Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-11-24
"oh, Alex" she greeted him with

her hearty kindness. why, W,
haven't seen you lately, have We?
suppose you have been too busy will
your invention. Your father spoke
about it yesterday. Don't stand up
dear children; III sit down here and
tell you about the congress-" She
took the top STEP christening her an
cient, black silk wrap. II know my
bonnet is crooked, Chloe. 1t was 8
wonderful afternoon; l wish you could
have been there. Alex, did you realize
that some big proportion of the blind
ness of the world--seven-eighths OF
something like that's entirely pre-
ventable? Sabra was fine; SO dignified
and handsome. l did wish her father
could have seen her. The chairman
who introduced her paid him beauti.
full tribute. Something about the
mantle Of the father descending to the
child. They clapped her more than
any one. OF course, Alex, you under
stand that detectives ought not to
have children-any one can see that.
never remember figures, but the pro-
portion Of defective parents is appal-
ling-something like seven-tenths.
Sabra is going to get law passed
against it,"
Alex was listening with resistance
in every line of his vigorous body. His
frown seemed to include Sabra and
the audience and eugenics in one
sweeping disapproval, kept down by
sheer muscular force.
at is easy enough to pass laws" he
said dryly.
is of oil -1,,
sured him. They have to know all
the congressman individually. They
send clever delegates to some and
pretty ones to others--it takes a great
deal of tact. Sabra has been to Al
bany any number Of times"
Alex gave short laugh. "As brains
or as beauty" s.s
"They want Sabra for BOTH" said
Sabra's mother. " saw old Mr.. Linds-
ley there and had talk with him
about her career. shouldn't wonder
if something came of it," She was
full Of weary satisfaction Chloe,
reading Alexis expression, moved clos.
er to her side.
Mother works for other people
morning, noon and night" she said,
looking straight into his stiff necked
frown Alex, rebuked, amended his
expression, but would give no sign OF
changing his opinions. Mrs. Gage,
simply pleased, patted her daughters
hand.
Every one does, dear. more or
less" she said. "Some day, Alex
when am not so tired, you must tell
me about your invention. l might be
able to interest some one in it."
CHAPTER I. (Continued)
"Oh, thanks-I don't want any
help Alex spoke shortly. Father
shouldn't tell my secrets
MY dear Alex, the more who know,
the better. You never can tell which
way help will come" she assured him
with large, kind certainty. II know
so many influential people. And they
would be interested for your uncles's
sake. The world doesn't forget what
it owes to Serene Gage"
Aunt Emily, you are very kind"
Alex gave an effect Of biting off the
words; but I am not looking for any
one to push or pull me along" @
THAT Is foolish she spoke with
perfect good humor. Where would
my children be il hadn't found ways
to give them a chance?"
Alex started to answer, then, see
ing Chloe's fingers twisting nervous
ly together, thought better of it. "Well,
/ have feeling for working things
out myself" he said, rising. Good
night must run He left with I'M
friendly abruptness. His squared
shoulders had a fighting quality as he
strobe away.
II never supposed Alex would turn
out so good looking" said Mrs. Gage
"a little stocky. perhaps. but nice
face. I am glad for your Uncle Harry
if he is going to be clever. His chill
dren haven't had much chance. hope
I can do something for Alex-a word
here and there.
Chloe took breath to speak, then let
it go again. Mrs. Gage was gathering
herself up.
"Oh, | got Rawley fine place to
work this morning. she added, as she
Strengthened tired back THE old
billiard room at the top of the house. 4
Mrs. Cartaret was delighted to have it
used. Coming in. dear?"
Chloe loked after her mother with
loving, troubled eyes.
People ought not to keep getting
angry. anyway" she said at last, glad
Of one certainty in world Of shifting
values.
The next morning Ralston set out
for his new -vorkroom in high excite
ment. His sensitive face. usually so
somber, looked boyish in its hopeful
ness.
1T is my first real chance he told
his mother, solemn for all those lost
years. He even allowed Billy to walk
to the corner with him.
The statue of Serene Gage greeted
them with grave kindness Billy, who
that this actually was his
and loved him dearly. ran
to thrust his face between the iron