The Morgan City daily review. (Morgan City, La.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-19
Village Dreamer
BY A. w. PEACH.

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
He was surprised. In the fou
years Of what had been his quiet WOO
ing Of her he had not seen her so ex
cited or SO happy; instead she hat
seemed a calm little body, greetin.
him on his evening calls with q gentle
friendliness. Now she was vibran
with some happiness of spirit tina
was reflected from her soul into bel
eyes.
"Jared, guess what's happened
Hartley Shafner has come back"
Shafner returned-that and bel
present happiness could have but one
meaning; an end to his wooing, an
end to his dream Of the time when
she would say "Yes' to the question
he had been waiting to ask.
Before he could form his answer
there was a quick step on the porch
and q moment later he found himself
facing the cheerful, tanned face OF
Shafner.
Eyes, I'm glad to get back" Shafner
said, smiling and looking toward her,
"and find people glad to see me. Go
ing to go, Jed? Yes, I'll be over and
see you"
The next day the news Of Shafner's
coming spread and the entire village
knew that the courtship it had
watched with interest was over. Old
"Granther" Sparks, privileged because
Of his years and his kindly nature,
summed the situation up when he said
to Jared: you're just dreamer, lad,
an dreamers amt good for much in
this hustlin' world. Harris come back
with the mOney-made good with his
plantation. But jest the same, lad,
there's a pile on US who're glad you
stayed with US an the old man speak
in is one"
Just as Jared was closing his mill
late that same afternoon, stranger
came in, short, thick, keen-eyed fell
low, and asked to see him.
do you know anything about any
moneys placed in the hands Of
Hartley Shafner for investment; have
you given him any? My name is
Graves, and l happen to be under the
responsibility of tracing Mr.. Shafner
and arresting him"
"a detective?"
Eyes. Mr.. Shafner has secured
funds for fake, and some of the
people in this vicinity have been
touched. l thought you might be one.
l have the name Of a party here. Can
you give me any information concern
ing herr"
Jared stared at the name he offered
Miss Avery Stimson."
Under Graves mask-like face q
shadowy smile came and went as he
Jared.
Hes gone ~ to call on the lady
now, and I'm going to call on him
and arrest him."
"Wait a moment" Jared said quiet
". This means that the money is
goneY'
The other snorted. "Not a CLINT Of
it left"
Jared stood in thought while the de-
tective watched him with curious eyes.
Il wish if you could arrange it that
you would not arrest Shafner there;
and moreover, can't bear to think of
their little money gone; besides, she
thinks a lot Of him." Jared did not
see the detectives eyes widen in Won
Ter. mo one in the village but Miss
StimsOn intrusted funds to him; so
'he won't find out through them. Now,
want to turn over to you the three
thousand he took from her; and I
want you to arrange it SO that she
,ets 1t in his name"
Graves stared, then swore softly. |
of all the fool stunts! But I'll do as
'Ou suggest. Is there anything else?"
Jared shook his head.
It was long before he left the quiet
f his dingy, dusty mill Office; so he
lid not see Shafner and his "city
riend" leave the village on the early
vening train. 49,,
Two days sped away in the fashion
hat days have, but he did not venture
0 visit the little cottage at the end
the broad village street. He stayed
ong in the mill Office, fussing with his
counts, in appearance, but in reality
roaming his old dreams over.
1t was on such an evening Of dream
1g that friend passing by left his
leager mail. Among the first letters
e opened was this:
"Dear Sir-My business isn't to pre-
ent men from making fools Of them
elves; it's to catch them after they
ave. I'm making an exception in
our case. I have written Miss Stim-
IN the whole story. Yours,
GRAVES"
Jared gazed with astounded eyes at
Re big scrawling message.
In the midst Of his astoundment the
,or Of his Office opened. CHANGING up
= saw the small, graceful figure of
very. Her dark eyes were bright
It'll a brightness he had not seen
ERE before.
He rose slowly. "Why, Avery"
She came uD to him close. until tho