The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-02-26
WICKED OLD Man
BY ROGER JACOB DUNN.

! ceived; after a while he rose and " en-
to a card index catalogue.
Enthusiastically he muttereC
and began examining the records ur
der that name
He seemed perpiexed, for he coul,
not remember where the Randall
came from, IL he had ever known
Somewhere out West, he fancied. II,
was still examining the catalogue
when the boy brought in a card, ant
he resumed his chair just in time t
be able to rise and welcome a CIR
who entered nervously and with evi
dent signs OF agitation.
Sit down. Miss Randall said the
wickedest old man in town, Offering
her chair.
But she refused to be seated, and
opening her reticule took out letter
and clipping and flung them angrily
upon the desk.
Il received your Matchmaking
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.
Now. now, control yourself" he
said soothingly. This is a simple
business proposition. l edit q paper
devoted to news OF the socially elite.
/ have received very interesting in
formation about your family which
would make good reading. Before
printing 1t l submitted a copy of it
to you-a proof. we call it-asking
you whether you wish it to appear.
and. II not, whether you would care to
call here to discuss the matter. Well?"
But as the girl only stared at him
IN helpless aversion, the wickedest
man in town proceeded to read the
article slowly, with due enunciation
OF every word
The Randall-Robinson wedding
which takes place on the day follow
ing the return of the bridegroom from
England, next month"
Yes, you coward" interrupted the
girl. If Mr.. Robinson were here you
would not dare to print that. He
would thrash you within an inch of
your life
Madam" said the wickedest man
In town. Il have been thrashed within
an inch of my life at least once a
year since | became an editor. l
thrive on it,"
And he continued to read:
WIFI excite great interest, on ac-
count OF the interesting past Of the
Randalls. Coming from'-I left a
blank there for you to fill in" he con-
tinued
How much do you want to keep
that out Of your paper?" demanded
Miss Juanita.
flush, my child!' answered the
wickedest man in town. You admit
its truth. them"
How much?" repeated the girl in
fiexibly.
Il have some other interests be-
sides editing my paper" pursued the
wickedest old man in town thought
fully. Il have good deal Of mining
stock"
How many shares do you want me
10 buy?" inquired the girl.
But 1t is not for sale. However.
{ you are really thinking of buying
mining stock | can put you in touch
With good friend of mine who has
'ome for sale, | believe. will ask
him to call on you tonight. However,
Mss Juanita, it would be better for US
o be entirely frank with each other.
Since / gather that you are averse to
Iaving that item inserted, it shall not
'e inserted. l always try to please
ny friends. But now, tell me, where
70 you come FROM"
II won't tell you"
Your mothers maiden name, then" |
rged the wickedest old man in town. |
What are you going to do with that |
Keep 1t, my dear. for hundred |
ears longer than live. Come, be as
rank with me as you would be with |
our lawyer. Who are your people?"
My mother was Miss Rogers OF |
,ustin," answered the girl
The wickedest old man in town
owed, and walking to the catalogue,
ook out the Randall card. He showed
TO the girl, and then tore it into
ny pieces, which he let flutter through
is fingers into the waste-paper bas-
ct.
Good day. Miss Randall" said the
fckedest old man in town. my
-iend will not call on you with that
inning stock"
"But-but," stammered the girl "the
win never be published" answered
he other, taking up the proof and
caring it, likewise. into small pieces.
Good day once more"
But why did you send for me?" the
ri demanded uneasily.
To verify my suspicious" answered
lie wickedest old man in town. You
eed have no further fears good davn