The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-24

public benefactor!'' stated old Peter Packington, whose speciality was real estate first mortgages. stHe has shown us how to let go of the quarter of a l million dollar S1nfthson academy load
 Better than that" supplemented l.. G. Wheeler, whose speciality was sub- urban subdivisions and who was con sequently a factory boomer. ssHe has shown us how to let the property re- vert to the heirs 70 it win be avatlable for the B. c. and T. shops."
 That is matter for the city cos1n- ell, ]" immediately urged Samuel Hicks, who made bricks and hoped to sell a few millions of them to the new raal- road There is a meeting tonight, Cushman.'
 William Cnshman. who was the pro prietor of branch grocery stores wher- ever there were workmen's cottages, nodded his head emphat1caIIy.
 ssWe'n put it right through he promised, and the other members of the city council then present, they representing the majority, cheered hfm for the statement
 ssAEove we adjournfs shouted Peter Packington, suddenly remembering an important engagement.
 Peter Packfngton, who had his auto mobile right outside the door, was the very first member of the chamber of commerce to call on the Misses Smith son.
 i've come to bring you some spIen- did news." he told the two flushed and happy ladies. who were already be- ginning to pack for Europe and Paris and gowns.
 .sWe're becoming used to such pleas ant surprises.' = returned Miss Harriet, repressing q certain trace Of ictness eve could stand more. am sure. however
 CT think can arrange tonight to have the property your father left the city revert to you" he beamingly sug- gested -tIn that case should like the first opportunity to purchase the Hact'
 sWe have so many friends working to that end. it seems" she replied, wishing that she could be sweeter. ssAIr. Wheeler and Mir Caishnan have both te1ephoned like message. How much do you offer 2,
 MT. Packington considered carefully and Immediately raised his bid ..Eighty-fave thousand, 2 he offered with | vince. He had figured on obtaining the land for possibly fifty, but if both Wheeler and Cushn1an had been after 1t an offer of that size would be use less.
 "I thank you" said Miss Harriet. rising and smiling sadly at her sister Martha, who had an increasing pink glow in her cheeks.
 aAm I to understand that that price is satisfactory ?'' asked Packington. trying to read Miss Harriet's inscruta- ble countenance.
 eNo,'' replied Miss Harriet, leading the way to the door, .tWe shall make no announcement concerning the prop erty until we know that it is ours. !" x
 Mir. Packington cleared his throat ssI might be able to raise that bid a trif1e," he suggested hopefully.
 eve do not care to discuss it at the present moment" she coolly informed him.
 Last of all came MT. Jameson of the Boomville bank, but this was at o'clock that night Both Miss Harriet and Miss Martha were sorry to see him. for, while they had not counted him at any time as their particular friend, their particular friends of the old regime having mostly died or be- come very poor, they had always look ed upon his as trustworthy.
 ssI've come to bring you some good news" he began beaming upon them.
 Miss Martha had been biting her lips ''How much do you offer us ? she incurred. altogether too sweetIy.
 t4Offer you! why, great Scott, girls. I wouldn't buy that property from you at any price, because it would be ab- surd in me to buy it unless expected to make a profit, and don't want 1t from General Smithson's daughters. l came out expressly to warn you not to sell 1t to any one. The new railroad company will give you at least $15OOOO for it''
 Miss Martha was almost cry1ngly apoloEetic. but Miss Harriet helped her to make him understand that he had started the way all of them had. s'I don't blame you a minute" he said. laughing away Martha's poignant distress. 'I am very glad to learn, too, that you did not sell to any of them
 tsWe could not" Miss Harriet ex- plained 1T believe there's no reason for further secrecy now, is there, Martha ?''
 .I think not" agreed Martha. .'espe- cially with an old friend like Mir. lame son; besides, MT. Wallingford said that he only asked for discretion until ey- erythtng was settled.
 'eWa1lingfordY' repeated Jameson. stDid you sell to him7'
 Their beaming faces told him that they had. fsFor how much ?''
 Miss Harriet and Miss Martha looked 1t each other smilingly.
 "For hundred thousand dollars. We telegraphed him as soon as we heard the news this afternoon and have l had an answer from him. He is com
 ing tomorrow to bring us the money l and to get deed for the property.
 "A hDndred thousand! protested