rooms"
Done. Only must say you're a bit
hard on me tonight"
I'm sorry"
Let me see; I'll describe her for you.
Beautiful. accomplished. an American"
Right you are. Why don't you get
married yourself?"
Bah! No. Jack, 1 doubt IL / shall
ever be lucky enough to find the m
woman. I've been so busy that I'VE
never had time to hunt for happiness"
Bennington wandered about. from
object to object. Here he picked up a
dagger, there a.turQuoise in the matrix,
rento. From these his interest Travelled
to and fingered owe some celebrated
autographs.
Happiness is a peculiar thing" went
on the dramatist. us It far less dis
tinctive than fame or fortune. They
sometimes knock at your door, but
happiness steals in without warning.
and often leaves as mysteriously as It
comes"
Bennington's cigar had one out. He
leaned upon the desk and took his light
from the chimney.
Cant you bunk here for the night?
There's plenty Of room," said War
rington.
morrow morning. I'm afraid OF trouble
in the shops.
why the deuce don't you get rid Of
the shops?"
They're the handiwork Of my faith
er, and I'm proud to follow his steps,"
! Rennington's eyes were no longer at
peace; they sparkled with defiance.
'Half-past tent" suddenly. II must be
going. My luggage Is still at the hotel.
God bless you. Dick!"'
Their hands met one again.
you know. Jack, that I love o best
Of all men,"
"You are sure there il no woman?"
Warrington laughed easily. "Ah, IL
there was 9 woman! I expect to be
lonely some day"
Bennington put on his hat and gloves
and Warrington followed him into the
hall. Once the prospective bridegroom
paused, M IL he had left something un-
said, but he seemed to think the better
Of silence n went on.