Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-03-21
The
Air Lane
Copyright. 1919. By wester, Newspaper Uaiso,
By RALPH HAMILTON

Copyright. 1919. By Western Newspaper Uaiso.)
I've had too much experience with
runaway couples, love sick SWANS and
romantic demoiselles to take any risks
with my. own daughter, Elida," an
neunced Judge Cyrus Barnes with q
cocksure chuckle Of confidence and su-
periOrity. Remember. am known as
the marrying justice, and the name
fits"
There was some basis to the boast
full claims Of the father of pretty Elida
Barnes. Year in, year out for full
decade he had been elected and re-
elected to the office of magistrate. He
was not much Of legal luminary, but
he was shrewd. had smattering of
court usage and brought revenue to
the Gown. Speeders were his special
prey, marriage licenses were easy of
acquisition in Rockton, and for that
quiet little burg Judge Barnes won
the distinction Of verita0le modern
.Grctnu Green.
The judge had made money out OF
his Office, and through fortunate in
vestments had come to live ut the edge
Of the village in an old mansion he had
bought ut bargain. He WAS IL wild
over and his sole cnre was his only
child. Elidn. Upon her he had lavished
money freely. She was charming
young lady Of eighteen with q will of
her own, but respectful and Obedient
toward her father ON all occasions.
The judge had planned out her future
and had taade Elida aware of its de-
tails. He intended when she was
twenty-one to give her fortune and
husband. He had in view Rodney
Parker, the son Of his oldest friend,
young man, however, whom Elida not
only disliked but despised.
With all his provision and prudence
Judge Barnes had committed capital
mistake. 1t had been necessary to have
witnesses to the marriages he per
formed, and Elida and the old house
Keeper were often called in to perform
that function. There is no love like
the ardent. impetuOus love Of clippers
when it first blares forth, and an at
Inosphere Of the most delicious roman
ticism enveloped these truant COM
pacts. Elida saw genuine heroes and
heroines in these runaway matches.
All the brides were young and lovely,
all the young men chevaliers and
knights errant. Elida could not have
had more sentimental training in
what to her was II delightful episode
In human life, though to her father
business, pure and simple.
The result was that when Elida be-
gan to go to parties like other girls,
the first young man who aroused her
interest became her idol forthwith.
Vernon Clare well deserved her appro-
baton. He was an aviator in training,
though not In service, at field about
fifty miles from Kockton, who came
home to visit II married sister twice q
and as many times week af-
Elitln.
"N;ppcd in the bad !" proclaimed the
judge TO his spinster sister one day,
and he clackcd his tongue und
and fancied he had reached
The actnc Of eisdom, prudence and
scene. The judge had come upon his
daughter and Glare in the garden COO
ing like two loving doves. Perempto-
rily he had ordSed Clare from the
place, mandatorially he had directed
IHida 10 go to her room and not leave
1t until he had given her permission.
There was mournful week for the
Borrowing little creature who loved so
sweetly. The judge never did things
by halves, he vauntlngly declared
that no man should steal his child
away from himr" Aunt Tabitha. who
hated all mankind. never allowed Elida
ont of her sight when in the wa!led-in
garden. The hired man of the place
was paid extra to Turk about and re-
port the first indication Of the baffied
lover about the place. Even Rodney
Parker was impressed into service and
patrolled the garden armed
with big horse pistol for several
nights.
This Elida learned was caution and
for sending her away for
, year to select seminary which was
almost q prison. For the first time In