The Harrison times., 1917-04-14
SQUARING ACCOUNTS
BY KEITH KENYON.

company about our mortgage. They
don't want the interest this time,
They're after the entire amount or the
farm. They must know your Uncle
Toms away and won't be home for a
month. don't know what to do. He
always attends TO these things Oh,
dear"
Donothy's pretty face was sober.
Don't you see how II is, Aunt Polly?
It's as clear as day. Mr.. Wakefield
is at the head OF the Realty company
and he is interested in all the oil
leases around us. This is his chance!
Isn't It hateful" She stamped her
foot with indignation.
Il guess that's about right, Dor.
othy. It's the oil wish Tom was
home to see the man when he comes.
The letter says their representative
will be here tomorrow to look over
the situation. That means, suppose.
he's to 60 back and tell them the best
place to put down wells"
Never mind, suntie. Let me dream
over it and III be sure to find way
out by tomorrow"
Comforted somewhat by her niece's
assurance, Mrs. Lenhart started TO
pare apples for pies. Suddenly Dor
othy had an inspiration. Let me
bake the pies, auntie, won't you?"
"C1,tsin'v dearie. Id be glad II
you would. | want 10 ~. md to some
other things before our company
comes"
But Dorothy had another inspira-
ton, and it ended by her coaxing her
aunt to spend the day with a relative
Anxious to convey her news to SYM
pathizing listeners, Mrs. Lenhart was
not hard to persuade.
So Mrs. Lenhart drove away and
Dorothy laughed a wicked little laugh
that means mischief for someone.
When Stewart Martin arrived at
the farm the next day he was visibly
pleased at the greeting of Mrs. Len
hart and her very pretty niece. 1t
was dinner time and the most delecta-
BILE smells came from the kitchen.
which added to his contentment.
Dorothy cooked the dinner"
beamed her aunt. She doesn't often
take notion, so l hope you'll feel
sufficiently fattered"
He bowed his acknowledgment. Il
am. indeed, Miss Dorothy. If things
taste as good as they look, you are
ready for diploma"
Dorothy Redeemed. Then she sud
denly left the table. I'm not hungry,
auntie II have headache. Please
go ahead and eat
After the first mouthful OF food,
Aunt Polly's expression changed from
one Of worry to chagrin. What was
the matter with the chicken? Dorothy
had evidently emptied the salt crock
and pepper box on it. But hasty
bit of potato proved the contrary. A
goodly portion Of salt, pepper and a
suspicion Of sugar had also fallen to
their lot. The beets, peas and even
preserves and the pie had been ruined
with salt.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Martin. Dorothy
hoe avid ho N litfla ipla OF uour
expense. If you'll wait, III get you
some bread and butter and preserves
and cup of tea"
But the gentleman had lost his ap-
petite and declined with thanks. Il
think III look over the farm a bit, If
you don't mind"
Dorothy did not appear all after.
noon--nor at the evening meal, which
her aunt got herself.
But how was his hostess to know
that he slept on the floor all night,
after a vain attempt to clear his bed
Of sand and Spanish needles?
At dawn he was dressed and out
Tired and discouraged, he determined
to leave at the earliest opportunity.
Then he saw the cause Of all his trou-
BILE milking a cow in the barnyard and
looking like a picture in pink ging-
ham.
He hesitated an instant. Then an
odd look came into his eyes. I've
always been known to get even, Miss
Dorothy" he said, coming up behind
her, and as she turned in surprise he
stopped, caught her face in hiS hands
and kissed her first on one cheek and
then the other.
She sprang up furious. "You cow
ard"
He smiled tolerantly. when peo-
pie act like children they should be
treated as such. It's no crime surely
to kiss a child
What do you mean
THAT I'm so full of sand | could
ground a ship and so full of water
after the salty dinner ! could aoat it
off again"
She had to laugh Then she bit her
lip, provoked. But it was too late for
dignity.
But you're so mean to come here
and try to steal unclss farm when
he's away"
You're in wrong someway Miss
Dorothy, Your uncle seut me here to
look over the ground and locate good
places for wells I'm an oil expert,
~, ,,ol,n ,o ,,,,I,, hIa eo.,uno gor