The Forrest City times., 1914-05-29


 The devil" Leslie sat bolt up right and glared at him. T might have known! And-and is she in love with you?"
 My dear fellow, you reveal con- siderable lack of tact in asking that question"
 What want to know is this" ex- claimed Wrandall, very pale but very not: ''is she going to marry you?"
 Booth smiled m be perfectly frank with you. She says she won t" " Leslie gulped. 50 you've asked herr"
 Obviously"
 And she said she wouldn't? She refused you? Turned you down." His little mustache shot up at the ends and joyous, triumphant laugh broke from his lips. "Oh, this is rich! Ha, ha. Turned you down, eh? Poor old Brandy! You're my best friend, and dammit I'm sorry. mean to say" he went on in some embarrassment, I'm sorry for you. Of course, you | can hardly expect me to-er-"
 Certainly not, accepted Booth amiably: T quite understand"
 Then, since she's refused you, you mightNish me better luck"
 That would mean giving up hope ; "Hope?" exclaimed Leslie quickly. You don't mean to say you'll annoy her with your"
 No, I shall not annoy her" replied his friend, shaking his head.
 Well, should hope not" said Leslie with a scowl. Turned yoN down, eh? 'Pon my soul." He ap- peared to be relishins the idea of it, Sorry, old chap, but suppose you understand just what that means"
 Booths lips hardened for an in stant. then relaxed into a queer, al most pitying smile.
 And you want me to be your best man?' he said rehectively. Leslie arose. His chest seemed to swell little; assuredly he was breath air of compassion.
 | l shan't insist, old fellow, if you i feel you'd rather not-er- See what nean" It then occurred to him to utter word or two of kindly advice T shouldn't go on moping if l were you, Brandy. 'Pon my soul, I shouldn't Take it like a man. 1 know it hurts but Pooh, Whats the use aggra vating the pain by putting against a stone wall?"
 His companion looked out over the tree tops. his hands in his trousers l pockets, and it must be confessed 1 that his manner was not that of one who is oppressed by despair
 T think I'm taking it like a man Les,' he said. T only hope you'll take it as nicely if she says nay to you"
 An uneasy look leaped into Leslie's face. He seemed noticeably less cor pulent about the chest. He wondered if Booth knew anything about his initial venture. A question rose tc his lips, but he thought quickly and held it back, Instead, he glanced al his watch.
 T must be of. See you tomorrow I hope"
 So long," said Booth, stopping a, the top of the steps while his visitor skipped down to the gate with q nimbleness that suggested the lorna tion of sudden resolve
 Leslie did not waste time in mart ing inanities he strode off brisklv ir the direction of home, but not withoui 3 furtlve glance out of the tail of his eye as he disappeared beyond the hedgerow at the end of Booths gar den. That gentleman was stand!ns where he had left him, and was filline his pipe once more.
 The day was warm, and Leslie was in a dripping precipitation when he reached home. He did not enter the house but made his way direct to the garage.
 Get out the car at once, Brown, was his order.
 Three minutes later he was befnl driven over the lower road toward Southlook. taking good care to avoit Booths place by the matter of mile or more. He was in a fever of hope ~>AN NNS S' A'S'S' ~ Noo Ntt pldlu lt him why she had refused Booth. The iron was hot. He didn't intend tc lose any time in striking.
 And now we know why he came again to Saras in the middle of 2 blazing afternoon. instead of waiting until the more seductive shades ot night had fallen. when the moon sa, serene in the seat of the Mighty
 
 He didn't have to wait long for Het ty. Up to the instant of her appear ance in the door, he had reveled ir the thought that the way was now paved with roses. But with her en trance, he felt his confidence and courage slipping. Perhaps that may explain the abruptness with which he proceeded to so about the business in hand.
 q couldn't wait till tonight" he ex plained as she came slowly across the room toward him. She was half way to him before he awoke to the fact that he was standing perfectly still. Then he started forward. some