Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-03-30

the last of the rapids and was guided
easily to the wooded bank.
| THAT is Hankinsville,' remarked
Vincent Rossell, indicating cluster
of white houses about half a mile
down the river 81 have letter of in
,troduction to a girl who lives there:
She's a fourth or fifth cousin Of mine
| Austin Livingston smiled.
! "You seen to have cousin in every
port he remarked But this time you
haven't anything on me. I once knew
ia girl from Hankinsville myself
| Where did you meet herr
| Down at Atlantic City two years
ago 1t was during Paul Jones at
hotel ball. We had wonderful dance
/ together, but she refused to tell me
her name until we were properly In
troduced. She said, however, that she
came from Hankinsville. expected
to look her up the next day, but was
called away suddenly and haven't
seen her since.'
Vincent looked interested.
perhaps she is the same girl I'm
looking for" he suggested. What was
she like
Light hair, blue eyes and red
cheeks Austin answered.
"She may be the same one" Vincent
glanced at his watch. 'The girl I'm
hunting for is Dorfe Osborn. but we'll
never find her il we don't hurry up.
Let's get to work.
For few minutes they busted them
selves with pots and pans and other
implements of camp life.
"Are We due to leave here tomorrow
morning. Austin asked.
yes"
"Supposing Doris turns out to be a
wonder?"
Vincent smiled
"Well," he said, we're not in such
hurry that we can't stay over day
or two Hustle along with those pans.
Supper was eaten and the dishes
washed and slowed away before an
other thirty minutes had passed. Then,
logged out in all the fnery of their
/ best camping trip clothes. the two men
made their way to Hanks sville.
The village was situated on the
bank of the Delaware rivera group
of spotlessely clean houses clustered
together on top of hill. In the very
center, facing the river, stood typical
| summer uOlel, Will TIC 'AAo6C oSoA y
and postofflce opposite.
We'll stop in and ask the postmas-
ter where the Osborns live Vincent
announced. He'll probably be able to
tell us better than any one else.
They stood for a moment on the
steps leading to the store. From the
hotel opposite came the sound of mer.
~ vioces and as they watched a bevy
of summer girls strolled arm in arm
down the broad steps Of the veranda.
AS they passed the two strangers one
of them looked coyly over her
shoulder and smiled into their eyes.
Austin touched his companions arm
"Why bother looking up your friend
!poris?" he asked 1T seems to me we'd
have a better time If we spent the
night at the hotel
well, we'll see."
Vincent's eyes were turned interest
eddy down the road leading away from
the river and AuStin's glance followed
the direction of his gaze. Coming to.
ward them he spied girl dressed in
some sort of shimmering green. Her
hair was the color of golden rod In
the late autumn and her arms and
neck had been tinted with deepest
tan by the summer sun. She walked
lightly, swinging her arms with free
motion as if she were accustomed to
tramping over the country roads.
Somehow she gave one the impression
of the spirit Of all outdoors.
Il have a presentiment," said Vim
cent suddenly, that that girl is Doris
Osborn
IT it is Austin answered, Il don't
think we'll bother about the hotel, af-
ter ALL"
They moved to one side as the girl
reached the steps. She glanced at
them as she passed. and nodded pleas
aEtly. Vincent's heart missed beat.
She had evidently taken them for
some of the hotel boarders she had
met, but that did not make her smile
less charming. Struck by sudden idea.
Vincent entered the store.
I'D like the Osborn mall he heard
her say.
Without waiting for the postmas-
ter's answer, he hurried out to the
porch.
Its her." he announced with the
careless disregard of the rules OF gam
mar so prevalent among college men.
l"I heard her ask for the mall
The girl reappeared batch of let
tiers in her hand. The two men watch
ed as she sorted them eagerly, select
three which she placed in small
satin handbag on her arm. She walked
ileisurely down the road.
I'm going to speak to her." Vincent
announced. Come on
He seized the unprotesting Austin
by the arm. and hurried after the girl.
Il beg your pardon he said when
he had reached her side, but my
name is Vincent Rossell.'
She looked at him inquirinsly, with
the hint of twinkle in her eye,
I'm very pleased to know it, she
answered in just the kind of voice Vim.
cent knew she would have. Are you
trying to fiirt with me?"
He flushed ever SO slightly.
NO, indeed" he protested earnestly
81 believe that l have something for
you"
He flushed hastily into the inner
pocket Of his coat and drew forth a