The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1915-02-26

greeted the man behind tho bars re-
spectfuily.
"All right" responded the other cor.
daily, "You have n note here for col
lection. $1,000. John Marden. maker. to
my order This lady wishes to pay IT,
Want me to certify it?'
The note teller scrutiniZed the check
oh" remarked Smith. still smiling
amusedly. the check is all right. of
course. but | can't take It. The note
has been paid. Mr. Johnson"
"Paid?"
Most unusual thing about this col.
lection" resumed the teller. 1T seems
everybody wants to pay 1t. You are
the third party to attempt to do so. 1t
Miss Grace Marden came I'm to pay It,
She presented certified check signed
by Charles Thran"-
"Oh. Mr.. Thran!' interposed Edna
gleefully. $50 he paid it himself. Isn't
that noble of hm?"
"Mr. Thran's intentions were good, :"
proceeded the teller. but he was too
late by ut least half an hour; but OF
course" and here the teller risked n
sly wink at Edna's father. you know
who really paid it. Mr.. Johnson"
IL! r. exploded the latter. "Do you
think i came over here with my daugh-
ter to make fool Of mySelf?"
"l-I-really, beg your pardon"
stammered Smith. But naturally
thought you knew when your own Mr.
Curtis paid the note"
ITS all right, Mr.. Smith," muttered
Johnson, stroking his brow. "Come.
Edna, let us CO."
Johnson was still nervously clutching
his daughters hand as they passed
through the outer offices Of the Acme.
Johnson Grocery company.
Just before he ushered the girl into
the private office he ordered the office
boy to send in Mr.. Curtis at once. The
culprit entered with his usual placid
air.
''Iear anything about the Marder
note?" asked Johnson leadingly.
"Yes, sir" replied Curtis dryly. 1.-THE
note has been paid"
"Oh. it has. has it?" asked the chief
sarcastically. How do you know that
since you haven't been to the bank to
day."
The smile on the confidential young
mans face was serene.
I've been at the bank. Mr. Johnson"
he said calmly. II went there for the
Of WI ho IN
And you paid it,"
II paid it."
You paid it," repeated Johnson.
riled by the others nonchalance. I'VE
know you paid It. but why? Youth
heavens name! Why did you pay It?
There is something behind. all this
and want to know 1t"
There is great deal behind 1t. Mr.
Johnson" admitted Curtis cheerfully
MY life's happiness. Is behind 1t
Grace Marden has promised to become
my wife,"
And you thought you would do
very wise thing by paying her fathers
note?" demanded Johnson.
II thought so.' replied the young
man with just the slightest note Of
doubt in his voice. The elder man
turned abruptly to his desk.
II am sure" soothed his daughter.
that you are to be congratulated. Mr..
Curtis. And your paying the note was
very noble act"
THANK you" replied Curtis sheep
ishly as he took the dainty hand she
had extended
UngaJantly and ungratefully. he
wished the radiant young woman
showering him with appreciation
would suffer him to get away or-bet.
ter yet-would depart herself and leave
him to have It out with her imperious,
heartless father alone.
But suddenly johnson rose to his
feet. The young assistants worried
gave way TO a triumphant
grin at sight Of the changed cOunte
nance Of his chief. for the good. old
fighting CLEAN shone I'm those eyes once
more. Johnson handed the young man
a check he had written.
snow. listen here. Curt" he said
sharply. Curtis knew the tone and
hearkened attentively. This is an or
der. and II 1t isn't carried out to the
letter III fire YOU" Johnson's gray
eyes softened as he continued: Curt,
you have put your good self in a fix.
Bully Johns daughter Is too proud to
stand for what you have just done.
Don't know the girl? Now. boy. you
go over to the bank and stop that fool
deal you just made. Now, you listen
to me!' as Curtis made a gesture Of
protest. Listen to sense. will you.
even if you are I'm love! You go over
to the bank and do as say. Then you
como back here with that abominable
note. And then it's my move. I'll
write Marden letter. agreeing to ex-
tend that Internal note of his another
four months. III tell him-er-any-
my mind or something.
Well, never mind what tell him;
that's none of your business nor"
turning to his daughter. who had
laughed audibly. ANY Of yours either,
madam. That saves the girls pride
and relieves the old mans anxiety.
Now. listen to me. you two-two-well.
never mind" for Edna had laughed IT.
reverently again. II want you to know
this much. pay the $5.OOO-do you
get that? I-Glcnwish .Johnson-and
No az har lix-ip ,,up unv,o~ ot<hort