Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-19
The Argus Daily Story
The Schemers-By Clarissa Mackie.
Copyrighted. 1911 by Associated Literary Bureau,

Il
element at the Seahurst hotel. To be-
gin with. our FIVE girls completely
monopolized Billy Finc&ney and show
cred so much undivided attention upon
the pale youth that his head was quite
turned.
I'm the whole cheese here" he grin
ned 10 his adoring mother one evening.
and that Mortified lady put up her lOr-
Gnette and stared at him.
William. my son." she gasped. ''nev-
er. never use such language in my
presence again As for receiving atten-
ton from the girls In this house. you
mustn't take it seriously, for remem-
Der you are the only man here at pres
ent."
Billy was silent His mothers insin-
nation stung him TO the quick. He
would prove to her that 1t was him
self and not his sex that attracted.
He would pick out one girl. and that
girl would be the prettiest and the wit
test and the one DE liked best iS
would be Polly Skinner.
Thereafter the group OF schemers
found their plans taken out Of their
hands by no less a person than Billy
himself He would have none OF them
except Polly. and Polly was sacrificed
upon the altar for their general good
Il heard Mrs. Pinckney say last night
that there was safety in numbers" re-
marked Belle Sears. Somebody had
spoken of Billy's sudden popularity
boom"
so I'm to be the burnt otfering?" de-
manded Polly indignantly. why, 1
like him less than any of you do"
You're a sun burnt offering, and "
look like a dear. Run along. hone
there's your Billy waiting for you.
he needs is a pink parasol TO becon
pink dream" laughed Ella. giving Pol
ly push toward the waiting cavalier.
Polly went.
The next day Billy Pinckney shocked
his mother by announcing that he
wanted to marry Polly Skinner and IL
he couldn't he would Just as soon die
as not.
Have you asked her, dear?' falter-
ed Mrs. Pinckney.
Not yet. mother. but I'm going to
tonight" he declared. thankful that
she had not objected more strenuOusly.
Promise me one thing. william
she said solemnly. Wait just one
week before you ask Polly Skinner TO
marry you"
"Why?" be demanded impatiently.
Because | ask ii of you"
"All right, | promise. but I shan't
change my mind" he threatened as he
left the room.
Mrs. Pinckney smiled. because she
had lived with Billy for many years
and knew him to be impressionable.
Almost any other of the girls would
have done for Billy. and she might
have reluctantly submitted. for all
were well TO do save Polly Skinner.
Billy must have d rich wife.
She drew a sheet of note paper be-
fore her and wrote to Dick Westford.
, She mentioned Polly SINNERS name.
| She marked the envelope Please for
ward" and she attached a special de-
| livery stamp. She mailed it immedi-
| ately and sat down to wait for Dicks
| coming. There was whole week be
| fore Billy's promise would become mil
/ and void.
/ Three days aftcrward the five
spirators We're sitting in their acc
/ toned corner Of the hotel piazza.
Where has Billy been today" ask
! ed Ella Frond. sizzling yawn. Il
/ haven't seen him tagging after you,
Polly. Have you sent him away?"
Not L. declared Polly, watching the
approaching hotel bus with wistfuI
eyes II went for a solitary walk this
morning and surprised him walking
with the pretty chambermaid from our
floor He was helping her carry "A
basket of linen to the hand laundry
across the field"
Billy Pinckney" shrickcd her com
panions in chorus.
Polly nodded After all our time
and trouble" she sighed
The hotel bus was loaded with pas
sengers from the 6 O'Clock train. Tho
married women buzzcd forward 10
greet their husbands. the unmarried
women looked wistfuly at the mass OF
blue serge and gray tweed elbows that
projected from the crowded vehicle
The men streamed out from the bus.
There We're many-mOre than usual.
The girls grew interested Polly skin
ner's eyes widcued and looked like
stars. The biggest and fullest Of the
invading army was Dick Westford
The other girls recognized him at the
same moment.
our scheme has worked" whispered
Ella Froud
He has brought all the campers"
squealed Amy Wrenn.
"Oh. joy" murmured Bell Sears.
"Ah." breathed Lily Deaue. "one
apiece
Just before dinner Dick Wcst7ord
came TO Polly and caught her in dim
corner of the piazza. He took both her
hands in his and looked into her eyes.
- love you. Polly" he said simply
md tTuthfuIly.
I'm glad. Dick said Polly softly.
And they never gave thought TO
Billy PinrkUey. vino at that very 20
ment was e!opiug with the pretty
chambermaid.
4 ,Iune l9 in American