The Lakeland evening telegram., 1914-08-20

about fifteen miles toward the end OF 1
the valley" explained Nina He has ]
given me landmarks and other points
may go by in selecting a location :
Some favored part of the tract?
inquired Dale
Yes, because he is sure it will be
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 a grove,
a creek and a hill-the only combina-
ton of that sort in the reservation
Nina went on to explain her plan
| She was a mountain maid by birth
and could run like deer Her idea
was to start on foot when the signal
came. Her old mother and her Grip !
pied 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 II fear you are too sanguine as to
| l. op n
posed town site The information has
!. leaked out and has become general,
q and a large number OF pre-empters
are arranging to make break for the
. favored section"
a "Oh, dear! was so hopeful" sighed
q Nina, and Dale sat studying her
v thoughtfully. Finally he said:
). Miss Gordon, don't think 1t strange
II seem to take great interest IN
= you and your affairs. In fact In a
10 measure feel mutually concerned. !
" have decided to take up quarter
"A section of land myself. am going to
a. make strange proposition to you,
20 Miss Gordon l wish to accompany
"A you in the race for best choice
~ "As a modest little 100 acres Of a
: whole town site is all can pick out.
- smiled Nina Il shall be only toe
"a glad to direct you to the town site"
,o Thank YOU" responded Dale, but
10 the prizes may be all seized by swift
Al, er runners, So"
Dale glanced at the mother, WHIT
g. was doing in the wagon and lowered
- his voice. AS he whispered In Nina
;. ear she started, her eyes expressed
:. rare excitement and wonder.
=. do you dare?" he asked.
~ ITO trust to your skill-oh, yes!
- - she declared instantly. "Oh, the nov
90 eltv of 1t! What a thought"
49, Then do not disturb or alarm you
mother by telling her OF the plan'
submitted Dale Il shall expect yo
80 at the circus grounds by six o'clock
u Il shall surely be there" promise
I'd Nina
Just as at the appointed hour tn
next morning, the signal was give
for the grand rush for land locatio
there floated up gracefully into u
air the circus balloon There we
only two aboard-Nina and Dale.
1t mattered not how pre-empt
reached a location, SO that the restr'
tions of starting were followed al
evidences Of first occupation were q
parent. 1t was an exhilarating
Journey for Nina They reached thu
destination far ahead Of other &C
! testants.
! 1--WE shall be neighbors-l am
glad, am SO thankful to you for
abling us to secure this splendid lo
ton" said Nina.
Neighbors indeed! then Gle
friends, and then man and wire. a
the two farms merged into one,
came the home of four happy haE
a. human beings.
Copyright, 1914. by W. G. Chapman
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