Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1916-02-15

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social standing, here or anywhere"
well see that you get yours first"
offered Marley, whose respect for his
son-fn-law to be was only superficial
II didn't mean to urge my personal
claims above yours" Bert hedged, his
impotence, however, only slightly
modified. "The fundamental fact is
that we must gain time"
Il don't see how unless Molly mar
ries Sledge," suggested her father. with
a laugh. ".
Molly started to laugh also, but found
Bert looking at her speculatively.
"She doesn't need so that far" he
unused. - &C.,.
Molly looked at him in sharp incredu-
lily for moment; then. without
word. she turned to leave the room.
where are you going?" asked her
father. 81 .'@3<E" -.
"To see Sledge," she responded. II
think you told me that he Is always at
the bank between II and II in the
morning" ..t *-tf
| Molly" commanded Bert sharply,
! recalled to his senses by her bearing.
you mustn't see him. ! forbid it,
II am taking your advice. but re-
fuse to take your orders,' she calmly
Informed him, surprised to find in her.
self an inclination to giggle over her
use Of that splendidly ringing remark.
molly will shield you from all HARM"
she added, and she was snickering
when she rejoi1ed Fern.
whats the joke?" asked that young
lady. 1--WE been dying all morning to
hear somebody giggle."
YOU'RE to chaperon me while I go
over and make love to Sledge," Molly
gayly Informed her.
you're not really" protested Fern.
II am really" retorted Molly, her
eyes flashing triae more than mere
jest would seem to warrant. II must.
Fern. plunged both father and Bert
into this trouble. and Bert seems to
think it's up to yours truly Molly to
fool Sledge along until they have time
TO get out of it. Besides that. it's
sort of game between Sledge and my
self, 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. hope Sledge is in"
Sledge was in. He was closeted with
Senator Allerton and Governor Waiver
on most important conference, one
involving the welfare and prosperity Of
half the voters in the state: but, new
ertheless. he promptly stifed his con-
science and allowed the interests Of the
sovereign people to suffer when Davis
whispered in his ear that Molly Marley
wanted to see him.
Bring her right in,'' said Sledge.
"Men, you'll have to 60. It's a lady,"
and he opened the rear door for them.
Just one moment" parleyed Gov
ernor Waiver, his hand on the door
knob. "I'm returning to the capital this
afternoon, and ~
"I'll see you up there" interrupted
Sledge. pushing the door and the gov
ernor with it.
"By the way, my coat" called the
senator from the rear corridor.
The knob of the other door ratified.
IAN right" grunted Sledge. closing
them out in the draft just rs Molly and
Fern came in. Hello, girls!' said
Sledge. "Sit down. Excuse me min
ute till f>poke guys Benny out to
him"
sledge walked into Marley's Office
with his parlor smile, the recently out
lived one which belonged Of right to
the red rose he Wore. and he sat down
before he began to speak. His usual
method was to deliver his messages
standing. ~
Eve ought to figure consolidation"
he suggested. \
Marley considered that statement
carefully. He was beginning to learn
that he realfy needed, caution in deal
ing with Sledge.
"Ope of us might be gobbled up" he
sagely concluded. "As understand it.
YOU own Is per cent of the new COM
pany, while I only hold bare majority
VI tAC Viu OhC. ~ NOuiu oSokSCly OC
possible that in consolidation would
still have control"
"We'd have to pool our stock for
either one to hold it," agreed Sledge.
Marley looked at him wonderingly.
II don't quite understand the advan-
tage to you in this" he puzzled. Frank
ly, Mr.. Sledge, I'd have to see that ad-
vantage before / could consider the
matter" -' 'rz
"There amt any," Sledge confessed.
II want to protect you if everything's
all right. Molly was just over"
"Yes; she said she was going to see
you" replied Marley. clutching eager
ly at the straw.
II thought she'd get enough" stated
Sledge. and he chuckled. "She's a |
smart girl" 5.@ y
Eyes; she is" assented Marley, won
derins just how much she had said to |
make such a remarkable change in
Sledge. "A consolidation would proba-
bly, be very sensible thing. 1t would
enable us to plan extensions, lines and
loops which would increase our reve-
nues tremendously. with no possibility |
Of dividing the patronage. Moreover.
a mere announcement of such move
would add Immediately to the market |