The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1916-02-04

want your walnut to supply the
stocks"
The sum offered dazzled Ralph. He
was induced to go to town and sign a
contract. His eyes glistened as he
saw deposited in the bank the con-
tract that called for one thousand dol
lars a month for the next two years.
He thought Of Myrtle-the future
looked bright. All kinds Of extrava-
giant dreams of fortune and success
filled his mind. Then there came a
dampener that set him to thinking.
A meeting with sor1e friends, on the
way to the island, gained for him the
information that Myrtle was at the
head of the movement for sending
clothing and general supplies to Euro
pean war sufferers. In a fash his
mind recoiled from a realization of
the good she was attempting and the
sordid bargain he was lending him
self to.
Ralph was only half-hearted about
his impetuous plunge without think
ing into the war order proposition as
he told Wilson of what he had done.
The latter was amazed and shocked.
He bluntly cited that his principles
were against any encouragement Of
strife, even in an indirect sense. He
seemed greatly moved as he gave his
views and after he had retired Ralph
caught the echo of a fervent but sub
dued voice and knew that 1t was VIII
son, praying.
Mr.. Wilson" he said, first thing
next morning, 81 am going to town
to cancel that contract" and the old
man clasped his hand silently, but
with a look of relief and gladness on
his furrowed face.
Ralph did not return that day, nor
the next. Three days later Quaker
Wilson received a letter. 1t told him
that Ralph had not found 1t so easy
as he had fancied ~canceling the con
tract. The town bank had no prov
ince in the business except as trus
tee. When he got to the city hi
found that the manufacturers intended
to hold him strictly to his bargain.
Il am heartsick over 1t all" h
wrote. "Oh, to recall the impulsI
the result Of which hangs over m
like a burden!"
A grim look anne over the face o
old Wilson as he returned to the Ii
land. The glow of what the worl
would call fanaticism was in his ey
} as he looked over the desolate e.
panse. Everything was dry as tinde.
\ a high wind was blowing. Then
s The little town witnessed a terrif
conhagration that night. They line
the river shore, viewing the will
flames lick up the great mass of wi
lows and then the noble timbC
\ stretch. Ralph got back two evening
later, to reach the island and stan
amazed at the devastation before hir
The cabin had not burned. In !
/, doorway stood Wilson.
az solved the problem" he sa
swiftly,
"You have taken a weight Of lei
from my mind said Ralph, and W
glad and at peace.
The next day Ralph heard nc
Myrtle had implored her brother
row to the island to learn if Mr.. D'
ing was safe" The revelation ga
Ralph new hope.
The next week a manufacturer loo
ing for a site for a plant where
, could locate and guard a certain s
cret process, purchased half OF {
,e island for ten thousand dollars.
ID When Ralph Dering went to lea
his fate from Mr.. Owen, he learn
Re that Allen Bruce was out of the Ii
having lost his fortune in speculate
He was free to court Myrtle no
I'd and Myrtle was ready for the
ar dresses Of the mar she had alwa
a loved.
he Copyright. 1915. by w C. Chapman
de HAD NO ARTISTIC JEALOUS