Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-01-22

possession or Tue Dest cnuir III the
room, and spreading her skirts pic
turesquely. Charlie knows all about
1t. He knows that I'm show girl,
and he married me under my own
name. which was Molly Smith. Also
Charles knows all about the plant you
put up there at Pine Lake for his spe-
cial benefit"
Exactly" agreed Charles Algcrnon,
speaking in surprisingly brisk tone.
Now, let's get down to business. We're
here to take Pine Lake off your hands.
Now, how much do you want!'
WallingfOrd bent smooth brows upon
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Algernon. Eff
ty thousand dollars" said he.
Miss Tottie laughed with keen en-
joyment. You got TO cancel on that"
she said. II know you figured ON u
large chunk Of Charles pile. but he's
taken some brains into the company
since then"
Charlie smiled delightedly. as If his
wife had paid him compliment. and
he ratted her upon plump shoulder.
$50 | Sec" said Wallingford slowly.
well, how much does the brains Of
the company propose to pay for Pine
Lake," and he looked pleasantly at the
bride.
Just cost" Charles Algcrnon told
him, the wrinkles around his eyes be-
coming hard and sharp. You paid
five thousand for the place, and you
put in about five thousand on improve
ments."
WaIlingford arose and walked toward
the telephone.
But. Petty" protested Charlie.
Don't he foolish" said Petty impa.
tiently, and then she turned to Walling-
ford. "All right" she said "Well
make it fifteen thousand and that is
the top figure"
Wallingford looked down upon her
smiling confidence. Now he was sure
of his ground, "Will you please tell
me-" he demanded. why you are will
ing to pay $4,000 for sixty acres of
land that won't grow pumpkins and n
house that isn't worth burning up!
You know it's no summer resort"
We'll, you see, think you're wrong
about 1t being no good us summer
resort" explained Mr.. Swivel, with II
glibness which did not deceive Walling.
ford. I've always wanted to go into
the summer resort business, and think
we can advertise this place in a way
that will get us good trade"
Both of them smiled at Wallingford
brightly and lngenuously.
You'll pay me $4,000 for Pine
Lake" observed that gentleman. smil.
ing in return.
Mrs. Swivel laughed unroaliOusly.
You'll pay me $4,000 cash for the
Place repeated Wallingford. You
won't? Fifteen thousand is the limit
All right, Swivel, I'll make you prop.
osition. I'll run down to Pine Lake
and look it over. If decide after that
not to keep the place I'll meet you here
at this hour day after tomorrow and
take your offer Of fifteen thousand"
He went to the telephone. He in.
quired for the next train to Pine Lake;
he ordered two tickets purchased fol
that place; he ordered his bill sent up,
a valet TO pack his luggage and Il
porter to remove it. 1t was not until
the porter came for the luggage that
the Swivels gave in.
"Can you give us a clear deedY
asked Charles Algernon.
"There'll be no trouble about that"
Wallingford politely assured him, FOR
| have lawyer right downstairs"
80 have We" promptly returned
Charles Algernon.
When everything had been arranged
In shlpshape, when Wallingford had
put the check in his pocket and Mr.
Swivel had put the deed in his, the
triumphant moment arrived for which
the bridal couple had been waiting.
"Now, you big CRATER. III tell you
the TRUTH said Swivel, every little
| Niihhic III us Olll rave tNlSllllS llstll
into knots. you've just sold peach
at lemon price. That peculiar smell
at Pine Lake Is OIL That land down
there is just dripping with 1t. My fa.
ther was an oil prospector, and | was
raised in the business. When | was d
kid | was dragged from one oil field
to the other and can smell crude oil
farther OFF than buzzard can see q
dead horse. was scared stiff you'd
get on to It before we got away from
there"
Go to 1t, Swivel" replied Walllng
ford urbanely. Hope you make for
tune. | had my education in the min
Ing business, from oil to diamonds
years ago, and want to say to you
right now that there isn't n smell IN
the universe that wouldn't sell fol
$4,000 profit"
Later, when the smoke Of battle hac
cleared away, Blackle Daw was
thoughtful and silent 81 don't know
about that Pine Lake deal, j. Rufus,
be said. "lt's at least an even break
that we got the wrong end Of It."
1--WE got all that Mr.. Swivel stole
from u.s." Immediately spoke up Fan
ME Warden, always ready TO defend