The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-05-10
WICKED OLD MAN
By ROGER JACOB DUNN.

SIOTY OF a ShySCldpCi. AAS 'e~S -~~o~ | l
ing a letter which he had Just re-
ceived; after while he rose and went
to q card index catalogue.
"Randall-Randall," he muttered,
and began examining the records I'M
der that name.
He seemed perplexed, for he could
not remember where the Randails
came from. if he had ever known.
Somewhere out West, he fancied. He
was still examining the catalogue
when the boy brought In caro-, anu
he resumed his chair just in time TO
be able to rise and welcome a girl
who entered nervously and with EVIL
dent signs of agitation.
"Sit down, Miss Randall" said the
wickedest old man In town, ohe11ng
her chair.
| But she refused to be seated. and,
| opening her reticule, took out a letter
and a clirping and flung them angrily
upon the desk.
Il received your blackmaiiing
scheme" she cried. well, do you
think you can do what you threaten
and get away with it?
Madam, | have been getting away
with it for fifteen years" answered
the wickedest man in town.
The girl collapsed into the CHAIR
and burst into tears. The wickedest
man in town seemed really concerned
! about her.
Nov. now, control yourself" he
. said soothingly. This is simple
I edit n9ner
devoted to news of the socially elite
| | have received very interesting IN
t formation abou. your family whicn
would make good reading. Before
nrinting it | submitted copy OF 1t
e to you-a proof we call it-asklng
e YOU whether you wish it to appear,
/ and. If not. whether you would care to
:. cali here to discuss the matter. Wen!
Il But as the girl only stared at him
l in helpless aversion, the wickedest
# man in town proceeded to read the
e article slowly, with due enumeration
of every word.
n ".The Randall-Robinson wedding
which takes place on the day follow
'r ing the return of the bridegroom from
! England, next month
re "Yes, you coward interrupted the
Of girl. IF Mr.. Robinson were here you
ID would not dare to print that. he
s. would thrash you within an inch OF
=. your life"
Mt MADAM" said the wickedest man
!" in town, Il have been thrashed withih
10 an inch of my life at least once
CT year since became an editor. !
u thrive on it,"
u, And he continued to read
III xviii excite great interest, on &C.
IT, count of the interesting past or the
a" Randalls. Coming FROM LETT
~. blank there for you to fill in he con
tinued.
"How much do you want to keeI
ia' that out of your paper?" demanded
Ivy, Miss Juanita.
siy "Tush, my child" answered tn
Inn. wickedest man in town. You ao"i
ia its truth, then?"
s w. How much?" repeated the girl IN
n flexibly.
~ II have some other interests bt
sides editing my paper" pursued IN
.ho wickedest old man in town though
fully. Il have good deal OF mimi
,a,v stock"
n,v How many shares do you want m
Hon to buy?" inquired the girl.
hor But it Is not for sale. Howeve
ooI II you are really thinking OF buyin
mining stock / can put you In touc
With with a good friend Of mine VINO ia
nor some for sale, l believe. Will as
the him to call on you tonight. Howeve
. old Miss Juanita, it would be better TOT
ovo to he entirely frank with each othe
into Since gather that you are averse
The having that item inserted, 1t shaii n
nit he inserted. always try to plea
D be my friends But now, tell me, whe
the do you come from?
unit II won't tell you"
that "Your mothers maiden name, tner
urged the wickedest old man IN tow
said. what are you going to do with tn
III in information?"
Keep it, my dear, for hundr
ough wears longer than live. Come, be
You frank with me as you would be WI
ng as your lawyer. Who are your people
must my mother was Miss Rogers
each Austin" answered the girl
The wickedest old man In to
7 this bowed. and, walking to the catalog
ed to took out the Randallcard. He sho"
it to the girl, and then tore 1t II
~ for tiny pieces, which he let flutter throu
his fingers into the waste-paper Q
saiu ket.
blush Good day, Miss Randall" said
give wickedest old man in town.
sr ex- friend will not call on you with t
,. mining stock"
ieeper "put-but /. stammered the girl, "
seo " article"
e. and viii never be published" answe
as the other, taking up the proof
NAPIER tearing it, likewise, into small pie
ter Oh Good day once more"
saio: But why did you send for me!"
igno- girl demanded uneasily
tnat ITO verify my suspicious" answe
70 hve the wickedest old man in town.
ath' II need have no further fears, good d'
'et the When at last the girl was gone
wickedest old man in town sat d.
~ per at his desk and fell into an abst
ton.
o. ana ~ wonder what Molly Randall WI
iet the say IL she knew who her husband
e way he calculated. Cad, that girl
ay ano hummer! II almost makes one