Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1912-08-09

he wouldn't be working so hard for 1t
now." retorted the young man bitterly.
II happen to have inherited a lot, so
what's the use of working"
ats an achievement to invent an air
machine that can travel as fast as an
express train." remarked Mr.. Pedding-
ton.
"It's a consolation to be able to pur-
chase q motorcar that can outdistance
the fastest express train. That's what
I have just DONE" flashed Frank Avery
In reply.
Got your machine here?" demanded
Mr. Peddington suddenly.
"Down at the door"
81 wonder If Joe Hicks has got his
monoplane In town."
Frank smiled bitterly. 81 wouldn't
be surprised He's got his cap on
wrong side before"
81 have an idea I'll have him in"
Mr.. Peddington jumped up ard opened
the door into the outer office and
called to the waiting aviator Wa n
Joe Hicks entered the inner Office Mr.
Peddington did not quite close the NIT
hogany door He left 1t ajar. and the
plain young man who was patiently
awaiting his turn for an interview
turned away and stared out OF the win.
dow into the mill yard.
Now, boys" began Mr.. Peddington
as be lowered above the young men,
~ find you're both In the same fix con-
cerning my daughter. Don't blush.
Might as well have the matter out fair
and square and no favors to either
one. Airline has told each OF you
frankly that she does not love you.
but that il her fond papa, meaning
myself. commands her to marry Ell
ther one of you she will show herself
to be an obedient daughter. New.
which shall it be?'
The two rivals glared at each other
| and then looked hopefully at Stlas
| Peddington.
81 like you both equally WELL" went
on Arline's parent judicially. 80 there
is not much choice. Your personal
characters balance even. and Avery's
wealth is set off against Hicks brains
and ingenuity. so there you are.
There's only one thing to do, IN my
opinion, and that is to let fate or luck,
or whatever you call it, have a hand
In the matter. If Airline had mother
| | would leave 1t to her. but as things
are as they are 1t shall be as l say
| He sat down In his big chair and once
more pressed his finger tips together.
airline is down at our place at
Belle Point. It's straightaway ROAD
down there along the shore. You can
keep each other In sight part OF the
way at least until one outdistances
the other Hicks, you jump into your
monoplane. and Avery will get into his
automobile, and away you go, and the
| first one that reaches Belle Point and
sees my daughter may wed her, pro-
vided she hasn't changed her mlnd
since referring you to me-
"Donew crleu Eivi.-, -:-i--s - nd na re-
fully adjusting his wooden cap. MY
machines out at Fern park. and l can
| be away in half hour
"Mv car is downstairs. and I'll take
you out to Fern park and start from
there" And Frank Avery arose and
held out his hand to Arline's father.
"Will you not come down and see US
off, sir?"
"sorry, boys, but l can't" returned
tho mill owner hastily. Got another
interview on my hands now. Good
luck to both of your
Thanks. Goodby. father-in-law!'
said Joe Hicks boldly as he gripped
Peddington's hand.
"Goodby. Father Peddinston." was
Ayery's significant farewell.
"You are good sports" said the
elder man kindly. Take good care
of yourselves You ought to make the
TWENTY-FIVE miles in pretty short or
der Wire me the result" He waved
them away. and after they had SIAM
med the the outer door behind them
he picked up his desk telephone ana
then hastily set it down again.
I'D like to warn her: but. no. lt
wouldn't be playing fair. and the witch
deserves the embarrassment after
playing them of on me like that. But
why in thunder should those TWO
idiots want to marry girl who openly
tells them she doesn't love them. but
will marry them If commanded TO!
Where is their good American blood:'
.Tf you please. Mr.. Peddington.'
said a crisp voice from the doorway.
"I've been waiting some time. Per-
haps you can see me now.
The open doorway framed the well
knit. compact figure and plain face OF
the plain young man. He carried his
panama hat under his arm. and when
you looked at him and saw his eyes
you would declare that they would
beautify any face. SO bright and blue
and true were they.
"Come in" said Mr. reddington
courteously. And when the visitor
had seated himself the mill owner
said. You are Russell Osgood. the
architect who planned my Belle Point
place. aren't you?
Russell Osgood smiled at Silas Ped
dingtons tone. He had met the mill
owner a hundred times since then,
: and they were on friendly terms. yet
now his tone was distinctly anxious.
IL am all that and more now," he
said clearly. I'm your son-in-law,
Mr. Peddineton"'
Why -what-when" gasped MT.