Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-07-31
Shared
BY ]. v. GIESY 4 J. B. SMITH
Authors OF Semi.Dual Stories
Copyright.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.


Dual smiled. and now the inscruta.
BILE quality which marked the spread
OF his lips at times was lacking II
was v-open-compassio
smile.
Miss Lawton," he responded, "the
action of one who loves truly should
never seem foolish to one who knows
that sincere love Is the handspring Of
universal creation. Against the mach
nations Of social parasites there is
but one protection, and that society
must take.
1T is education Ignorance is not
as once thought, innocence Miss Law.
ton. Ignorance Is danger unsensed,
no more. Innocence is purity Of
thought and action, linked with know
ledge; trinity which can make the
soul blossom like flower, even in a
night Of sim"
For a moment no one spoke. For
q moment 1.-The full, rich tones of
Duaps voice seemed to echo in the
room. Then Sheldon chuckled slight.
~. "They used to tell me that ;g.
corance was bliss" said he.
Ignorance is danger" replied Dual.
Ignorance causes more suffering,
bodily and mental, than any other
thing. Ignorance of the Law makes us
malefactOr in its sight lgnOl ance
OF cause makes us tie victim Ut re.
suit"
Il reckon" grinned the colonel,
Ignorance of what you was dom
was what put this bunch of rustlers
on the blink, all right Ignorance
sure threw jolt into them they won't
get over in hurry"
glanced at Lucille and smiled. De-
spite the wonderful work of Dual
could not help but feel certain
amusement at the personal note which
the colonel threw into the matter
She seemed to sense my meaning. for
she NODDED.
They are unfortunately very
strong and closely guarded organiza
tion," she returned to Sheldon. Il
hardly feel that they will be greatly
affected by the little we have done"
Exactly" Dual assented, sprink
ling sugar over his breakfast of ber-
Yies. Our little engagement is a mere
skirmish. Our victory here will be no
more than the slightest pin prick to
their evil might They have lost one
or two OF their mercenary soldiers. no
more"
started. wondered what he
meant. But even then did not dream.
A sob from Lilly Lawton changed the
tenor of my thoughts.
She was sitting with downcast eyes,
eating practically nothing. Lucille put
out hand and patted her arm.
I'VE ought not to talk any more
about It," she suggested But here
is something for you to consider
Colonel Sheldon. This little girl must
have some clothing before she starts
home. think I'll take her shopping
this afternoon"
You bet" agreed Sheldon, thrust
Ing a hand into his pocket and drag
sing out pletAoxic wallet Get her
anything she needs, an il this isn't
enough, | got more. She's my girl
from now on, an you get her what
ever is right, Miss Foote." With the
air of lord comforting largess, he
tossed the wallet to Lucille.
For the second time Lily sobbed,
you're also so-go0d," she burst
out Il never dreamed there were
men like Homer Reich! And now
Colonel Mac says I'm to go home with
him--but how can /? Everybody
who knew me will point at me and
say | was the girl these people stole.
on. l don't know what to DO"
she paused and dropped her face
against Lucille.
"Do?" roared Sheldon. You'll 70
home, an II anybody with loose
tongue lets 1t get to Vaughn, I'll put
pepper on 1t fore they can close their
trap. An as fer you havin' done any
thing to deserve this here trouble, you
didn't. Things jest happen sometimes
an"
"You are wrong, colonel" Dual In.
terrupted Things do not just hap
pen, and Miss Lawton has done some.
think to bring her fate upon her. She
has created Karma, which induced
juStth thing"
"She's what?" exclaimed Sheldon.
Lucille Foote lauehed--a soft little
laugh Of delight "You delicious be.
Ian - aha ssid sOftlv. with her eyes on