The Nevada County picayune., 1912-07-19

this means just at this time. Why, f you hadn't offered to speak to Fran cis, it's not likely that any one else ever would."
 @Judge,a l calculated. shocked.
 Who would want to-" And he grimaced horribly
 Oh, l say now." I protested warm. ly.
 My boy, tell you I know-you don't" He lifted his hand eloquently, dedecting the corners of his mouth oh, such way, No, siree, I tell you there's not another living man would dare chance it." lie threw himself backward. pufiing 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 1t,
 Oh" l 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 italy paralyZed and deaf; lives q sweet, patient life all alone, you know. with no one in the world to care for him. Well, sir" he stiffened dramat. ically, leveling one finger at me, do you think that Francis would even listen to him"
 Did l? We'll. dash it. did I?
 But I tried to humble something polite.
 And then" he pufred as he re lighted his cigar. there's Jacks chauf. feur. you know"
 "Eh, Jack's-what's that?" l gripped the arms of my chair.
 Yes" he nodded. Jacks chauf, feur Oh, l was so disappointed at the result of his effort" The old gentleman slipped back In his chair with sigh. Francis just swore at him, you know!'
 By Jove." 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. preeiation, you observe; and it had seemed such a splendid chance! You see they had been so intimate-oh, are still, for that matter"
 I caught my breath. "In-intimate!" stammered. You don't mean Fran. ces and this chauffeur?"
 'Oh, yes," carelessy. "Scoggins is all right; very superior young man for his position-fond of Francis, you know, and I really think has great in. fiuence." He puffed complacently an instant. Fact is, they are always to- gether when Francis is home"-puir motoring, boating. or else off some where camping together"
 "Wha-at-what's that-not camp ing?" l looked at him aghast. "Oh, come now, judge-really you don't mean that, do you-not camping to- gether?"
 spoke excitedly. put 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!" He damned his hands into his trousers pockets till 1t seemed he would go through them. T tell you. I'm glad I'm democratici"
 "Oh!" l uttered. seeing a light
 So that was it, Well, in any case, knew now that 1 was republican. by love, Never did know before what was and it was a deyilish 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 it to be doubtful form.
 Bright. self-made young man." 1 caught as l came back By love. he was still talking about that beastly chauffeur! Such fine morals, you know"
 "Oh. dash it. yes," And I think this must have been when l broke the corner out of filling.
 That was why was so sorry he failed with Francis, he continued re- gretfully; but you may succeed bet ter-oh, don't know but what it wilt do just as we'll"
 anks-er-awfully!" mur- mured weakly.
 "Oh, think so-oh. yes!" He bobbed his head as though he were quite re- signed to .t-then went on thought fully:
 And anyhow, if Francis finds you are in deadly earnest, why it." His voice dropped off musingly: Well. believe that would make it easier oh. lots easier for Scoggins."
 1 binked a little with my free eye.
 Cro BE CONTINUED)
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