Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1917-07-05
GIRL FROM HANKINSVlLE|
BY EARL REED SILVERS.

last OF the rapids and was guided cas-
lily to the wooded bank.
THAT is Hankinsville," remarked
Vincent Rossell, indicating cluster of
white houses about half q mile down
the river. II have letter of introduc-
ton to q girl who lives there. She's
| a fourth or fifth cousin of mine.''
Austin Livingstone smiled.
You. seem to have a cousin in every
port" he remarked. "But this time
you haven't anything on me. I once
knew 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 intro
duced. She said, however, that she
came from Hankinsville. I expected
to look her up the next day, but I 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 Vinceat
glanced at his watch. "The girl I'm
hunting for is Doris Osborn, but we'll
never find her if 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.
Supper was eaten and the dishes
washed and slowed away before an.
other thirty minutes had passed. Then
logged out in all the finery Of their
best camping-trip clothes, the two men
made their way to Hankinsville.
The village was situated on the banP
Of the Delaware rivera group of spot
lessly clean houses clustered together
on the top of hill. In the very cen
ter, facing the river, stood a typical
summer hotel with the 7illage store
and post office opposite.
"Well step in and ask the postmas
ter where the Osborns live" Vincent
announced. HE'LL probably be able tt
tell us better than anyone else.''
They stood for a moment on the steps
leading to the store. From the hote
opposite came the sound of merry
voices, and as they watched bevy OF
summer girls strolled arm in arm dowr
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
Doris?" he asked. cit seems to me wee
have a better time if we spent The
night at the hotel.'
"Well, We'll see."
Vincent's eyes were turned interest
edly down the road leading away from
the river and Austin's glance followed
the direction of his gaze. Coming
toward them he spied girl dressed il
some sort Of shimmering green. Hel
hair was the color Of golden rod in the
late autumn and her arms and necl
by the summer sun.
II have a presentiment," said Vim
cent suddenly, "that that girl is Doris
Osborn
eff it u.s." Austin answered, II dom
think We'll bother about the hotel
after ALL
They moved to one side as the CIR
reached the steps. She glanced at then
as she passed, and nodded pleasantly
Vincent entered the store.
I'D like the Osborn MAIL" he heart
her say.
Without waiting for the postmaster.
answer, he hurried out to the porch.
"It's her." he announced with thu
careless disregard Of the rules of gram
mar.
The girl reappeared, batch Of let
terS in her hand. The two men watched
as she sorted them eagerly, selecting
three which she placed in small satir
handbag on her arm. She walked lei
surely 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.
II beg your pardon" he said wher
he had reached her side, "but my name
is Vincent Rossell."
She looked at him inQuiringIy, with
the hint of a 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. care you
trying to f1irt with me?'
He flushed ever so slightly.
mo, indeed" he protested earnestly
II believe that I have something fol
you"
He fshed hastily into the inner
pocket Of his coat and drew forth a tat.
tered letter addressed to Miss Doris
Osborn.
"Will you please read this?" he
asked.
She took the envelope and looked al
it curiously. For moment she hest.
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