The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-06-07


been on good terms-something must
have occurred to turn Babcock's anger
upon him. The simple fact OF his
walking on Sixth avenue or any other
during his incoming could
not account for this inquisition.
Then, all at once he remembered
Celia Hart had once said she had met
Skiff Rabcock several times. and liked
him.
Casey's face grew cold and hard.
"Ive an interest in you. Tim" said
Skiff with sudden change of tone.
"I'm obliged"
"Have you ever wanted to 60 into
the trucking business for yourselfT
The younger mans face underwent a
brief change.
Every man looks to lettering him.
SELF" he said warily.
'T'd let you have the old stable on
West street and three teams-1'd give
'em to YOU"
what for?" demanded Casey bluntly.
Skiff dropped subterfuge and looked
his driver square in the eye.
you'll understand when l tell you
that I've made up my mind to marry
Celia Hart! Look what can give her
diamonds. IN autymobi!e. MI the
money she wants to spend and a hired
girl to do her work. What can You
give her-eh?" Ills sneer could not
be suppressed. "For the sake OF the
girl should think you'd step back.
Casey! She's too fine to work herself
to the bone as the wife Of poor truck
driver. AS Mrs. Skifr Babcock she'd
i've like lady. You stand off and I'll
set you up In business-you'rc smart
and can stand where do ten years
from now. You'll never have another
chance"
Ashen faced. Casey stared back ut
him.
"I'll not do itw he muttered.
what is your price Them" demanded
Skiff impatiently. "Name It and I'll
pay IT.
"AIe price?" stammered Casey. And
he seemed to ponder the question.
Eyes: your price. Name 1t and I'll
pay It," Skiff smiled complacently.
Things were coming his way. He new
er had known this treatment to fail.
Every man has his price.
Suddenly Casey's head went up. "Aie
price is this" he said heavily ''me
price is this. Send for Celia Hart and
let her choose between us"
Skiff's smile faded. Its no way to
treat q lady. It'll scare her." he said
doubtfully.
ITS me price," reiterated Casey sui
leniy. LET her have the say. don't
want your job"
Skiff Babcock nodded shortly and
pulled the telephone toward him. He
called up the milliner's where Celia
Hart worked and asked that she be
sent ut once in taxicab to the Office
Of the Skiff BabcOck Trucking com
pany, and then he sat back and waited
nervously for her coming.
Tim Casey leaned against the Oppo-
site wall, white faced. with miserable
eyes
What girl would hesitate at choosing
between the plump. well dressed and
obviously rich proprietor and the shirt
sleeved truck driver?
He wished that he had knocked Skin
down when the suggestion was first
made. But Celia ought to have a
chance to better herself. Celia was a
lovely, bright creature. and the best
was none too good for her. But was
Skiff Babcock the best?
Celia should decide.
A half hour licked away, and at last
taxi drew up to the curb. and n slim.
black gowned form crowned with a
coral hat all askew few into the Office
and looked dazedly around.
whats happened to Jimmy" she
demanded brcathlessly.
Then her eyes fell upon Tim Casey.
standing there so grim and silent. and
she ran to him and flung herself on his
breast
"Ah, Jimmy. l thought YOU was
dead, or something!' she cried. "Whai
is the matter"
Skiff Bubcock stepped into small
adjoining room.
Tim Caseys great chest heav we'd. but
he did not unfold his arms to encircle
her
Cecilia" he said hoarsely. you're
promised to me. and I'm poor man
But suppose there was another man
rich and better'n me. Some one like
Skiff Babcock. Which would you
choose. eh? He's got an autymobile
and diamonds. and his wife could live
like lady"
Celia Hart shook bis shoulder vigor
ously Tin Casey. believe you're
sun struck or something. you act SC
qneer!''
would you, Cellar
did you call me away from trim
ruing my wedding hat-yes. sir. Tn
getting my hat at Nine. Moriarty's
with the best Of 'cm. and she set me
to trimming it myself. And you called
me away from that to ask me would
marry Skiff Babcockr
YES"
We'll you can take 1t from me that
wouldn't" declared Miss Hart cmphat
ically. mot II he rode in ten auty
mobiles at once and was sewed all OveI
, with diamonds. Now, come along will
nue. and take something for your SUI
| stroke" She dragged the beaming Tin
by one sleeve toward the outer door
wait minute. Celia" and he step
| red to the door of the inner room
You heard. Mr.. Babcock?'' he asket
of the still figure by the window.
Skiff Babcock turned pale. flabb!
lace toward him and nodded. =
1eard." he said hoarsely. "Go alon.
81 y ~