The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-06-15

That's nothing" he sheepishly de-
MED. "Waver's tickled stiff. l got
him big job. He didn't want to sell.
though"
Molly longed for Fern.
Il thought the governor was going
to Switzerland" she observed, won
dering how things fell so conveniently
to Sledge's hand.
Nav; Judge Lansdale's going
there" he told her. looking modify
ahead at the road. You'll take me
out to the house before you go back,
won't you, Molly?"
who's there?" she inquired.
Mike and the servants. They went
with the furniture.'
Sledse seemed to feel no need of a
Mother Grundy, and she realized, with
Il trace of appreciation, that there was
iineness in him which made decency
Il matter of principle rather than of
circumstances.
Il don't mind the ride" she laughed,
feeling suddenly triumphant. After
all, she had won her battle with
Slcdge and had reduced him to the
pulpy consistency all men should be
in their loves. The conquest was Il
tremendous one, she smilingly thought
as she looked at him and remembered
his reputation for high handed ruth
lcssness. Somehow, however, she had
not quite the glee i'll her victory to
which she was entitled.
He was so obviously downcast that
she wanted to cheer him up, but she
could think of nothing to say which
would tighten the heavy gloom now
settling upon him. That failure i'll it.
self made her feel rather mean. and
she was not at all satisfied with her
self when they finally drew up to the
porch of the magnificent Waiver man
sion.
Sledge alighted Immediately and held
out his hand.
You fooled me before" he charged.
but that's Off
Its Off" she assured him in his own
language. His big hand was warm
and solid, substantial thing to hold
to. She was. glad that he liked her
so we'll. 1t was safe and comfortable
to know that.
Good words!' he approved. Mol
ly, you're a lady" He still held her
hand. He looked at it foolishly. He
squared his shoulders with sudden de-
fance. He kissed it! Back to Mar
ley's. Billy" he directed and closed the
door of the limousine.
Billy pulled away from the porch.
She waved her hand at Slcdge as they
made the turn. There was new
droop to his shoulders as he stood
there on the stately big porch all alone
In his black Prince Albert, with a red
rose in his buttonhole. and his silk hat
in his hand. He seemed SO forlorn. so
lonely, that Molly felt as if she were
leaving him on Il desert island.
Around the corner of the house there
painfully limped once white bull ter
rier with one eye gone and both ears
cnewed to ribbons and scars crisscross-
cd in every direction. Slowly. tortu-
olsly. but with steady determination.
he wabbed jerkily along the path and
UP the steps and rubbed his battered
old head against Sledge's leg: then lay
down with his chin on Sledge's foot
Molly tapped half historically on the
window ia front Of her and fumbled
| frantically to get it oren.
Drive back" she called. II want
to see Bob
Bob looked up at her with a distinct
grin as she alightcd. and when she
stopped swiftly down and put her arm
about his neck he laid his head against
| her knee and whincd.
Hes crazy about YOU" said Scdge.
looking down at them both with hun
cry affection. Il got Il big kennel out
here for him. but he's lonesome,
There's a place for Smash too
"Oh. they'd fight" she quickly pro.
! tested.
Not now" he returned mournfully.
Bob SHEEN licked"
Then it will be safe for me to take
Bob home with me when | win him."
Molly mischicvously suggested.
Plumb safe" Slcdgc bravely agreed
You want to take him back today?"
Not right now, think" she quickly
replied, with Il I'ang of regret that she
had given him this needless hurt.
Governor Waivers former butler. a
gray haired Enslishman of torturing
dignity. came out on the porch.
Il beg your pardon. sir" he said to
Slclge.
Slcdge turned and looked him over
with disfavor.
"Well?" he grunted.
Mr.. Rceler is telephoning sir. He
wishes to know if Miss Marley is
here"
Come on, Molly" invited Slcdge
Well tell him. Do you like that but
lci:" he asked rs they went in the
library.
He is a very efficient one believe"
she granted
"All right: I'll keep him." he decided
Il did think I'd fire him and get a
wooden one. Honest. Molly. that guy
amt human"
He picked up the telephone.
Hello. Tommy. Yes, you bet she's
here, No, nothin' doin'. Molly wins
Sure. Here. Molly
Molly took the telephone. but instead
of the full voice of Tommy she heard
the eager one of Fern.
Are you married yet. Molly?" Fern
wanted to know.
Not yet laughed Molly.
~ didn't think you would until Tom
| my and got out there" she cha tnrad