The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1917-05-03
ne Village DlkJun
Oy A. W. pEAch.


He Was surprised. In the four
years Of what had been his quiet woO-
| ing Of her he had not seen her 50 ex-
cited or SO happy: instead she had
| seemed q calm little body. greeting
him on his evening calls with y gentle
friendiiness. Now she was vibrant
with some happiness OF spirit that
was reflected from her soul into her
eyes.
Jared. guess what's happened:
Hartley Shufner has come back"
Shafner returned-that and her
present happiness could have but one
meaning: an end to his wOOing. IN
end to his dream Of the time when
she would say Yes" to the question
lac had been waiting " ask.
Before he could form his answer
there WAS quick step OH the porch,
aud moment later he found himself
facing the cheerful. tanned face Of
Shafner.
Yes. I'm glad to get back" Shafner
said. smiling aud looking toward her,
and find people glad to see me. Co
ing to go. Jed? Yes. Ill be over and
see you"
coming spread and the entire village
knew that the cOurtship 1t had
watched with interest was over. Old
"Granther" Sparks, privileged because
Of his years aud his kindly nature.
summed the situation up when he said
to Jared: You're just u dreamer. lad.
an dreamers amt good for much in
this hustlin' world. Harris come back
with the mOney-made good with his
plantation. But jest the same. lad.
there's u pile on US who're glad you
stayed with us an the old man speak
in Is one"
just US Jared was closing his mill
tate that same afternoon, u stranger
cuIne In. short. thick, keen-eyed Eel
low. and asked to see him.
"Do you know anything about any
moneys placed in the hands Of u
Hartley Shafner for Investment; have
you given him any? My name is
Graves, and happen to be under the
responsibility Of tracing Mr.. Shafnes
aud arresting him"
"A detective?"
Eyes. Mr.. Shafner has secured
funds for fuke. and some Of the
people in this vicinity have been
touched. thought YOU might be one.
have the name of II party here. Can
you give me any Information concern
ing her?'
Jared stared at the name he offered
Miss Avery Stimson,"
Under Graves musk-like face q
shadOwy smile came and went us he
watched Jared.
Hes gone up to call on the lady
now, and I'm going to call on him
and arrest him!"
"Waft a moment" Jared said quiet.
ly. This means that the money is
gomez"
The other snorted. mot a CLINT Of
1t left"
Jared stood In thought while the de-
tective watched him with curious eyes.
Il wish if you could arrange 1t that
you would not arrest Shafner there /;
and moreover, can't bear to think Of
their little money gone; besides, she
thinks lot of him." Jared did not
see the detectives eyes widen In won
der. mo one in the village but Miss
StimsOn intrusted funds to him; SO
she won't find out through them. Now,
l want to turn over to you the three
thousand he took from her; and /
want you to arrange 1t so that she
gets 1t in his name."
Graves stared, then swOre softly.
"Of all the fool stunts! But I'll do as
you suggest. Is there anything else?"
Jared shook his head.
1t was long before he left the quiet
of his dingy. dusty mill office; SO he
did not see Shnfner and his ''city
friend" leave the village on the early
evening train.
Two days sized away in the fashion
that days have, but he did not venture
to visit the little cottage at the end
of the broad village street. He stayed
long In the mill Office, fussing with his
accounts, in appearance, but in reality
dreaming his old dreams over.
1t was on such an evening of dream
ing that friend passing by left his
meager mail. Among the first letters
he opened was this:
'Dear Sir-My business isn't to pre-
vent men from making fools of them
selves; it's to catch them after they
have. I'm making an exception In
your case. l have written Miss Slim
son the whole story. Yours,
GRAVES"
Jared gazed with astounded eyes at
the big scrawllng message.
In the midst Of his astoundment the
door of his office opened. CHANGING up
he saw the small, graceful figure of
| Avery. Her dark eyes were bright