Gilpin observer., 1919-10-09
AGame for
Three
i,
By A. W. PEACH
Copyright. 1919. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicats.)

$e~~s~~~s~~~~~s~~s~s
Copyright. 1919. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicats.)
Betsy Norcross. waiting In the den
Tor the return of her lover. knew by
the expression of his face that he had
met with disaster. He had gone into
the library where Mr.. and Mrs. Nor
cross were reading, and there he had
asked permission to wed the girl of
his choice, who happened to be their
bright-haired. blue-eyed daughter.
mo luck. Ray?" Betsy asked.
He sat down glumly. mot bit.
Your mother did the talking, and in
formed me that under no circumstances
was | to have you. She was willing
that we continue as friends. but as for
marriage-not bit OF It And she
made no bones of saying so. Then
your father agreed with her!"
~ can't understand father!" Betsy
said eXplosively. "He likes you. I
know; and all mother has against you
ls-is-well. dear. she thinks you
aren't blue-blooded enough, while I
| think" She snuggled herself beside
him by way of completing the SEN
| tence."
I'm hot blooded enough just now"
he answered. smiling family down
| into the petal-like uplifted face.
| Betsy, how can I ever. ever give you
up? Pain and longing were in his
voice.
She looked up at his worried. hun
cry eyes. and the rose deepened in
her cheeks. Mischief was In her glance
and meaning
"Do you have tor" she questioned.
He started as he caught her mean
Ing, and she felt his firm shoulder
quiver. You mean?" he asked. hope,
doubt and love mingled In his eyes.
"Why, my dear. do not intend to
tween me and you; so say. Let's
pack up and git ="
| He sprang to his feet and caught
her to him in n bearish hug "And
cantl simply can't give you up!
Wen skip-when?"
"Tonight," she said, wriggling loose
from his arms.
The quick brain that had made him
a valuable man in one Of the down.
town brokers' offices turned the possi-
bilities over once. Betsy, can you
manage to get Out-say, about nine
o'clock? That will give me time to
make arrangements" The fire died in
his eyes 1--WE can do 1t. I'll tele-
phone Mr.. Judson. an old minister
friend of mine. who lives about 20
miles out. But is 1t right by you"
She drew his face down to hers and
kissed him. Everybody trusts you ex-
cept mother; so folks will he with us.
AS for me. am willing to give myself
TO you and your care; and II you
don't take me-grab me now you have
a chance-I'll begin to believe you are
something of a cownrd"
| 1t was challenge. Ten minutes
later Elder was on his way to make
the arrangements. and she was saun-
tering serenely into the library, where
her mother sat reading, and where
her father came moment later. Betsy
wondered If he had been In posi-
tion to overhear the conversation in
| the den.
MY dear. am sorry. but Mr.. Elder
yOu," her mother said in her firm
way. 81 am sure your father agrees
with me-"
Her father peered over his paper.
Elder has fine reputation among
the men, but I am inclined to think he
lacks something the right sort of
man should have, and that Is nerve"
Mr.. Norcross said unsmiingly.
'Oh. is that so?" Betsy said, smiling.
Mother. do you agree"
"Well. ] have always thought he was
lacking In stamina" her mother an
swered.
Betsy went out. hiding her smiles.
81 wonder what they will think after
tonight?"
At nine o'clock she was ready,
slight, eager joyous figure, just where
the tall trees on the corner threw
their heavy shadows.
Elders quick. steady stride caught
her ear as he came up the almost de-
serted street. In a moment he was Mt
her side.
Betsy. the deuce Is to pay. Your
mother telephoned NOvells garage.
and Novel;. afraid he'd lose her trade.
wanted me to promise ! was not up to
anything. It's enough to drive man
mad. Now I've got In touch with
some downtown garage. It's a"
A car rolled softly to the curb. Par
don me, sir, but Is this Mr. Elder? !
am from Novell's garage. He told me
to tell you that he had changed his
mind. and that ! am under your or