Smyrna times., 1917-10-03
@ M @ "a - I'D "a @ ID "a ~ IA IN
- BEING A DEAR DAD :.
, "a M "a n@ h@MmmmW 70
BY HELEN HEDLEY.

~@1ne ueAndnueu, pursuing IN upon the /
lAshtons, his three pretty cousins. A
chorus of Nobody" answered him !
crescendo, and ending in a sort of
groan.
why on earth" Emmett began.
Lois, the eldest Ashton, took the word
from his lips, saying: "Just what we
want to knOw-and can't find out. It
is this way-dad says we shan't, and
there's an end of it. Not the least
little smidge of a reason why"
: Upon my word !" Emmett ejaculat-
ed-then wheeling upon EN-, the
youngest Of the trio, withal the wicked
est fiirt; Confess, miss. What have
you been doing to make a perfectly
good father act up this way?"
\ Nothing at all. I've had no chance
Whatever" EN- pouted, but with the
ghost of a dimple playing about her
lips. "Been over at Grandpa Beams
which is next thing to solitary con-
'fnement. So lonesome I'd almost
have had heart failure even over you,
Even me! Ipgratitude, thy name is
En- Ashton!" Emmett cried, laying a
hand distractedly to his forehead. All
were laughing-even Betty, the staid
middle sister. Lois gasped between
'giggles: "But 1 really believe you're
on the right trail, Emmett"
En- giggled harder than anybody.
She had tO-being perfectly aware of
why dad, usually the most tractable
OF parents, was indeed acting up. The
why was a man-as is usual in case
of a stern father and a distractingly
pretty girl. Squire Ashton disap-
proved of Barton Clay wholly-from
the crown Of his handsome head to the
Soles Of his aristocratic feet. Add that
the fair was, in effect, Barton Clay
lhe was president Of the association,
chief exhibitor and giver of more than
half the prizes-and the mystery ceas-
les to be mysterious.
my respected uncle will surely get
his cOme-uppance. see him now with
three old maids to torment his extreme
age" Emmett commented loftily. Bet
ty amazed all by a vigorous head
shake and said: snake it two, please !;
I'm going to marry-if I have to pro-
pose myself, get the license and pay
the parsOn."
"Betsy, didn't know you could be
so desperate" Emmett cried, trying to
pinch her cheek. "But cheer up-if
the worst comes, I'll look you up q
susceptible widower-one so new in
grief he don't know enough to run
away"
'No need. 1 can always take you
at a PINCH" Betty retorted.
"Em, how about your Emmett de-
manded. She giggled again. Nothing
doing" she said saucily. "Em, En-
NETT; we'd get ourselves so mixed up
we couldn't tell who to scold sor swear
at, or aggravate. And really, we are as
much alike as our Names"
"No such thing. You fiatter your
self wildly" Emmett returned, stick.
ing out his chin. The battle of wits
so ragged that those engaged had nc
ears or eyes for anything outside
Therefore, a red car halted at the pOr
tico steps, the hall door yielded to ar
impatient hand which had found
knocking vain and then all Barton Clay
was among them, nOdding to the 9th
ers, but holding Ems hands as though
he could not let them go, and looking
down into her eyes. What he reaC
there glorif1ed his face. With a sof
laugh, half blissful, half defiant, hC
bent and kissed her, then gathered hel
in his arms. "Bear witness, I'm NJ
kidnaper, take my own from her ia
theirs house in the face of daylight anC
under the eyes of her-family," he saiC
proudly-then to En-: "YOu got m.
note? Are you ready to go withou
waiting for the fair?"
"Pm ready, but I don't know any
thing about any note" En- answere'
openly, nesting to him. Emmett lat
hand upon Barton's arm, saying pei
suasively: listen, son, don't do thi
very foolish thing. You mustn't, Il
fact. won't let you. That's my nttl
sister you're smuggling up there-nC
body's ever going to have the right t
say she left her fathers house with
man not her welded husband. You
hate that, same as would. once 70
let yourself think in cold blood. Sta
and face the music-otherwise he
father. Wen stand by you, all Of US
let him know you mean fair and inca
also to play fair"
Barton grinned-one charm of b
was quick transition. II tell you,
has been refreshing-this liberal a
lowance of cold shoulder" he sal
''But here comes the grand mogul nov
Who lives up to fine words2"
"All Of u.s." Lois said, running
meet her father, who entered amid
chorus "Please," and "Do be de'
dad" and such like entreat1es.
glance explained things to him, b,
Emmett had to put the case convin
ingly In the end. "As public-spiritC
citizen, you owe it to the country
put a dangerous citizen under bon
to keep the peace" he said. "BartC
-.,ssY x,ofro ko0d With fho pnunfv clof