The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-08-08
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
THE INvINCIBLE GOD.
BY Grace De Pima.


co. all the guests from the vantage of
secluded arbOr.
His hands rested on his cane. his
chin upon his hands. Restlessly his
Keen brown eyes searched face after
FACE; but presently his quest seemed
to end and rising abruptly, he soughe
his hostess.
will you introduce me to that girl
over Shere?' he requested.
Mrs. Tindall strolled with him to
where Miss Currin was serving lem
onade. Isabel, Mr.. Cramer is thirsty
please be kind to him." she said.
isabel stretched out her hand. The
old gentleman held it long enough TO
call question 20 her eyes.
l asked to meet YOU" he explained
frankly. you are the only one here
who might succeed. 1 have been
watching them all. Will you help
me?"
"Details, please" murmured Isabel,
smiling.
She liked this abrupt old man with
the kindly face. There was magnetic
appeal in his expression as he answer
ed her.
81 have a son." he began. "He is
very dear 20 me. lie is ill-unhappy.
1t amounts TO the same thing very
often. He needs a doctor. For a long
time l have been hunting for the right
one. My search is over. Now, want
you to help me persuade him 20 take
the case"
Il! What is the matter with your
son?" asked Isabel gently.
He is whitening" diagnosed Mr..
Cramer, solemnly. Grief seldom
kills, but he is hrivelling-mentally
physically, worst of all, in his heart.
IL frightens me. He is too young. l
disapprove of it at any age, in fact"
"Of counsel" agreed Isabel vigor-
ously. But how can i help your"
He plunged off quickly. "My son
thought he fell in love, year or so
ago-desperately, you understand.
Happiness comes high, it seems, and
the lady decided he wasn't rich
enough. Then and there he vowed to
marry none but a wealthy girl, to
eliminate the chance of future decep-
ton. 1t is running him"
He put in simply, He's got to be
reused! You are the doctor-it's a
woman's task. 1 want you 20 do it,
he ended bluntly.
: "Roused?" repeated Isabel, curious
ly.
Make him fell" explained Cramer
tensely. He's a numb, prick him, for
good or bad; only make him feel"
''How?" asked the girl, still curious
and little bewildered.
Mr.. Cramer shrugged his shoulders
eXpressively. Suddenly Isabel stiffen-
ed. do you mean-I'm to-hirt with
your son? Because, if you do"
30, my heart" deprecated the old
gentleman, yet undisturbed by her
flashing eyes. He changed his tone.
Young lady, l am lighting for my
sons future, and his sane frame OF
mind; nothing is going TO stand in my
way. He's not going to dry up into a
miserable, crabby cynic, if l can help
il. Somebody's got to prove the exist
ence of love and faith and all the other
old-fashioned sugar plums; and pretty
soon, too. I've decided you are the
one to do it,
why me?" asked Isabel pertinently.
Because said Mr.. Cramer, lean
ing on his cane and staring az her.
Perhaps Isabel found the answer
more lucid than masculine, for she be-
came interested, and little BATTERED
in spite of herself.
You have plan?' she queried, in
half-surrender.
Il thought it OUT long ago. Since he
. demands riches How much money
have you? You mustn't mind" he add
ed quickly.
But Isabel shook her head without
resentment. My face is my fortune
SIR" she quoted, smiling.
Hin! Then you must secure ex-
pectaeions of a great legacy, he an
nounced III see to that. You will
then proceed to engage his attention
/ leave the method TO you. If he sue
cumbs, you must burn your expecta-
tions-and, if you have really sue
ceeded, it won't make any difference
When all's said and done, the little
god is invincible, you know"
What of me-if the little god takes
his revenge out of me, and l lose bott
the legacy and-the gamer
IF the two prove inseparable-
would you care to -win? parrieC
Cramer.
Besides, it is a great opportunity
that j offer you-ito restore a fellow
beings capacity for happiness. The
risk involved is not comparable"
But suppose" grasped the girl, "h'
learns to care, and l can't fall in love
with him?"
Have you met my SOM" demande'
the old gentleman produly.
NO" admitted Isabel, smiling.
"Ah! He is coming this way now!
exclaimed Cramer. "A good omen.
h Isabel detected a total lack of, rath
err than any definitely disagreeable eX
preston on the face of the young maj
who stood before her.
She studied him as they chaSted, an
before he excused himself, was justify
ing his fathers stand by becoming IN
voluntarily and combatively desirou
of calling forth some decided char
acteristic-good or bad.
"Well?' pleaded Cramer anXiously
"IIl-try," answered Isabel softly
BLESS you, my dear!" he murmured
pressing her hand. Are you needle
here any longer? Suppose we sit owe
there" he pointed to the summe
house, "and decide the details. Their
must be no time lost and no wea