Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-02-25
The Best of Chester
A TALE OF RED ROSES
BY George Randolph Chester
Author Of Col. R,ch. Quick WaiEnsford. TIC.
Copyrighted. TIE BsbhsMssr'n Company

only break Bert and father, there'll be
no wedding bells for us. Bert and |
will each be compelled to seek more
lucrative match"
She glanced smilingly at Bert, and
surprised on his face curious express
sion, which plunged her into deep and
not overly pleasant thought.
He'd have blutfed me long ago.
confessed Fern. I'D have been so
scared to death that by this time I'd
be sending out afternoon tea invita-
tions on his business stationery
You spiritless wretch" chided
Molly.
ct might not be so bad, after ALL
returned Fern, persisting. now that
she had started. in revealing the en-
tire depth of her depravity. Il sup
pose | ought to be ashamed to ac-
knowledge it, but like Sledge."
You may pack up your things and
go home" laughed Molly, not really
blaming her for the sentiment. how.
ever. You're positively hopeless,
Fern
'.All right insisted Fern 81 don't
think there'd be any more fun than
tanning and managing big brute like
him"
Throw her out begged Bert.
She's dangerous
Molly's anxiety was by no means
feigned. for the next morning, at ten
O'Clock, she called up her father at his
office, and asked him if he had re-
ceived an answer to his telegram. In
rather a worried tone he replied that
he had not. but that he would let her
know as soon as he had done so.
She wandered about the house, quite
i'll at ease: then, unable to content
herself, suggested to Fern that they
make ready for drive. When they
were ready she hesitated moment
or two in front of the telephone, but
conquered that temptation. Instead,
she made their first stop at her faith
er's Office and with curious degree
of consideration, waited in the little
red reception room to be announced.
She was told to come right in, and
found Bert with her father.
Maley silently handed her tele-
gram. 1t read:
"Our Mr.. Goldman will see you in
two weeks from today"
1.-TWO weeks she worried. Cant
you possibly hurry them up?"
Marley handed her another tele-
gram:
Impossible to arrange earlier date
Hunts resignation was in my mail
this morning." stated Marley, with
forced quietness. "He has taken po-
sition as secretary with Sledges COM
pany, and I suppose half my Office
force will follow him."
1.-TWO weeks specialized Bert; then
he added impatiently: "Confound it,
Marley, I'm in pretty pickle if we
can't clear our skirts of this thing!
I borrowed the money to buy up
Moodson's stock from some friends of
mine, and on my unsupported note.
To lose would mean the absolute end
of my social standing, here or any
where
well see that you get yours first"
offered Marley, whose respect for his
was only superficial.
81 didn't mean to urge my personal
claims above yours Bert hedged, his
however, only slightly
modified. "The fundamental fact is
that we must gain time
81 don't see how, unless Molly mar
ries Sledge," suggested her father
with laugh.
Molly started to laugh, also, but
found Bert looking at her speculative
ly.
"She doesn't need go that far" he
unused
Molly looked at him in sharp in
credulity for a moment; then. without
-, {> lnor ho
Where are you going?" asked her
father.
"To see Sledge.' she responded. 81
think you told me that he is always
at the bank between eleven and
twelve in the morning"
"Molly!" commanded Bert sharply.
recalled to his senses by her bearing,
you mustn't see him. I forbid it!''
81 am taking your advice, but re-
fuse to take your ORDERS she calmly
informed him. surprised to find in
herself an inclination to giggle over
her use of that splendidly ringing re-
mark. Molly will shield you from
all HARM she added, and she was
snickering when she rejoned Fern
whats the joker" asked that
young lady 1--WE been dying all
morning to hear somebody giggle."
You're to chaperon me while | go
over and make love to Sledge,' Molly
gaily informed her.
You're not really!' protested Fern,
delighted nevertheless.
Il am really" retorted Molly. her
eyes flashing trifle more than
mere Jest would seem to warrant. 81
must, Fern plunged both father and
Bert into this trouble, and Bert seems
to think it's up to your truly Molly
to fool Sledge along until they have
time to get out Of it. Besides that,
it's a sort of a game between Sledge
and myself, and I'm not going to have
that big duffer win it."
This is too delightful for anything
applauded Fern. I'm perfectly mad
about it, Molly. l hope Sledge is in
Sledge was in. He was closeted
with Senator Allerton and Governor
Waiver on a most important confer
ence one involving the welfare and
prosperity Of half the voters in the
state. hut nevertheless he promptly