Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-11-23

deserted shacks. He had been pains.
takingly correct in all his dealing with
her. IL WAS something he did not UNI.
derstand. some blind instinct Of HE
better self serving his one great pas.
sion.
WELL he said reluctantly, "you see
that is,-no. They don't often come
here to live. This here's snap"
"Ah-yes there was note of
vague puzzlement in Poppy's golden
voice-"and what is that!"
"Why, Teller comes up an takes
claim-proves up on It, you know
gets his patent-an' then sells out.
Relinquishes his right to the buyer"
"Oh--and this is only . temporary
arrangement" She waved . hand
around at the dreary clearing among
the lesser growth. 1.-THE man who
built this didn't intend to stay at the
beginning. And who was smart enough
enough to buy him OF when he got
tired OF staying, I wonder?''
Il did," said Hampden promptly,
flushing at the imputation Of brains
Easy" said Miss Ordway to her.
self. Aloud she said wonderingly:
well, what do you know about
that! I fancy you made = pretty pile
or will-out of such deal, Mr.. Hamp.
den? Just think of the perfect oceans
and oceans Of pretty clothes even a
dozen of these great trees would buy!
Pardon-1 think in clothes because I
love them"
The Difference Of that pardon" did
for Hampden-and the subtle implica.
ton pushed the advantage.
His face was flushed and he sat
straight on his horse, his khaki-and-
blue-fannel clad figure making a not
ungraceful picture against the back.
ground of vivid green. He whipped at
his laced boots. wet from the ferns,
and presently spoke out Of q full heart.
Yes" he said carelessly, 1T does take
brains. A man has got to think to
make money-an' it takes money to
buy the things of this life-pretty
clothes. woman's clothes, Miss Ord
way.
He suddenly leaned over and laid
his rough hand over hers on the POM
mel.
Every tree would buy a dozen
trunks full-an' own millions Of
trees
Her heart was pounding and tho
sparkle was dancing in her eyes.
Millions? Why. that must cover
great deal of land! Millions of
trees?"
"Yes-billions." promised Hampden
rashly. He rose in his saddle and
looked through q natural opening in
the forest down over the dropping
ridges.
why, look! All that-all that, as
far ~ you can see, to that other
ridge and over beyond It and down
into the other VALLEYS mine. I'm q
rich man. Miss ordway, an got IT.
Just BY this"
He tapped his forehead significantly
and smiled.
Truly do admire you" lied Poppy
with the naivete Of sixteen. Brains
brains-why, they are nine-tenths Of
the battle Of success and man with.
out them 10 beaten at the beginning"
Partner" she whispered to sandry
% she passed him that night in the
eating room, I've. been working.
Where can We talk q little by our.
selves?''
sandry. looking at her swiftly, saw
the excitement in her eyes. and took
fire instantly.
alone! Why-1et's see. Are you
afraid to come out to the forked stick
!. by the road?"
In the darkness Miss ordway
laughed-a little, low ripple Of mirth.
soft and subtle.
"A tryst!" she said, in that small,
intimate whisper that suggested inn.
mite mystery. Are We out Of earshot
here?"
"Yes." said Sandy. lowering hir
voice to hers.
DO you happen to know where Fra.
ger got all the holdings of the Dill.
lingworth? How he got them?"
Why, no." said Sandry wonderingly,
Il suppose he bought them, as any
company would do"
Eyes. So far so good. You know