Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-12-06
reward from him.

NOt0Oli Iiu OIedhlsSlcQ, Out tno Old
ady who served it to them was shy
about talking. and though admitting
that a couple of people had beer there
that morning she vas non-committal
about their appearance. They might
have been young and good-looking and
worn feathers in their hats, and they
might not. She wasn't one for noticing
peoples appearance if they treated her
civilly N paid their bills. Would
he have another cup of coffee? He
would. and also two more pieces of pie,
but he got very little further inforrna-
ton.
1T was over at the corner store where
he finally went in search of something
stronger "a coffee that he further
pursued his Investigations.
The loungers We're still there. 1t was
their only business in life and they
were most diligent in it. They eyed the
the newcomer with q relish and settled
back on their various barrels and boxes
to enjoy whatever entertainment the
gods We're about to provide to relieve
their mOnotOnOuS existence.
A house divided against itself cannot
stand. This mans elegant garments as
sumed for the nonce did not fit the rest
of his general appearance which had
been accentuated by his long, hot.
dusty tramp. The high evening hat was
damned on the back of his head and
bore a decided dent where it had rolled
down the cinder e~mbankment, his COL
lar was wilted and lifeless, his white
Numbered tie at half mast, his coat
awry. and his fine patent leather shoes
which 2inched We're covered with dust
and had caused a limp like the hardest
tramp upon the Dad Moreover, again
the speech of the man betrayed him.
and the keen-minded old gossips who
We're watching him suspiciously sized
him up at once the minute he opened
his mouth.
Saw anything or a couple of young
ok walking down this way?" he in
quired casually, pausing to light a cigar
with which he was reinforcing himself
for further travel.
One man allowed that there might
have passed such people that Jay. He
hardly seemed willing to commit him.
self, but another vouchsafed the infor-
nation that Joe here driv two parties
of thet description to Milton this morn
in'-jes' got back. Mebbe he could an
Joe frowned. He did not like the
looks of the thick set man. He still
remembered the forget me not eyes.
But the stranger made instant re-
quest to be driven to Milton. Offering
$40 for the same when he found hat
his driver was reluctant, and that Mill
ton was IL railroad center. A few keen
questions had made him sure that his
man had gone to Milton.
Joe haggled. allowed his horse was
tired, and he didn't care bou the trip
twice in one day, but finally agreed to
off to get a fresh horse. He had no
mind to be In a hurry. He "a his own
opinion about letting those two par
ties" get out Of the way before the
third put in an appearance, but he had
no mind to lose the SIS. 1t would help
to buy HI ring he coveted for his girl.
In due time Joe rode %leisurely up
and h impatient traveller climbed into
the high spring wagon and was driven
away from the apathetic gaze of the
country loungers. who unblinkingly
took in the fact that Joe was headed
toward Ashville, and evidently intend
ed taking his fare to Milton by way
of that village. a 30-mile drive at least.
The man would get the worth Of his
money in ride. A grim twinkle sat in
turned the curve in the road and was
lost to sight. and after due silence an
old stager spoke:
DO you reckon that there was their
sho-fur?" he requested languidly.
"Naw!" replied a farmers son Wig
orously. He wouldn't try to showf
all dolled up like that. He's the rich
dad comm after the Joe
don't intend he shell get EN- yet awhile.
l reckon h e ceremony'l be over fore
he steps in to interfere" This lad
went twice a month to Milton to the
movies" and was regarded as an au-
thority on matters of romance. A
pause showed that his theory had TAX
en- root in the minds of his auditors.
Wal, l reckon Joe thinks the long
est way round is the shortest way
home" declared the old stager. Joe
never did like them Goldfish swells-but !
how do you count fer HI style o. that
bbni."' one wal" l'Ae ner 0ao one A''ie
"Oh, she's ben to collidge. 1 '%spose,"
declared the VOuth ss7>hov GOT all thot
off'n coolidge"
Serves he old man right fer sendin'
his gal to a fool coolidge when she
ought to a ben home learnin' to house,
keep. l hope she gifts off with her
young man all right" said a grim old
round the GROUP which presently broke
up. for this had been a day
and all felt their need of rest: besides
they wanted to get home and tell the
news before some neighbor got ahead
of them.
All this time Celia and Gordon were
touring Milton, serenely unconscious of
danger near, or guardian angel Of the
name of Joe.
Investigation disclosed the fact that
there was a train for Pittsburgh about
3 in the afternoon. Gordon sent a
code telegram to his chief. assuring
him of the safety of the message. and
OF his own Intention to proceed to
Washington as fast as steam could
carry him. Then he tool the girl to
a restaurant, where they mounted two
! stools and partook with an UNI
usually ravenous appetite Of nearly
everything on the menu-corn soup,
roast beef. baked trout, stewed toma-
toes. cold slaw. custard, apple and !
mince pies. with a cup of good country
coffee and real cream-all for 25 cents
apiece.
1t was a very merry meal. Celia foIt