The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1912-09-13

II am Crosby. Of Rolfe & Crosby. your
counsel. l have the papers here for
you to sign and
Louise. l insist that YOU come away
from here. This fellow is a fraud
He's refreshing, at any rate" said
Mrs. Delaney gayly. There can be no
harm in hearing what he has to say,
Bob"
"You are very kind. and l won't de-
tain you long"
"Ive a mind to kick you out Of this
barn. cried Austin angrily.
II don't believe you're tall enough,
my good fellow" Mr.. Crosby was
more than amiable. He was positively
genial. Mrs. Delancy's pretty face was
the picture of eager. excited mirth. and
he saw that she was determined to see
the comedy to the end.
LOUISE" exclaimed Mrs. Austin,
speaking for the first time. you are
not foo enough to credit this fellows
story, I'm sure. Come to the house at
once. l will not stay here" Mrs.
Austin's voice was hard and biting, and
Crosby also caught the quick glance
that passed between husband and wife.
Il am sure Mrs. Delaney will not be
be so unk1nd as to leave me after I've
had SO much trouble In getting an
audience. Here is my card, Mrs. De-
lancy." Crosby tossed a card from his
perch, but Swallow gobbled it up in
stantly. Mrs. Delaney gave a little
cry Of disappointment. and Crosby
promptly apologized for the dogs
greedlness. "Mr. Austin knows I'm
Crosby" he concluded.
Il know nothing of the sort, sir, and
1 forbid Mrs. Delaney holding further
conversation with you. This Is an out
rageous imposition, Louise. You must
hurry, by the way, or we'll miss the
train,' said Austin, biting his lip i'm
patiently.
THAT reminds me, I also take the
4 o'clock train for Chicago, Mrs. Delan-
cey. If you prefer, we can talk over
our affairs on the train instead of here.
I'll confess this isn't a very dignified
amer in which to hold a consulta-
tion," said Crosby alphabetically.
will you be kind enough to state
the nature of your business, Mr.. Cros-
by?' said the young woman, ignoring
Mr.. Austin.
"Then you believe I'm Crosby" cried
that gentleman triumphantly.
Louise" cried Mrs. Austin in de-
spair.
"1n spite Of your present occupation
1 believe you are Crosby" said Mrs.
Delaney merrily.
"But. good gracious, can't talk bust
ness with You from this COMPOUNDED
BEAM" he cried lugubriously.
"Mr. Austin will call the dog awav."
she said confidently, turning to the
man in the door. Austin's sallow face
lighted with a sudden malicious grin,
and there was positive JOY in his voice.
"1cu may be satisfied, but l am not.
ii YOU desire to transact business with
this impertinent stranger. Mrs. De-
lancy, you'll have to do so under exist
in conditions. | do not approve of
him or his methods, and my dog
doesn't either. You can trust a dog for
knowing a man for what he is. Mrs.
Austin and ! are going to the house.
You nay remain. of curse. | have no
right to command you to follow. When
You are ready to drive to the station
please come to the house. I'll be
ready Your Mr.. Crosby may leave
when he likes-if he can. Come, Eliza
beth" With this defiant thrust Mr..
Austin staiked from the barn, followed
by his wife. Mrs. Delaney started to
follow. but checked herself immedi-
ately. Il flush Of anger mounting to her
brow. After Il long pause she spoke.
Il don't understand how YOU came to
be where YOU are, Mr.. Crosby" she
said slowly. lie related his expert
ences rapidly and laughed with her
simply because she had a way with
her.
you'll pardon me for laughing." she
GiG@lcd.
with all my heart" he replied gal
lantly. ut must be very funny. How
ever. this is not business. You are in
a hurry to get away from here. and
I'm not. it seems. Briefly, Mrs. De
lnnry. | have the papers YOU are to
sign before we begin your action
against the Fairwater estate. You
know what they are through Mr.
ltolfe."
"Well, I'm sorry, Mr.. CrO-by. to say
to you that | have decided to abandon
the matter. A satisfactory compro'
mise is under way"