Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-08-29

AlgernOn had not been grieved by tn'
presence of the other two and tillet
with plans to be rid of them. he woul'
have noticed that there was some
thing wrong with the girl. Her cheeks
were flushed and her eyes bright will
suppressed fear and nervousness
She laughed at every remark ant
talked breathlessly to keep from
thinking.
"Mr Holiness" said she gaily, pur
pcsely thus framing her introduction
"let me introduce Mr.. Hancock ant
Mr.. Worth"
Algernon raised his cap again cold
| ly and made no offer to shake hands
That Molly found any amusement In
the situation merely grieved him.
Hancock flushed slightly and hasti
ly withdrew his barely -proffered hand
having intended to show true demo
crazy before the young fellow who
was perhaps trifle too young to real
lie his position. ames nodded care
/ Jlessly and refused to let even sur
prise over the strange antics and new
names of his false friend be seen on
his face. He had never heard of the
Todd's place in Maine. but he knew
that the family, lateral and collateral
was a large one, and had decided that
Molly was one Of the younger Todds,
refusing to inquire further about the
affairs of stranger. as all who bore
the name of Todd would henceforth be
to him, he told himself.
"Ah. yes" said Hancock kindly.
"Mr. Holmes, glad to know YOU
In the country. he told hemself,
everybody was equal. and the youth
had probably not realized the social
difference between himself and his
mistress guests. Molly was kind
little soul. and clearly did not like to
hurt his feelings and was Indifferent
about keeping him in his place, which
was only temporary one Hancock
believed she had said. Nobly he es-
sayed to start a conversation with the
young man, simple clear converse
ton, in words CT two syllables that
would put the fellow at his ease.
though Hancock admitted to himself
he hardly seemed so much i'll at ease
as angry. plainly disappearing of some
thing. Cars probably were the only
subject he knew anything about. SO
Hancock, growing himself visibly
more Ill at ease every moment the
heavy silence hung between them, a
silence which Molly wickedly refused
to break and which neither Algernon
nor James deigned to, opened the sub
ject of motor-cars.
II suppose you have driven the
Todds' make Of car BEFORE" said he
or you would not be so
familiar with them. Mrs. Todd tells
me you keep them in first-class order"
Algernon regarded the well-meaning
youth colby. YES" said he. and
turned his gaze placidly out to sea
again.
Have you ever driven any other
make?' Hancock plunged on desper-
ately.
quite often
What ones"
Several"
Hancock turned to Molly It was
ridiculous to try to carry on con-
versation with the fellow. He would
simply ignore him.
Doubtless you enjoy plenty of sail
ing. Mrs Todd" said James, seeking
to start conversation on his own
account between himself and his hos
tess. The remark was harmless, if
trifle fiat.
"Ah," said Algernon, before Molly
could reply, how do you make that
out? Where would she sail?"
James flushed II thought it might
possibly be done in the ocean" he an
,uorol with opory coroocn, farooffino
his intention not to speak to Algernon
In any capacity, either as former
friend or present chauffeur, as he
Judged him to be to his own cousin, an
James forebore at the
outset, in cold pride, to try to solve,
even to think about.
quite remarkable deduction"
Algernon. "And as Mrs.
Todd lives by the sea, you thought it
just possible that she may have gone
sailing. All. yes! ! see. Quite
clever. Who would have thought it!'
James flushed deeper and glared at
the placid Algernon. Hancock strove
to con ceal his pleasure at his friends
He liked James, but
James had no tact, was utterly in
capable of seeing when he was not
wanted. Molly spoke hastily.
Il love sailing. love the feeling
Of the rope in your hand when there
Is a hard wind. It seems as If the
boat were alive, almost like horse"
Hancock nodded. II like it much
better than a motor-boat," said he.
"A motor-boat is faster"
"Ah," murmured Algernon, another
rare piece of intelligence
Call it a pearl" snapped Hancock,
rritated now that it was his turn.
The Inference suggested Algernon
with a mild lift Of the eyebrows, is
hardly complimentary to the lady
Ladies are always excepted" de.
clared Hancock.
do not except me-" protested Molly,
who was filed with a keen delight at
the impudence of her chauffeur. Il
believe in absolute equality between
the sexes. Votes for women is my,
slogan, and SO, you see. can't be ex-
cepted."
you are fooling about votes for
and Algernon dismissed her
rash statement with shrug.
Indeed, am not" declared Molly.
Mr.. Hancock, Mr.. Worth. don't you
! ~ y, ,.s<r1 r.