Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1917-06-28
LESSON IN DIPLOMACY
BY HARRISON CHASE.
s's"s"e"s"s"s"e"e"e "e'e'e"e"s"e"e"e"e"
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

II think that fighting is the most
horrible thing in the world" Doris At
kinson announced to Tom Stanton. II
believe in the peace-at-any-price pol
ICY"
Stanton smiled ever so slightly at
her words.
"Don't you think that sometimes it
is absolutely necessary to tight?' he
asked.
mo" She shook her head decisive
ly "There Is no reason in the world
why men should fight one another"
But supposing tramp or some
rough character should meet me on
country road and demand my money.
Wouldn't 1t be wise thing If l were
In a position to protect myself?"
"You could probably get better re-
suits by being kind to him." she re-
torted. "You could ask him to tell
you how he sank so low as to be
common theft"
"Yes, l could" He smiled grimly.
"But have faint idea that he would
be more interested in taking my purse
than he would in answering ques'
tions."
"It's all in the way you do it," she
said wisely. II have yet to meet a
man I couldn't handle by diplomacy"
The heavy roadster glided rhyth-
mically along the even road. Over
the rim of distant hill, glorious colors
streaked the sky, signifying the end
of perfect day. Tom blessed the
good fortune that had permitted him
to take Doris home in his car. The
long drive to GlenwOOd was almost
over; but Doris had promised to let
him see her again-and he was satis-
fed.
For time they drove along without
speaking. Gradually the sunset faded
until single star peeped out from the
darkening sky. Tom switched on the
lights.
"Well," he said finally, 81 was heavy
weight boxing champion in college,"
He stole glance at her. II hope that
doesn't make you like me any the
less"
II never said that l liked you at
ALL" she parried. "But l hope that
you'll forget your boxing lessons when
you're with me-"
The road sloped suddenly into a
deep valley. On both sides stretched
wood through which noisy stream
rippled. The glaring light from the
car blazed a path for them. The way
was deserted. But suddenly, when
they We're still about fifty yards from
the bridge, q man stepped out from
the shadow of the trees to the right.
Planting himself squarely in the mid
die of the road, he held up his hand.
Stanton threw on the brakes and came
to halt.
what Is it?" he asked.
Get out"
The stranger spoke harshly. He was
large man with full beard and evil
eyes. He spoke determinedly. His
voice was menaclng. Stanton refused
to permit himself to become alarmed.
"What do you want!" he asked.
never Illluu Whul L want. Aou oSs
out of that car" The stranger reached
into his pocket and drew forth some
thing which gllttered in the light from
the car.
Doris seized her companion's arm.
1--WE might just as well get OUT he
said. "The man is armed"
He stepped from the car, the girl
following Then he faced the tramp.
what next?" he asked.
Throw up your handsW
"And If l refuse"
"Pll shoot you."
The stranger raised his arm threat
eningly, and again the CLINT Of steel
flashed. Stanton, his eyes following
every move of the man before him,
suddenly smiled.
"Shoot!" he said.
"Oh, DON'T" Doris turned fear-flled
eyes to her companion.
Stanton spoke without taking his
eyes from the man.
DO you mind stepping aside for
moment, Miss Atkinson?" he asked. Il
can take care of this fellow easily"
He spoke confidently, and the girl,