The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-11-21
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
THE WINNING SCORE.
BY Tray Allison.

hand Re set his baggage down and
mopped his face disgustedly.
Hang it! Ii l expressed my real
Feelings this would be no place for
a lady"
Someone slapped him on the shoul-
der with laugh. First time l ever
knew you to get left at anything, old
fellow"
Benton wheeled around, his face
lighting with pleasure. by the eter-
nal. it's Tom Hartley. You look good
70 me after a years absence. If any
thing could make up TO me for losing
my train, and having to stay over, IL
would be your having turned I'D.
Didn't know soul in the place, and
was picturing to myself the hilarity of
going back to my hotel and reading
all the evening"
Hartley drew him over to a bench
and handed him cigar. Sorry, Ben
ton, but 1 am leaving in fifteen min
utes myself. for a three months trip.
Wish we could make an evenng OF il
and talk over old times Haven't only
seen you twice since we left college.
You certainly used to play a deVilish
lot of jokes on me. Wish we could
De thrown together occasionally, per-
oped my mentality enough for me to
come back at you"
Benton chuckled reminiscently. "I
would willingly let you try your hand
at 1t, Tommy, if only you could re-
heve this deadly dull evening that
yawns before me. Don't know a soul
In the blooming city"
could give you a note OF intro
auction to the dearest girl living"
hartley answered enthusiastically.
sne has the reputation of being the
"ltuest girl In town and would make
you think missing your train was the
pleaaSntest thing that ever happened"
Benton looked at his business suit
duDlously. II couldn't cali in this
get up"
Nonsense! She isn't that kind of
a girl at all, not the least bit snob
Dish. Let me write the note, Benton.
you can use IL or not, but YOU might
decide that you would like to kill an
5 evenings monotony, and I'll vouch for
II that you don't often meet a girl
that compares with this one"
He took card from his pocket and
scrubbed several lines with his foun-
tain pen. Here's luck to Won. old
fellow, and / think that's nv train
they are calling. Ticl1led to death to
have run into you"
Benton checked his baggage and
walked several blocks before he de-
clced that it was not every mortal
that was so favored by the gods as 10
nave the opportunity of meeting the
"ittlest girl in town, then finally took
cab and gave the address Hartley
nad written on the card. Hartley had
written: introducing my old college
Chuii, hlcnard Benton, who is in town
LOT the night only, and who doesn't
Ano" soul. II you haven't an en-
easement be nee to him. He's X.
se1cepoing a tendency to play pratcisal
evening""
The note was characteristic Of Hart
ley's old style, and while its lack of
dignity was apparent, it would nrob-
ably cause no surprise to any friend
OF his
Win the cab stopped and BENTON
went up steps, his courage weakened
silghuy, as he had not expected anv-
thing quite so magnificent as the
mouse he was entering. The butler
look his card and left him sitting m
the library wondering if he had not
Deen folish to act upon Hartley's i'm
pulsive suggestion
WheR his courage had reached low
eDb Miss Dillon came IN. She hest
Ate0 second, and her gray eyes
seemed to analize Benton. She
StreIched out her hand cordially. for
bentons was face that women trust
GO Mr.. Hartley couldn't have sent
you al more opportune time. HAD
stayed n tonight expecting my mother
ana tather TO come in on the train
from Ne" York, but have just had q
telegram that they will not be here
until midnight so there was the pros
pect OF a lonely evening"
benton gazed, and thanked the gods
and Hartley. The soft, slim IoceU-
ness OF her was wonderful
She sat on the diHan near him. a
m1rtaful twinkle in her ewes. Mr.
Hartleys card says that you are prac-
ucaiy pertect-1wiuh the exception of
prediction for practical Jokes"
Foor old chap! It's a shame the
way I've imposed upon his good ma
ture, for no matter how much the
laugh was on him, he always saw the
point OF the joke and enjoyed it. Hel
has vowed he will get even with mel
some time, but / am not losing anv
sleep over his intention"
Miss Dilton's smile Of appreciation
came near developing into a g.ggle.
i think we may credit hdmwith hay
ing made a successful effort" her eyes
full OF mirth.
benton looked at her in surprice. !
Dld he write anything elese ON the
pack Of the card?' he asked quickly |
Nothing a. ALL Seei" she held il |
up before him. But think I am safe |
M propneseying that you will acknowl- |
edge that he has paid of ALI old |
scores"
Has he 'phoned to you since he left
me!" His tone was puzzled.
NO. ne hasn't telephoned. Shall / |
tel1 you the point OF the joke?" abe
leaned forward, smiling.