The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-09-22

have been better than that girlish
naivete which she felt seemed to force
upon him. too, recollection of the
very letter of a promise which had, no
doubt, long since become in his mind
nothing but a quaint episode not I'M
tinged with absurdity.
"Hum-m-m!' pulled Allison. Hum
m-mw He spoke directly to Stephen
0Mara, who half turned his head at
the first heavily facetious syllable. so
you did get my message, eh? rather
thought that it wouldn't reach you up
river until today" An ample smile
embraced the tall figure in riverman's
garh and his own daughters crimseN,
countenance--a most meaningful smile
Of roguery. 'Well, from what rye
heard" he stated, "and what I've
seen, I should say that you are my
man O'Mara. Mr.. Elliott himself has
Informed me that your quite spectacu-
lar success In one or two vital cam
paigns has been entirely due to the
fact that you are an-er-opportuni
l agree with Mr., Elliott absolutely
that is, If my first premise is correct"
Barbara's face had cooled a little in
that moment since Steve's eyes had
left her face. Now she forgot her
confusion-forgot to be annoyed, even
at her fathers clumsy banter.
"Your man, O'Mara!" she exclaimed
Indignantly. your man! Why, he
he's N.Y. And that was as far as
she went.
Her voice thinned into nothingness,
but words were not necessary to tell
either Caleb or Steve that she had
been about to assert a prior claim
which dated back years and years.
II have always insisted to Mr.. III
lott" Steve lSid, 'that the solution Of
all the difficulties, which he chooses to
view as gloriously romantic tits with
Destiny, depends one half upon luck
and the other half on being on the
ground personally when the-affair-
starts" He half faced toward Allison.
II am 0'Mara," he finished very brief
ly; "your man, 0'Mara-if you happen
to be the East Coast Development and
Timber company"
There was at most no more than the
barest suggestion Of 1t In Steve's crisp
question, but Caleb sensed immediate
ly that Allison's placid appropriation
Of the blue flannel shirted one as his
own particular property was not mu-
tually accepted status Dexter, how
ever, failed or chose to read nothing
in the drawing question.
"rm It," he agreed jovially-"that is.
and two or three others. including
Mr.. Elliott, our esteemed president.
I've heard much Of you, Mr. 0'Mara.
I've looked forward to this meeting"
he added as he shook hands. Now l
want to tell you that am proud to
know you. And so you didn't get my
message, after all7"
81 had to come down river yester-
day." Steve explained. Your telegram
found me here, and | waited over I'M
til this morning, as you suggested"
"Surely-surely! | see-I Sec" AL
lison emphasized bis comprehension.
"Not that It was anything of vital i'm
portance | just wanted a short CON
ference with you. that was all"
"Would would you mind finding
Miss Sarah, Steve?" Caleb asked.
"will you tell her, please, that we are
to be subjected to ENTHUSIASTICALLY
imposition
Allison shook his head and led the
way to a chair. 81 didn't know that
you were acquainted with him. Cal.
Have you known him longT'
"Um.m-m-yesr' Caleb weighed his
reply. "Quite some time. think
might say"
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