The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1914-05-07


Again Broadway nodded. He could
quite agree with that.
Hence my decision to marry the
earl" She went closer to him almost
pleadingly. 1--WE played fair with you,
Jackson; now l want you to do the
same by me-"
"I'll do anything you ask he fer
vently assured her. Anything with
in reason, Mrs. Gerard.
"All l ask is that you keep my
secret"
Il will. What is it,"
"You really don't known"
mo, Mrs. Gerard"
After another tiny hesitation she
held out her hand to Rankin. MAY
present the earl of Cortland?" she
said, leading the abashed butler for
ward.
What" Broadway was astonished
almost to the point OF physical col
lapse.
ITS true" she went on gravely.
We've had a thorough understanding,
and Rankin has agreed to become an
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
"Oh, don't be astonished! It's my
only protection. Have l your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?'
Il give you my word of honor" he
said fervently.
VERY well. Goodbye
He earnestly shook hands with her
"Goodby, Mrs. Gerard. l hope you
will be very happy"
1T isn't question of happiness,
Jackson" she said slowly, and in a
way that somewhat worried him. Il
simply don't want to be Inundated.
You understand"
"Yes; I understand, Mrs. Gerard"
She turned to the earl of Cortland.
Shake hands with Mr.. Jones, Ran
kin"
Jackson pulled him to one side, al
most Indignantly. See here, Rankin,
do you mean to tell me that you'd do
such mean contemplate thing as
to marry a woman deliberately for her
money!"
"Yes, SIR" said Rankin very gravely,
and thank you, sir, for the opportu-
nifty"
Come, earlie," Mrs. Gerard called
softly.
YES, Beatrice" He dropped the
hand of his erstwhile employer and
took the arm OF his affianced wife.
I'VE have just six minutes before
train time,' she admonished him, and
turned to Broadway, who was stand
ing, dazed "Goodby!"
He had gone back to the house and
was standing leaning somewhat weak
ly against pillar of the porch, unable
even to make her presence known to
the two girls whose laughing, low
toned gossip he could hear from be-
hind the vines, when Wallace came
up with his father He listened to
his friends remarks mechanically.
EYES," he was saying, "the entire
population of the town is about four
thousand. The plant employs about
seven hundred" Then, catching sight
of Broadway: There's Jackson now.
Tell him what you just told me-"
Broadway went to meet them, glad
to have the opportunity to test life
and make sure that it was real, even
il the proof showed that the elder
Wallace was entirely hostile.
They offered you million and
half, didn't they?'' asked Bob.
Eyes, that's what they offered-s
million and half"
"Mr. JONES'" said the elder Wallace,
not without enthusiasm, my son has
been telling me of the grand, single
handed fight that you are making
against this giant corporation. I ad.
mire your pluck, sir"
Broadway looked at him with real
surprise and hearty gratitude. 1t
seemed that even this was coming
out all right!
You deserve all the encouragement
and assistance possible" said this sud.
denly delightful gentleman. "Your
loyalty W LuS pSOP1O VI SAAS AAS1A0
town is commendable, sir. You de-
serve great credit, and want to shake
your hand"
Thanks, Mr.. Wallace, but the credit
really belongs to Bob" The delight
which Broadway felt was plainly aud
ible in his voice.
Bob laughed. II knew he'd say
that"
HE has told me Of your modesty,"
said the elder Wallace. Il am very
proud that you have taken him into
tbs. firm, and If advertising has any
market value we'll fight them to a fin
ish. sIhave promised my son to return
here Monday morning. l may have q
proposition to put before y0a. I'd
,lite to.see him IN equal partner IN q
.bn1lness with such 9 promising f.
tuiS. a ss q s
q 1oat know vhat 8 ~ ~, n. Wal-
- roaalvay II aasssss - ~
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