The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-02-27
The WINNER
Nv AUGUSTUS 6. SHERWtN.


well, boys" spoke Stephen Dale in
q brisk hearty way. here we all are
and we will now proceed to the d.
vision of the spoils!"
His three elder sons, Henry, Claud
and Montgomery, looked impressed
and eager. His youngest, Jack, smiled
In half pleased interest.
The four sons sat at table facing
their father, who had at his elbow a
pile Of documents and check book.
II have brought you all together"
he now announced, ito tell you that.
having all Of you reached mans es'
tate, 1t is time that you should assume
some personal independence and re-
sponsibility. I'm not going to leave
my estate SO that there will be
family squabble over it. I'm going to
divide it up. Here. Now. Fairly"
Claud, the lawyer, who had changed
his name to Claudius. because he
fancied it sounded more classical,
pricked up his ears and looked serious.
I'll tell you at the start" pursued
the indulgent father, that whoever
takes Idlewild here, the family home,
will be the wise fellow in the end.
You can have your choice, Claud,
being the eldest-the home or $685.
900 cash.
HIM" observed Claudius gravely,
with a vast political future ahead OF
me, the ready cash will best help me
reach the destined goal of my ambi-
ton"
VERY good" nodded Mr.. Dale.
And you, Monty?"
a." replied Montgomery with short
and snappy precision expect to re-
ceive a generals commission in time.
The money will help me get it"
And you, Hank?'
81 am devoted to club life, in debt
and need fixed cash income, my good
father" he said, so fancy the ready
money would suit me best"
"Of course I'll take the old home, if
| I'm lucky enough to deserve it," spoke
bluff honest Jack
Stephen Dale darted grateful, af-
fectionate glance at his youngest and
favorite son. He drew out the three
! checks and passed them around.
"One word MORE" he spoke, as
their recipients arose to get them
cashed as quickly as possible
There's something else. See here,
boys, my experience teaches me that
there's nothing SO steadies a young
man as getting married. Now then
to the first one of you who takes a
wife will give $4,000. to the second
$4,000, to the third, $4,000 and to the
last, $1,000. BY the way" he added
suggestive twinkle in his merry eye
I'm thinking you won't have to lool
far to find the prettiest heiress in the
country right nigh to hand"
Each one of the three knew whom
he meant-Miss Dalia Bliss, not 6
mile away. It was said she was tt
have half million in her own right
1t was strange, but each one of thu
trio departed determined to call upor
the young lady in question and SET
how the land lay.
Two mornings later Claud met Hen
ry and Monty. He informed them tina
he had called upon Miss Bliss the eve
ming previous. Her father had beef
greatly interested in his long tall
about the law.
Then Monty in undress military uni
= form went to see the heiress.
Henry's turn followed. He fancie,
he was irresistible and languidly in
formed his brothers that he believe,
he would take the girl on chance.
Miss Bliss had beensdreadfully en-
barrassed at being taken by storm b.
three impetuous suitors. Then sh
had told them in her pretty, artles
way that she was already engaged.
About three o'clock one afternoo
Jack, plain, simple, unostentatiou
Jack to the end Of the chapter, direc
ing some men in parking roadwa
{ running through the estate, lookin
over in the direction of the Bliss HON
had noted a blue ribbon flutterin
from one of its windows. He quietl
left the direction of the workmen t
one Of their number. In few mil
utes Jack had gained the hedge sepa
ating the two estates.
Soon Dalia appeared. Certainly JAG
was her friend. that she should sign,
. him and now make confidant of hin
= and pour into the willing ears tn
story of her persecution by three gres
overgrown boys!
And such nice brothers Of your
they are" she told Jack.
What terrible escape they hay
had In evading the wiles of youn
lady who Is not duly awed by the
grandeur and importance" smile
Jack.
1t was the next morning that IL
- three city brothers were ready to d
part. They were just completir
breakfast when Jack made the T
mark:
"A Father, If you don't mind | thir
will run up to the city with Il
boys"
Surely, son" responded Mr.. Dial
You will need some money, su
poser"
mo, have enough for the one pu
!. chase intend to make" assured JAG
IT'S ring, father" and he darted
- teasing glance at the lawyer, the S,
der and the fop-"a ring for Mi
Bliss. You see We have been engag
for the last six months"
"Ha! ha! ha," chuckled old S,
" phen Dale, slapping his knee with vi