Evening star., 1914-07-14

which read: It think It will be a more
delightful place for our honeymoon than
the trip abroad We spoke Of. You will
like the lake
While writing the whistle Of the incom-
ing train sounded from the other side OF
the town. He finished the letter. waited
a half hour and then went to the post
off1ce for his mail
There were several letters and a paper
for him. One of the letters was from the
broker with whom he did business. He
opened this and commenced reading care
lessly. but finished with hlanching face
Tearing open the paper his eyes hastily
sought the financial columns. But there
was no need 70 find them. for heading one
Of the front news columns in staring let
ters was Astounding slump in Approved
Securities. Many Stockholders Wiped
Out"
Thomas Walton did not read beyond
the heading. There was no need. That
and the letter were enough. CrumplfnS
the two into his pocket. he walked over
to the orange grove he had been looking
at few hours before. Going out to the
end of the pier, he dropped upon one of
the benches. It was quiet there--a good
place to think. to look things squarely in
the face.
When he rose his fps were firm. He
went straight into tho orange grove. but
this time he sought the superintendent.
not the owner. My names Tom Wal
ton. he began. Il want a lob.
The superintendent was examining some
spots on the leaf Of an orange with a
microscope. He seemed on the point OF
refusal. but with the words on his lips
glanced toward the applicant. Then his
expression changed to approval. You're
a big muscular fellow: Tom he com.
mended. but not much used to work.
Tom Walton rur ed up one of his sleeves
with a half smile. showing a big lump
of corded muscles; then he spread out the
palms of his hands, with their flesh hard
and firm.
Yes. yes. I noticed that" the superin-
tendent said. but it all comes from
ting and golfing and nifty exercise
like that. and not real work. And stiil
! like the way YOU make up and the
be I have job for a man like YOU.
Where are YOU stopping?
Nowhere after today. shall try to
find a room or two and do my own cook
ing. I'm fairly good at that from camp
ing out. And it's cheaper. You see.
happen to be up against it Just now
We'll. maybe ! can fit you out.
have a little three room house back in
the grove near the lake that | can
let YOU have cheap. And there's an
can use: it may help you out consider
ably on living If you like fish. When
can you come on?
I'm the morning. I have a few
things to bring over first"
Tom Walton went from there to the
Plaza. where he paid his bill, looking
little ruefully at the small amount
Of change he had left. He had intend
ed to draw a check for his hotel bill
and expenses home. but checks with
his signature were no good now.
Before leaving the hotel he wrote
another letter, paragraph of which
read; "T am glad. Miss Leigh that
our acaua intance was of such short
duration and our engagement so sud
den. 1t Will enable YOU to rcadjust
yourself more easily and And better
and. trust. more happy solution Of
life. I have expressed myself clearly
SO YOU Will understand tho absolute
necessity of this letter. sincerely
hope YOU will soon forect-or at least
put the few weeks back in your mem