The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-08-26

about fifteen miles toward the ea3 ~
the valley" explained Nina He has
given me landmarks and other points
l may go by in selecting a location"
Some favored part of the tract?"
| inquired Dale.
Yes, because he is sure it will be
a place which the railroad will cross,
and near town site. | am sure can
| readily find the place, for my friend |
showed me map. 1t is near grove, |
a creek and hill-the only combina-
ton of that sort in the reservation"
Nina went on to explain her plan. |
She was mountain maid by birth
! and could run like deer Her idea
was Ia start on foot when the signal
came. Her old mother and her Grip
Piled brother could follow leisurely
with the wagon.
Dale departed from the home
hearted group feeling that he had
passed one of the most pleasant hours
Of his life. He could not get brave,
winsome Nina Gordon out of his mind
He circulated among all the great
crowd Of land contestants Then he
incidentally learned some facts that
sent him straightway back to the old
canvas covered wage.
Miss Gordon" he said quite grave
ly, i fear you are too sanguine as to
| your exclusive knowledge of the pro-
posed town site. the information has
leaked out and has become general,
and large number of pre-empters
, are arranging to make break for the
favored section"
| "Oh, dear! | was so hopeful" sighed
, Nina, and Dale sat studying her
. thoughtfully Finally he said:
Y Miss Gordon don't think 1t strange
: II seem to take a great interest In
you and your affairs In fact, In q
{ measure I feel mutually concerned. |
q have decided to take up quarter
Y section Of land myself am going to
d make strange proposition to you,
t Miss Gordon wish to accompany
G you in the race for best choice"
d AS modest little 100 acres Of a
n whole town site is all can pick out. "
a smiled Nina Il shall be only too
q glad to direct you to the town site"
d Thank you." responded Dale, but
ia the prizes may be all seized by swift
70 er runners, So
i. Dale glanced at the mother, who
was doing in the wagon and lowered
II his voice. AS he whispered In Nina's
at ear she started, her eyes expressed
o. rare excitement and wonder
or DO you dare?" he asked
"a ITO trust to your skill-oh. yes!
"a she declared instantly. "Oh, the nov
al city Of It, What thought"
nd Then do not disturb or alarm you
mother by telling her Of the plan.
NJ submitted Dale 81 shall expect yo
Cd at the circus grounds by six o'clock.
re 81 shall surely be there" promise
"a Nina
cd Just as at the appointed hour tn
next morning. the signal was give
for the grand rush for land Location
there loated up gracefully into tn
air the circus balloon. There wer
only two aboard Nina and Dale.
1t mattered not how pre-emptt
reached location, 80 that the restri
tons Of starting we're followed ar
evidences Of first occupation we're a
parent 1t was an exhilarating a
Journey for Nina They reached the
destination far ahead Of other co
testants.
I'VE shall be neighbours am
glad am so thankful to you for g
abling US to secure this splendid loo
tom" said Nina.
Neighbors, indeed! then clio
friends, and then man and wife, al
the two farms merged into one,
came the home OF four happy, hap
human beings.
IL Copyright. 1914 by ". G. Chapman
80 oil TVJkTJ0M 0E Cocoa pI AN