The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-17

for her he could say that she appreci'
ated the honor implied, but that sne
must decline further acquaintance
ship.
81 will say, Mr.. Ross" observed
Knapp, that l might use some lnnu'
ence to get the route of the new rail-
road changed"
Are you asking me to sell my
daughter!" interrupted the manu1ac-
turer quite angrily. and that settlea
the conference. THAT mani" Gid
overheard him say to Farson little
later. His insulting proposition is
like his past record of knavery, when
r well know. If Ina chose the poor
est but an honest man in my employ,
il would be preferable to that
schemer," at which Glib flushed quick
" and took heart Of hope.
He had reason for this. Those fugi-
tive roses he had treasured could tell
a tale. Glib was handsome, intelligent,
of an earnest and ingenious nature.
Ne wonder he had attracted Inas at
tention. She welcomed the occasional
visits with genuine girlish pleasure.
For a week Glib had spent half the
night going to and coming from the
great sprawling tract of land his IA
Their called a farm. The old man had
inherited it and valued it from long
association. 1t comprised a narrow
strip along the river, the counterpart
of another adjoining, was not culti-
waited, but had some value on account
of its gravel beds.
One especial evening, after long
confab with his father, Glib shook
hands with him in an excited and
grateful way
you've made me a mighty happy
son, father" he said, humbly but earn
estly, and your getting the owner Of
the next strip to join in with you
clears the way. l shall so to the city
tomorrow and make my offer of the
free right of way"
Absent yesterday, wasn't your" re-
marked Farson as Glib put in an ap-
pearance two mornings later.
Yes" smiled Glib buoyantly.
Tired of your job here?"
Not L."
"Nor looking for another one?"
What! When this one is going to
last?"
"Oh, sure Of that, are your"
II am. Come with me to Mr.. Ross
and you'll know the secret Of my con.
fidence. have some important news
for you, SIR" announced Glib to Mr..
Ross, as they entered his Office. you
won't have to move your plant"
The manufacturer stared at his
faithful ally in a puzzled way and
asked incredulously:
How is that?"
Because the railroad is going to
tap Blandon and not Riverton. My ia.
ther and a neighbor have given the
two-mile right of way. It
shortens the route and l have the as.
surance that the line will be put right
through"
You're wizard!" pronounced Far
son enthusiastically as Glib recited the
details of his visit to the city.
Il don't know what can do for YOU
after this vast benefit you have
said the manufacturer.
Il would like to be the first to com.
the joyful news to Miss
lna," said Glib modestly and flushing
up. I'm fact, she has discussed this
plan Of mine and"
"Oho! fellow conspirators, eh?" OBJ
served Mr. Ross. but he said it tol-
srantly. with an admiring glance at
The young fellow who had shown
nerve, pluck and business capacity.
All right, Glib"
"Jib.' sir, IL you please" corrected
lis loyal employee. Il was named
Gibraltar by an old soldier uncle"
And you have been a veritable
Gibraltar to the friends you stick to-"
declared Farson with effusion.
And, happily hopeful, Glib Ridgely
vent to disclose the joyful news to
ma.
Copyright. 1914. by W. G. Chapman)
ln1 AlrFn