Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-12-29
The Daily Story
WINNING DoRoTHY-BY CLARISSA MACKIE.
Copyrighted. 1918. by Associated Literary

happy TO have YOU join my party as
special photographer
Il see no reason TO change my
mind" muttered Jasper as he return
ed to his Office and flung open his desk.
He spent the remainder Of the day in
going over his affairs and in planning
how he could leave his practice in the
hands of a brother lawyer. Fortu'
nately there was nothing of Importance
on hand. If he could come back from
Africa with the picture OF Dorothy
Fair erased from his heart he would
be thankful. He thought of Professor
DiGbys words and smiled ruefully.
Dorothy would never be anything but
beautiful.
That very evening Dorothy Fair was
surprised TO receive visit from her
mothers cousin. Professor Digby of
the Fanshawe museum.
My dear Dorothy" began the pro
fessor in his Stilted way, II must beg
of You to be little more merciful."
"Merciful?" echoed Dorothy, her
hazel eyes wide with establishment
What do you mean. Cousin Peter?"
You know. l am organizing spe-
cial expedition to central Africa. and
of course | have had many applica-
lions from men who desire to belong
TO the party. 1t usually happens that
way when any expedition is going
out, but in this particular instance l
have been overrun with applications"
But what has that TO do with me,
Cousin Peter?" asked Dorothy. fear.
full Of the wizened little mans sanity,
This. my dear. These eight appli.
cations all arrived on the same day
that is, this very day. All of these
young men are well known to me as
being suitors for the hand of my love
~ young cousin. Don't blush, Doro-
thy. you naughty child.
"Of these eight applications only
seven can be accepted. l am asking
you TO help me make a choice"
Cousin Peter. l cannot cried
Dorothy. with tears in her eyes. II
haven't really encouraged them. and
IL they are so silly to like girl be.
cause of her eyes or the color of her
hair l can't help IT. There Is only
one-and, Cousin Peter. / never be-
lieved you could be so unkindr'
Professor Digby suppressed a little
SHllle IHdC ITlchlell uTOuIlu HIS llpS-
There was one chap in particular
that wanted for my right hand man.
He has plenty OF nerve and grit. I've
watched him since he was a boy, but
he's sensitive. l told him TO wait
day. To begin with. there was Bert
Chesney, society man and all around
sport. He might do in some minor
or just rs a guest. Finley
Bingham. Rob Blake, young Dicher,
Judge Harkers boy. Robinson and
Midway. Seven of 'em, my dear. and
a very handsome coterie, 1 may say
And the eighth one, Cousin Peter?"
whispered Dorothy.
Jasper Dane" said Professor Dig
by quietly.
The next morning Jasper Dane
found on his desk n letter from Pro-
fessor Digby. 1t read:
NV Dear Dane-I am sorry TO say that
it VIII be impossible for me to consider
your application to Join my expedition 10
central Africa. received eight applica-
lions for membership In the party, and
as could accept only seven I placed tho
list OF eight names In the hands of
expert in such matters. Inclosed is the
list and you will see that my expert has
drawn a line through your name. thus
definitely deciding that you are not 10 be
Of my party. This l regret exceedingly,
as you would have been my personal
choice, but 1 hope that you will not take
this disappointment TO heart. The seven
chosen men sail with me tomorrow. and
cannot help but coIAder that the ono who
Is left at home is the only fortunate one.
yours. PETER DIGBY.
Below was a typewriter list OF
light names. headed by that Of Bert
Chesney and ending with Jasper's own
lame. A heavy black line was drawn
through Jasper's name, and he smiled
bitterly as he saw It. Then puzzled
ook came into his eyes as he scanned
he names of the successful seven and
called that they represented the en-
ire party which had gathered at Bert
Chesneys birthday dinner.
why were they all going TO central
Africa? Why was he left behind?
A line OF Grabbed handwriting strag
lied across the bottom of the page
lie bent closely and read It with diff
ulty:
II forgot TO mention that the expert
Who decided that you must remain ut
ome is my little cousin, Dorothy Fair"
Jasper caught up the telephone re-
eiver and called for a number.
professor Digby:" he asked excited
v. This is Jasper Dane. Bon voy-
ge. and thank You, may say.
'ousin Peter
The professors dry cackie came over
he wire:
"You are quite safe in calling me
hat. Jasper BY the time the expedi-
ION gets home / suppose 1t will be
act Good luck"'
And Jasper flung down the receiver
nd raced out Of the office like n boy.
Dorothy Fair had elected that he. out
z the eight. should remain at home.
nd it meant only one thing. and he
,as going to make sure Of II now.
r. On -