River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1915-06-03


me at the house about Z o'clock"
At the appointed hour that evening
4 very handsome, single seated mo-
torcar stopped before the Graham
home, and in a few moments George
Caldwell and Joy Graham were speed
ing out of Bronson into the country.
1t was delightful August evening
and for good part of the way they
passed through the lovely wooded drive
oy the side of the Bronson river. 1t
was not the nearest way to the Der
went farm, but with his high powered
murorcar George Caldwell decided that
the longest way around was the
pleasantest way there
AS the two friends whirled along
they conversed on topics of interest to
them both; the prosperity of the Cen
trail church under the administration Of
Or. Rutledge, the progress of reform in
Bronson, and the future fortunes Of
Reginald Nelson.
1t was the latter topic that evidently
was nearest the heart of Joy Graham
that evening.
what are some Of these stories they
are still telling around about Mr.. Mel
son?' asked JOY.
"They say that he abandoned a wife
In England; that he is a fugitive from
Justice and that bis record is bad"
Il heard that story about wife In
England long ago." responded the girl
with disgust. Roland told it to me
at first, and | thought there might be
something to it as Mr.. Nelson has been
SO silent about his life in England, but
and she says his look of amazement at
such charge convinced her of the alb
Solute falsity of the SANDER"
'"The only excuse there is for these
stories is the fact that Mr.. Nelson has
been SO quiet about his English life,
rs you just said,' interposed George
Caldwell, thoughtfully.
The mOtorcar was rapidly approach
ing the Derwent home Il have not
been out here since the night of our
sleigh ride party" said the girl.
What lovely time we had that even
ing. All, there's the home!" she ex-
claimed as the car shot round bend
in the road.
On every side the we'll titled fields
gave evidence Of the prosperity of the
farmers, and an air Of peace and con-
tentment broOded over the country
side. This was an ideal place for
Mr.. Nelson to come" said Joy Ora
ham, with enthusiasm, as the motor
car climbed the little hill that led into
the yard Of the Derwent farm.
1t was still early in the evening, and
Mr.. Derwent was attending to the
usual evening chores, While Mrs. Der
went and Vivian were busy in the
house. Reginald Nelson was sitting
alone on the ample porch which ex
tended across the entire front side of
the home. He had been thinking to
himself about his future plans.
Il am almost we'll again." he
thought 81 must plan for my next
move. If only l were able / would like
to start a real newspaper of my own
in Bronson. l believe l could win in
spite of McCrea, Graham, Gregory, the
Courier and the very devil himself"
he said to himself confidently.
At the supper that evening Mr.. Der
went had commented on the loss of
patronage which the Courier was sus-
tanning. II came 0 Bronson at the
psychological moment" Reginald medi-
tated. II seem to have been Outwitted
in the first skirmish, but l will win i'll
the end, SO help me Godw
There was a look Of intenseness and
determination on his face as he gave
himself to these reflections. He was
still pale, but the light had come back
to his eyes, and he was regaining his
strength in remarkable way. He no
ticed the automobile speeding along the
road and soon recognized it as George
Caldwell's. A moment more and the
car stopped in the yard few feet from
where he sat, and Joy Graham was
shouting to him:
"Splendid, Mr.. Nelson! Splendid!
You are we'll man again.!