Omaha daily bee., 1918-08-13
CHAPTER II.-(Continued)

CHAPTER Ir.-(Continued)
lanes Blaisdell stopped abruptly.
Bessis Biaisdell and the little dress
maker cooked their heads interestedly.
Mra. Blaisdell rose to her feet and
advanced toward the steps to meet
tho man coming up the walk
Ha was tall, rather slender man,
with ! close-cropped, sandy beard,
and m dir of diffidence and apology,
AZ he took off his hat and came
nearer. II was seen that his eyes were
blue ana friendly, and that his hair
was reddish-brown, and rather scanty
on top Of his head.
II am looking for Mr. Blaisdell--.
MI. James BAisdell," he murmured
hesitatingly.
Something in the strangers defer
entail manner sent warm glow OF
Importance to the wonnan's heart.
Mrs. Blaisdell was suddenly reminded
that she was Mrs. James D. Blaisdell
81 the west side.
Il am Mrs. Blaisdell," she replied a
bit pompously, What can we do for
you, my good mana" She swelled
again, half unconsciously. She had
never called person .my good man
before. She rather liked the expert.
ence.
The man on the steps coughed
slightly behind his hand--a sudden
spasmodic little cough. Then very
gravely he reached into his pocket
and produced letter.
From Mr.. Robert Chalmers--a
note to your husbad," he bowed, pre-
senting the letter.
a look OF gratifed surprise came
into the woman's face.
Mr.. Robert Chalmers of the Firsr
National! Jimp She turned to her
husband joyously. Here's note
lrom Mr.. Chalmers. Quick-read itf
Her husband, already on his feet
whisked the sheet of paper from the
unscaled envelope and adjusted his
Rlasses. A moment later he held ou,
3 cordial hand to the stranger.
sAh, Mr.. Smith, I'm glad to see
ycu. I'm glad to see any friend o.
Bob Chalmers. Come up and si'
down. My wife and children, and my
sister, Miss Blaisdell. Mr.. Smith, la.
dies--Mr. John Smith" (Glancing al
the open note in his hand. "Iie i:
sent to US by Mr.. Chalmers of .ht
First National"
''Yes, thank you. Mr.. Chalmers wa'
20 kind" Still with that Difference Sc
delightfully."- heart-warming, the new
conner bowed low to the ladies, ant
made his way to the offered chair. :"
will explain at once my business" h
said then. Il am genealogist."
whats thats" 1t was an cage
question from Benny on the verand;
railing. PA isn't anything, but ma
! Congregationalist."
Hush, childp protested duet o
feminine voices softly; but the stran
\ ger. apparently ignoring the interrup
tion, continued speaking.
Il am gathering material for boo
y On the Blaisdell family"
"The Blaisdell family" repeate,
Mr.. James Blaisdell. with cordial in
tercst.
"Yes." bowed the other. at is m.
purpose to remain some time in you
Z Town. I am told there are valuabl
records here, and an old buryin
ground Of particular interest in thi
connection. The neighboring town.
too, have much Blaisdell data, un
derstand. AS said, am intending t
make this place my headquarters, an
am looking for an attractive board
ing place. Mr.. Chalmers was goo
enough to refer ME to you"
ITO us--for a boarding place
There was an unmistakable frown O
Mrs. James D. Blaisdell's countenanc
is she said the words. Well. I'm sur
don't see why he should. We don
keep boardersp
"But, Hattie, we could.' interpose
her husband eagerly. There's tn;
big front room that we don't nee
" Bit. And it would help a lot if
Al the wrathful warning in his wife
eyes he fell back silenced.
II said that we didn't keep boarS
ers," reiterated the lady .distinctl.
.Furthermore. we do need Nhe rooi
ourselves"
aYes, yes, OF course; understand
broke in Mr.. Smith, as If in hast
ronciIiation. Il think Mr.. Chalmel
meant that perhaps one OF you"-
Re glanced uncertainty at the anxiou
eyed little woman at his left-"migl
accommodate me. Perhaps yo
Row He turned his eyes full upo
~ Miss Flora Blaisdefl, and waited.
"a The little dressmaker blushed pail
Y fully.
-sMe? Oh, mercy, no! Why. ! liy
III alone--that is, | mean, | couldn'
you know she stammered confuseS
u. II dressmake. and don't get a