The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-01-18

want your walnut to supply the
stocks"
The sum offered dazzled Ralph. lie
was induced to go to town and sign q
contract. His eyes glistened as he
saw deposited in the bank the con
tract that called for one thousand dol
lars month for the next two years.
He thought of Myrtle-the future
looked bright. All kinds of extrava-
CANT dreams of fortune and success
filled his mind. Then there came a
dampener that set him to thinking.
A meeting with some friends. on the
way to the island, gained for him the
information that Myrtle was at the
head Of the movement for sending
clothing and general supplies to Euro
pean war sufferers. In a flash his
mind recoiled from a realization Of
the good she was attempting and the
sordid bargain he was lending him
self to.
Ralph was only half-hearted about
his impetuous plunge without think
ing into the war order proposition a.
he told Wilson of what he had done.
The latter was amazed and shocked
He bluntly cited that his principles
were against any encouragement Of
strife. even in an indirect sense. He
seemed greatly moved "a he gave his
views and after he had retired Ralph
caught the echo OF q fervent but sub.
dued voice and knew that 1t was VIII
son. praying.
Mr.. Wilson," he said, first thing
next morning, II am going to town
to cancel that contract" and the old
man clasped his hand silently, but
with a look of relief and gladness on
his furrowed face.
Ralph did not return that day, nor
the next. Three days later Quaker
Wilson received a letter. It told him
that Ralph had not found it so easy
as he had fancied canceling the con-
tract. The town bank had no prov
ince in the business except as trus-
tee. When he got to the city he
found that the manufacturers intended
to hold him strictly to his bargain
81 am heartsick over it ALL" he
wrote. "Oh. to recall the impulse
the result of which hangs over me
like burden!"
A grim look came over the face of
old Wilson as he returned to the is.
land. The glow of what the world
would call fanaticism was in his eye
as he looked over the desolate ex-
panse. Everything was dry as finder,
high wind was blowing. Then
The little town witnessed terrific
conflagration that night. They lined
the river shore, viewing the wild
flames lick up the great mass of will
lows and then the noble timber
stretch. Ralph got back two evenings
later, to reach the, island and stand
amazed at the devastation before him.
The cabin had not burned. In it's
doorway stood Wilson.
81 solved the problem" he said
swiftly.
"You have taken a weight of lead
from my mind" said Ralph, and was
glad and at peace.
The next day Ralph heard how
Myrtle had implored her brother to
row to the island to learn IL "Mr. Der
ing was safe" The revelation gave
Ralph new hope.
The next week a manufacturer look
ing for site for plant where he
could locate and guard certain Sc
cret process. purchased half of the
island for ten thousand dollars.
When Ralph Dering went to learn
hts fate from Mr.. Owen, he learned
that Allen Bruce was out of the list,
having lost his fortune in speculation.
He was free to court Myrtle now,
and Myrtle was ready for the ad
dresses of the man she had always
loved.
Copyright, 1915. by w. G. Chapman)