The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-11-15
SQUARING ACCOUNTS
BY KEITH KENYON.


"Oh, Dorothy! What do you think?
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 a
month. don't know what to do. He
always attends to these things. Oh,
dear!"
Donothy's pretty face was sober.
Don't you see how 1t is, Aunt Polly?
It's as clear as day. Mr.. 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.
81 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, l 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 a 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 II
you would. l want to attend to some
other things before our company
comes
But Dorothy had another inspira-
ton, and it ended by her coaxing her
aunt to spend the day with relative.
Anxious to convey her news to SYM
pathizing listeners. Mrs. Lenhart was
not hard to persuade.
So Mrs. 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. 1t
was dinner time and the most delecta-
BILE smells came from the kitchen,
which added to his contentment.
Dorothy cooked the dinner"
beamed her aunt She doesn't often
take notion, SO I hope you'll feel
sufficiently flattered."
He bowed his acknowledgment. Il
am. indeed. Miss Dorothy. II things
hnu 1nnl
ready for diploma"
Dorothy Redeemed Then she sud.
denly left the table. I'm not hungry
auntie. II have headache. Please
go ahead and eat"
After the first mouthful Of food
Aunt Polly's expression changed from
one of worry to chagrin. What was
the matter with the chicken? Dorothy
had evidently emptied the salt crock
and pepper box on 1t. But hasty
bit of potato proved the contrary. A
: goodly portion of salt, pepper and
, suspicion of sugar had also fallen tt
> their lot. The beets, peas and ever
preserves and the pie had been ruined
: with salt.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Martin. Doroth!
has evidently had little joke at you
expense If you'll wait, I'll get yo'
! some bread and butter and preserves
: and a cup of tea
| But the gentleman had lost his ap
petite and declined with thanks. p"
r think I'll look over the farm bit. 1
| 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 vain attempt to clear his bee
, OF sand and Spanish needles?
At dawn he was dressed and out
8 Tired and discouraged. he determined
, to leave at the earliest opportunity
Then he saw the cause of all his trou
3 BILE milking a COW in the barnyard ant
= looking like picture In pink ging
y ham.
a He hesitated an instant. Then al
y odd look came into his eyes. Nv
8 always been known to get even. Mis-
Dorothy" he said. coming up behin'
b her, and as she turned in surprise b.
h stopped, caught her face in his hand
y and kissed her first on one cheek an
then the other.
She sprang up furious. you COW
ard!'
i. He smiled tolerantly. When pee
n pie act like children they should b
Il treated as such. It's no crime surel
n to kiss child"
g what do you mean?"
q THAT I'm 30 full Of sand ! coul
Is ground a ship and so full OF waite
4. after the salty dinner | could float
D. off again."
r She had to laugh. Then she bit he
g. lip, provoked But It was too late TO
IT dignity
Y, But you're so mean to come her
n and try to steal uncle's farm whe
=. he's away"
If You're In wrong someway, Mis-
l. Dorothy. Your uncle sent me here
g look over the ground and locate goo
places for wells. I'm an oil exper
I'm going to make his fortune fc
him
;. Then you didn't come to foreclos
=. for the realty company"
- "Never heard of it, The only thin
!. I'd like to foreclose on around her