Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-07

Tom Strickland Faces colone. Tod.
hunter In Sentimental Crisis
'sY HONESTLY, Mary" protested
Tom Strickland, st isn't safe
for You to drive home alone.
It's all very well to make be-
lieve that you're not afraid of a horse.
but l know better. Won't you let me
see you homer"
The two had met in the lazy quiet of
Nineveh's town square, and Tom was
quick to see his opportunity. Mary
Todhunter laughed at his apprehensive
manner.
How can you keep a straight face
when you say that. Tom?' she asked.
You know as well as | do that I've
driven old Solomon a million times.
more or less. and that nothing on earth
would make him run away"
You can never tell about these old
reliables," said Tom. Solomon might
take it into his head to get frisky any
minute. can see devilment in his eye
right now"
He placed an entreating hand Oh the
buggy's side.
We'll. get in. them conceded Mary,
tossing her pretty head. Il reckon
won't have any peace until let you
have your own way"
Tom swung himself into the buggy
instantly. That's mighty wise con-
cluSion. Mary" he remarked. taking
the reins and heading old Solomon to-
ward the shady road that led to Mary's
home. Il wish 10 goodness you'd make
up your mind to it as a permanent
thing"
Mary flashed mockery at him. Il
reckon you do" she exclaimed. It's
! just like you. But there's no danger Of
it's coming to pass, Mr.. Tom Strick-
/ land"
They were now well out of the drow-
I sy town. Old Solomon trotted content
edy along under the leafy foliage that
( arcbed his always welcome homeward
/ way.
/ That's one reason I'd like to see
/ your father elected governor" contin-
ued Mary. Those jefferson City girls
will soon teach you your proper place,
! Tom Strickland. even though you are
the governors SON."
I'm not the governors son yet,
Mary" responded Tom, an Intentional
meekneSs in his tone. And even if
the time ever comes that | am. Jeffer-
son City will see mighty little of me-"
What do you mean?" asked Mary.
You'll certainly have to go to ths
state capital when Colonel and Mrs,
Strickland so. won't you?''
Toms face took on an injured ex-
preston. Il declare. Mary" he spoke.
you never seem to realize that I'm no
longer a boy. Please remember that
I'm a grewn man now and that I've
studied law and been admitted to prac-
tice at the Missouri bar
Laughter cleaned in Mays eyes.
Well, Mr. Thomas Strickland, great
lawyer that you are" she Knocked.
what thenr"
Why, just this. that intend TO stay
right here in Nineveh," announced Tom
loftiIy. It's all settled too. I'm going
to be taken into partnership with my
father and Old Judge Boiling. and then
can hold my fathers practice IL he's
elected Anyway. I'm to be a partner.
Strickland, BolIing & Strickland, that's
how the new sign will Peadr'
Mary laughed outright. Goodness
mel" she cried "Wea't we be q big
man then1 Oh, Tom, it'n be s0ch fun
10 hear goa marie a speech in court
Ahem-6entsenen of the jury
"ehane on yoa. Mary TedhnnterF'
ersed pan- Fedaening boyishIy. It's
Just hk's you. though. You've peked
fun at NE all your life"
Z haveRt efther- denied Mary In.
stnatiy. I've emily laughed at your
high and migAty ways nov and then
and you knew L."
the frsat-
You had no right to say that about
me.r eaafiRHed Mary. rive been
mighty good To yeu."
up to certain point. yes" agreed
Tom "BGt just the minute I get seri-
eRs sbeut anything yes begin laughing
at me-"
why. Tom, don't do anything OF
the sortr' protested Mary. 81 never
dreamed OF such a thing! TsH can try
me this very minute and seei'
All right. wiII!'' spoke Tom quick
ly. Mary. love you. ! want you To
promise 10 be my wife Won't yeui
I've loved you all my Iifer'
Tom Strickland" cried Mary. blush
ing hotIy. You ought 10 be asha med
of yourself. You've got ne right to say
that just because-jBst because IL
was trying to be good TO you
Mary" said Tom sturdily. IF you
don't knoS I've been in Love with you