Baxter Springs news., 1917-10-04
LESSON IN DIPLOMACY
BY HARRISON CHASE.

NA-s-s-ss-s-s-s.s-s.s..s. = 49, e
II think that lighting Is 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 II
is absolutely necessary to hghtT he
asked.
"No." She shook her head decisive
". "There Is no reason in the world
why men should fght one another"
But supposlng q tramp or some
rough character should meet me on
country road and demand my money.
Wouldn't II be O wise thing II / were
In position to protect myselff"
"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 30 low as to be a
common theft"
Eyes, / could" He smiled grimly.
"But have faint idea that he would
be more interested In taking my purse
than he would in answering Ques-
uons."
"It's all in the way you do IT," she
said wisely. II have yet TO meet q
man couldn't handle by diplomacy"
The heavy roadster glIded rhyth'
mically along the even road. over
the rim Of a distant hill. glorious colors
streaked the sky, slgnlfying 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 a 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, II was heavy
weight boxing champion in college"
he stole a glance ut her. II hope that
doesn't make you like Inc any the
less"
II never said that / liked you at
ALL" she parried. "But ! 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
cur 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 q 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 menacing. Stanton refused
to permit himself TO become alarmed.
"What do you want?' he asked.
"Never mind what 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.
I'VE 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 nextT he asked.
Throw up your handsl"
"And II refuse"
"I'll 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.
ouOOl1 NC Suiu'
"Oh, don'tp Doris turned fear-hlled
eyes to her companion.
Stanton spoke without taking MS
eyes from the man.
do you mind stepping aside for
Miss AtkInson2" he asked. y
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, I tell you" The
tramp advanced threateningly.
Then something happened. A hard
fist struck his hand and knocked II
upward; something which felt like
club slammed into his face. With
groan the would-be EObber sank to the
ground.