Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1917-05-26
LESSON IN DIPLOMACY
BY HARRISON CHASE.

II think that fighting IL the most
horrible thing In the world" Doris At
kinson announced TO Tom Stanton. Il
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 fightT he
asked.
"No." 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 a
country road and demand my money.
Wouldn't it be wise thing If were
in a position to protect myselfl -
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 a
common thiefT'
"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-
TONS"
"It's all in the way you do It," she
said wisely. 81 have yet to meet a
man couldn't handle by diplomacy"
The heavy roadster ghded rhyth-
mically along the even road. Over
the rim of distant hill, glorious colors
streaked the sky, signifying the end
of a 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 salts
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. Il hope that
doesn't make you like me any the
less"
Il never said that i liked you at
ALL" she parted. 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 a noisy stream
rippled. The glaring light from the
car blazed a path for them. The way
was deserted. But suddenly, when
they were still about fifty yards from
the bridge, a 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 itF" he asked.
"Get out"
The stranger spoke harshly. He was
large man with full beard and evil
eyes. He spoke determinedly. His
voice was menacing. Stanton refused
to permit himself to become alarmed.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Never mind what 1 want. You get
out of that car" The stranger reached
into his pocket and drew forth some
thing which glittered in the light from
the car.
Doris seized her companions arm.
"We might just as well get out" he
said. "rhe man is armed"
He stepped from the car, the girl
following. Then he faced the tramp.
"What next?" he asked.
"Throw up your handsl"
"And if 1 Refused"
'I'll shoot you"
The stranger raised his arm threat
enlngly, and again the CLINT of steel
flashed. Stanton, his eyes following
every move of the man before him,
Suddenly smiled.
shoot" he said.
ooh, don't!" Doris turned fear-hlled
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,
sensing his confidence, stepped to the
side of the car.
"Put your hands up, 1 tell YOU" The
tramp advanced threateningly.
Then something happened. A hard
fist struck his hand and knocked 1t
upward; something which felt like a