The Forrest City times., 1912-07-19


 ever would"
 ''Judge." l calculated. shocked
 Who would want to-" And he grimaced horribly.
 Oh, say now." I protested warm. ly.
 My boy, I tell you I know-you don't" He lifted his hand eloquently, dedeeting the corners of his mouth oh, such a way No, siree, tell you there's not another living man would dare chance it." He threw himself backward, puffing his cheeks at me and walling his eyes rrightfully Tn fact, hereabouts-where Francis is known, there have been two men only just two-who ever had the te- merity to do it.
 Oh" I commented. Wondered if one of these was the other chap she was engaged to.
 He proceeded impressively One of these. my dear sir, was our rector "a most charming and venerable old man, now nearly eighty-three and par. tially paralyzed and deaf; lives a sweet, patient life all alone, you know. with no one in the world to care for him. Well, sir" he stiffened dramat- ieally. leyeling one finger at me, do you think that Francis would even listen to him?"
 Did l? We'll, dash 1t, did |?
 But l tried to humble something polite.
 And then" he puffed as he re lighted his cigar, there's Jacks chauf feur. you know"
 "Eh, Jack k's-what's that? gripped the arms of my chair.
 Yes he nodded, Jacks chauf feur. Oh, I was so disappointed at the result of his effort" The old gentleman slipped back in his chair with a sigh. Francis just swore at him, you lnow!"
 By JQye!" I managed to get out and yet, somehow. l was devilish pleased about it.
 You see?" And he spread out his hands. Absolutely no sense of ap preciation, you observe; and 1t had seemed such splendid chance, You see they had been so intimate-oh, are still, for that matter"
 l caught my breath. "In-intimate," stammered. You don't mean Fran. ces and this chauffeur"
 "Oh, yes" carelessly, "Scoggins Is all right; very superior young man for his position-fond of Francis. you know, and really think has great in. fiuence.' He puffed complacently an instant Fact is, they are always to- gether when Francis is home"-puff -"motoring, boating, or else of some where camping together"
 Wha-at-what's that-not camp ing?' looked at him aghast. "Oh, come now, judge-really you don't mean that. do you-not camping to- gether?"
 spoke excitedly, but he just stared at me with an expression of blank sur prise
 "Eh? Why, certainly, my dear boy for weeks at time-and why not?" His shift manifested some impatience Pshaw, Lightnut." he growled, flick ing his ash. whats the odds-why be so particular? I don't mind," lie damned his hands into his trousers pockets till it seemed he would go through them. T tell you, I'm glad I'm democratic,"
 "Oh." uttered, seeing a light.
 haf t. knew now that was a republican, by love! Never did know before what l was and 1t was devilish re- lief to find out. Half made up my mind. then and there, I would vote next election-never had, you know; few of our set ever did. Pugsley. for one, held 1t to be doubtful form.
 Bright, self-made young man." I caught as I came back. By love. he was still talking about that beastly chauffeur! Such fine morals. you know"
 "Oh. dash 1t, yes!" And I think this must have been when broke the corner out of a filling.
 That was why I was so sorry he failed with Francis" he continued re- gretfully; but you may succeed bet. ter-oh. don't know but what it will do just as welli"
 "Thanks-er-awfullyl" mur. mured weakly.
 "Oh, think so-oh. yes," He bobbed his head as though he were quite re- signed to it-then went on thought. fully:
 And anyhow. if Francis finds you are in deadly earnest. why It." His voice dropped of musingly: Well. I believe that would make it easier oh. lots easier for Scoggins."
 1 hlinked little with my free eye.
 (To BE coNTINUED3