The Harrison times., 1916-03-11

ther was a blacksmith doesn't shock
me any more than that Louis Acton's
grandfather was clever land buyer
whose close trades we're barely with
in legal bounds
While Agnes and her parents sat in
uncomfortable silence a ring at the
doorbell heralded boy bringing a
hurried note from Henry telling her
that he was leaving that night for
Chicago from which city she would
hear from him in day or two. You'll
be surprised and pleasantly, / hope"
the letter ended, when my story is
ready to tell"
For several months Louis Acton had
not been satisfied with his progress in
securing the favor of Agnes nor with
the frequency of Henry Barton's visits
at the Davis home. But during the
month just passed he felt that he
had gained some ground by having
put Henry out of the running, tempo
rarily. He had bought the towns
largest general store, where Henry
was employed, and Nad enforced so
many unreasonable rules upon certain
clerks that Henry had resigned on
days notice, as Acton had intended
to force him to do.
AS they returned from the concert
Acton told Agnes very softly that in
all he did he considered her happi-
ness, and that in taking over the busi-
ness where Henry had been practi-
cally manager things had come to
! light which made it desirable for the
latter to quit the store and the town
! at once.
For your sake, l made no noise
about it," concluded Acton, "and when
you've had time to think the whole
matter over I'm sure you'll thank me
for it."
"Mr. Acton, don't believe Henry
Barton ever did anything dishonest
in his life," said Agnes.
Although Agnes thus ended the dis
cussion of the subject for that eve
ming, Acton hoped he had sowed seed
of distrust that would take root be-
fore she had chance to hear Henrys
side of the story.
Swinging up from the station few
evenings later with his travelling bag,
Henry was greeted by friend who
shook his hand warmly and told him
it was time he was coming home to
set the rumors at rest. After a few mo-
ments' conversation with this talk
ative friend, Henry turned white with
anger and went striding off toward
the Davis cottage. AS he arrived at
the front door, Agnes and Louis Ac-
ton were just coming out to enter the
latters automobile which stood throb-
bing at the gate. Each of the three
knew that a crisis was at hand. Ag-
mes was chalky pale. Acton angrily
flushed, and Henry stood waiting for
somebody to break the tense ST.
lence.
"Well?" Actons voice was hoarse,
his manner peremptory.
"All will be well before l leave"
said Henry with quiet sarcasm, but
not until you explain in the presence
Of Agnes why you set suspicious ru-
mors ahoat about me when l went
away" The two men eyed each other
angrily.
Really, Barton" began Acton, as
suming indifference, 1T is demanding
a good deal to ask another to explain
rumors which originated solely from
your own unexplained conduct If
Miss Agnes has drawn conclusions
quite natural in the circumstances,
hardly see how / can be blamed
Here is my explanation" Henry
drew from his pocket legal-looking
paper and handed 1t to Agnes. u
saved 1t because wanted to surprise
you with 1t personally. | went to Chi
cago in response to a telegram from
the Great Western Grocers who Of
fered me Job as manager of branch
store here provided personal inter
view satisfied them. That contract
tells you how well satisfied they were
OF course my sudden departure did
make things look a bit bad, but
Agnes" and Henry ignored Acton as
further participant in the converse
tion, is my belated explanation salts
factory"
Entirely so, Henry; and is my alb
ject apology
ITS not in order, Agnes; we've toe
many things to plan for the future to
90 snooping around In the unpleasant
past"
iCopvriuht IQtG hy tho McCh1ra Nawcpo-