The Green Forest tribune., 1916-05-12
III

Miss Elsie herself opened it and stood, watching him through her tear stained lashes. She looked less beau tiful than ever at that moment, with her reddened eyelids and her disor- dered hair.
 It's too bad, ma am, said Dick. Just heard the news, and called to say how sorry I was
 T suppose it's what they call life,' answered Miss Elsie.
 q hope, ma am, you aren't planning to sell the place because of that?"
 T certainly am. It's all that I have left now"
 Might I ask your price, ma a'am?" in- quired Dick
 Eight thousand dollars,' answered Miss Elsie listlessly. Tt ought to be more, but the house is very old, and that's what I'm advised to hold it for
 Dick thought hurriedly. He knew that would mean about three thousand cash and mortgage Dick was worth about three thousand; he could ar range the details.
 I'll buy it. he announced.
 "You!" gasped Miss Elsie.
 Yes, ma'am. You see, I've had my eye on the place for long time, in the hopes you might some day sell
 The words struck her like blow be- tween the eyes. So that was the se- cret of his interest The vanity of her dreams,
 T suppose you can have it, then, he heard her answer vaguely.
 Everything in it as it stands, lock, stock and barrel?" asked Dick.
 Why, I guess the furnitures not worth much,' said Miss Elsie. You'll have to see my brother, MT. Van Nu gent, at Staples. He has charge of the natter
 But if he is willing, you are?' per sisted Dick. Yes" she replied Dick withdrew. He wanted to hide ! the elation in his heart, that set it pounding frightfully as he reflected [ upon his maneuver He clenched hi3 [ fists as he thought of the lawyer Ha had known Sharples well; the man wasf a cshvivial person at the hotel. v .-sl indeI.- -vlaIl-u e.,S19 e.lSs tSIss Golman Norris and son. Causby, at tended church at Green Forest las Sunday.
 Mr. and Mrs. w. 4 bimW Wib,s,ffi7l Wtbe folloWt S5t at the home of. lost amazing way. Sunday. o, to a western city to cover territory left vacant by the illness of a fellow drummer. The business done, Dick retired to his room in the hotel
 A door opened softly, and Dick saw the head and shoulders of Sharples. In minute he had leaped across the passage and entered, before the law yer could draw the bolt.
 Sharples stared at Dick in terror What do you want?" he snarled.
 You know" said Dick.
 Sharples realized that it was no time to make pretenses. Its not your busi- ness" he swaggered, but I'll give you five hundred to get out and keep your mouth shut
 You'll give me ten thousand for Miss Van Nugent," answered Dick.
 Tt never was ten thousand
 "It's going to be-"
 "D'you suppose I've got it about me, you fool?"
 Dick went to the telephone and touched the receiver. The lawyer grabbed him by the arm. "TIl give you two,' he clustered.
 Dick turned and faced him. "I said ten, and meant it." he returned. And see here, I promised myself the pleas ure of breaking your head. However, guess I cant have everything. Will you hand over that ten thousand, for the last time?"
 The lawyer took bill case out of his pocket and mechanically counted out the money. There were twenty bills Of five hundred apiece. Dick ex- amined them; they were genuine enough.
 q guess you've plenty more,' he said.
 Its where you won't get it.
 Dick smiled and slipped the bills into his pocket.
 V.
 GO vo,, 600 I puess I can't buy the