The Pulaskian., 1915-12-24
sQUAR|NG ACCOUNTS
By KEITH KENYON.

OoiOthy. WHdt uO yOu Iuluh Here's letter from the Union Realty company about our mortgage. They don't want the interest this time. They're after the entire amount or the farm. They must know your Uncle Toms away and won't be home for month. l don't know what to do. He always attends to these things. Oh, dear!"
 Donothys pretty face was sober Don't you see how it is, Aunt Polly? It's as clear as day. MT. Wakefield is at the head of the Realty company and he is interested in all the oil leases around us. This is his chance! Isn't it hateful" She stamped her foot with indignation
 T guess that's about right, Dor othy. It's the oil! l wish Tom was home to see the man when he comes. The letter says their representative will be here tomorrow to look over the situation. That means, suppose, he's to go back and tell them the best place to put down wells"
 Never mind, auntie Let me dream over it and I'll be sure to find way out by tomorrow"
 Comforted somewhat by her niece's assurance, Mrs. Lenhart started to pare apples for pies. Suddenly Dor othy had an inspiration. Let me bake the pies, auntie, won't your"
 Certainly, dearie. I'd be glad if you would. I want to attend to some other things before our company comes."
 But Dorothy had another inspira- tion, and it ended by her coaxing her aunt to spend the day with a relative. Anxious to convey her news to sym pathizing listeners, Mrs. Lenhart was not hard to persuade.
 So Ms. Lenhart drove away and Dorothy laughed a wicked little laugh that means mischief for someone.
 When Stewart Martin arrived at the farm the next day he was visibly pleased at the greeting of Mrs. Len hart and her very pretty niece. It was dinner time and the most delecta- b1e smells came from the kitchen, which added to his contentment.
 Dorothy cooked the dinner" beamed her aunt She doesn't often take a notion, so hope you'll feel sufficiently fattered.''
 He bowed his acknowledgement. II am. indeed, Miss Dorothy If things taste as good as they look, you are ready for diploma
 Dorothy reddened. Then she sud- denly left the table. I'm not hungry, auntie. I-I have headache. Please go ahead and eat.'' -@
 After the first mouthful of food, Aunt Pollys expression changed from one of worry to chagrin. What was the matter with the chicken? Dorothy had evidently ernptied the salt crock and pepper box on it. But nasty bit of potato proved the contrary. A goodly portion of salt, pepper and a suspicion of sugar had also fallen to their lot. The beets, peas and even preserves and the pie had been ruined with salt.
 I'm sorry MT. Martin. Dorothy has evidently had little joke at your expense If you'll wait, I'll get you some bread and butter and preserves and a cup of tea"
 But the gentleman had lost his ap- petite and declined with thanks. "I think I'll look over the farm bit, if you don't mind"
 Dorothy did not appear all after noon-nor at the evening meal, which her aunt got herself.
 But how was his hostess to know that he slept on the floor all night, after a vain attempt to clear his bed of sand and Spanish needles?
 At dawn he was dressed and out. Tired and discouraged, he determined to leave at the earliest opportunity Then he saw the cause of all his trou- ble milking COW in the barnyard and looking like picture in pink ging- ham.
 He hesitated an instant Then an odd look came. into his eyes. I've dl w dy6 D0cu hDOWA tO 6Ct O'OAAt 4'&A'S Dorothy" he said, coming up behind her, and as she turned in surprise he stopped, caught her face in his hands and kissed her first on one cheek and then the other.
 She sprang up furious. You cow ard!"
 He smiled tolerantly When peo- pie act like children they should be treated as such. It's no crime surely to kiss a child.''
 What do you mean?'
 That I'm so full of sand I could ground ship and so full of water after the salty dinner I could float it off again
 She had to laugh. Then she bit her lip, provoked. But it was too late for dignity
 But you're so mean to come here and try to steal uncles farm when he's away!"
 You're in wrong someway, Miss Dorothy. Your uncle sent me here to