Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1917-09-27
no why It Is. The other people might
try to run it their way for awhile, but

try to run It their way for awhile, but
pretty soon you notice 'em step out of
the way for good ole George. 1 dunno
why it Is.
"Well, If Id been running this party
I'd of had automobiles to go out in,
not a trolley car, where you all got to
sit together, and I'd Of sent over home
for my little racer, and I'd Of taken
you out in her myself. I'd like you to
see that little ar. Well, anyway, l
bet you'd Of seen something pretty
diff and a whole lot better if I'd
of ONE over here to get up this party
for your
"For u.s." Miss Pratt corrected him
sunnily. "Bofe strangers party for
us two-all bofe..' And he gave him
one of her looks.
Mr.. Crooper flushed with emotion.
He was annexed. He became serious.
"Say," he said, that's a mighty smooth
hat you got on" And he touched the
fluffy rim Of it with his forefnger.
His fat shoulders leaned toward her
yearningly.
WED cert'nly of had a lot better
time sizzin' along in that little racer l
got," he said. I'D like to had you see
how l handle that little car. Girls over
home, they say they like to go out with
me just to watch the way 1 handle her.
They say it amt so much just the ride,
but more the way I handle that little
car. l dunno why it is, but that's what
they say.
That's the way l do anything l
make up my mind to tackle. Just
lemme make up my mind once, and
it's all off. l dunno why it is. There
was a brakeman on the train got kind
Of fresh. He didn't know who 1 was.
Well, l just put my hand on his Shout
der and pushed him down in his seat
like this" He set his hand upon Miss
Pratt's shoulder. 81 didn't want to
hit him, because there was women and
chuldren in the car, so l just showed
my face up close to him, like this. Il
guess you don't know how much stock
my fathers get in this road l a
Did he wilt? Well, you ought of seen
that brakeman when l got through
tellin' him who l was!'
"Nassy ole brateman.' said Miss
Pratt, with unfailing sympathy.
Mr.. Choppers fat hand, as if uncon-
sciously, gave Miss Pratt's delicate
shoulder a little pat in reluctant with
drawal. well, that's the way with
me-" he said. Much as l been around
this world, nobody ever tried to put
anything over on me and got away
with it. Say, that's a mighty smooth
locket you got on the end O. that chain
there" And, again stretching forth
his hand in a pr%oprietor-like way, he
began to examine the locket.
Three hot hearts just behind pulsat-
ed hatred toward him, for Johnnie
Watson had perceived his error, and
his sentiments were now linked to
those of Joe Bullitt and William.
They were not analytical and were
impressed by what he said. They
dumbly accepted George at his own
rating, not even being able to charge
him with lack of modesty. Did he not
always accompany his testimonials to
himself with his deprecating falsetto
laugh and II dunno why it is" an Off
cial disclaimer of merit, "as it were?"
Here was a formidable candidate, in
deed-a traveller, a man Of the world,
with brains better and quicker han
other peoples brains; an athlete, yet
knightly-he would not destroy ever a
brakeman in the presence of women
and ~children-and, finally, most envi-
able and deadly, the owner and opera
tor Of a little racer!'
The overwhelming Crooper pursued
his conquering way. He leaned more
and more toward the magnetic girl.
He played naively with Miss Pratt's
locket and with the ilmly border Of
her collar. He flicked his nose for
some time with her little handkerchief,
loudly shifting its scent, and finally he
became interested in a ring she wore,
removed it and tried unsuccessfully to
place it upon one of his own fingers.
I've worn lots O. girls rings on my
watch fob. I'd let 'em wear mine on
a chain or something. l guess they
like to do that with me,' he said. 81
dunno why it is"
At this subtle hint the three unfor-
tunates held their breath and then lost
it as the lovely girl acquiesced in the
horrible exchange. AS for William,
life was of no more use to him. Out
of the blue heaven of that bright morn
ing's promise had fallen a pail, drap-
ing his soul in black and purple.
1t was a long and accursed ride.
At the farmhouse where the party
were to dine Miss Pratt with JOY dis
covered a harmonium in the parlor,
and, seating herself, with all the girls,
Flopit and Mr.. George Crooper gath
cred around her, she played an accom-
paniment, while George in a thin tenor
of detestable sweetness sang "I'm Fall
ing In Love With Some One"
His performance was rapturously
greeted, especially by the accompa-
mist. ooh. wunnerfulest Unite Geor'
giemums" she cried, for that was now
the gentleman's name. "If Johnnie
| hoTopv,a n ov 11co YY~kY4 N.1no{ ~, r,o