, 1919-10-09
AGame for
Three
4.
BY A. W. PEACH

Betsy Norcross, waiting in the den
for the return of her lover. knew by
the expression of his face that he had
met with disaster. He had one into
the library where Mr.. and Mrs. Nor
cross were reading. n there he had
asked permission to wed the girl of
his choice. who happened to be their
brlght-haired. blue-eyed daughter.
N luck. Ray?" Betsy asked.
He sat down glumly. Not q 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 a hit of It'll And she
made no bones of saying so. Then
your father agreed with her!"
81 can't understand fatherl" Betsy
said explosively. Fl likes you. ]
know; and all mother has against you
is-is-well, dear, she thinks you
aren't blue-blooded enough, while I
think" She snuggled herself beside
him by way of completing the sem
tence."
I'm hot blooded enough just now"
he answered. smiling family down
into the petal-like uplifted face.
Betsy. how can l ever. ever give you
up?' Pain and longing were in his
voice.
She looked up at his worried. hun
cry eyes. and the rose d%eepened in
her cheeks. Mischief was In her glance
and meaning.
ano won bovo IN op cha questioned
He started as he caught her mean
ing, and she felt his firm shoulder
CULVER. You meant" he asked, hope,
doubt and love mingled in his eyes.
"Why, my dear. I do not intend to
let my mothers prejudice come be-
tween me and you: so I say, Let's
pack up and gitl +"
He sprang to his feet and caught
her to him in a bearish hug. "And I
can'tl 1 simply can't give you upl
Wen skip-when?"
Tonight" she said, wriggling loose
from his arms.
The quick brain that had made him
a valuable man in n of the down.
town brokers' offices turned the posi-
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. I'VE can do it. I'll tele-
phone Mr.. Judson. an old minister
friend of mine, who lives about 20
miles out. But is it right by your
She drew his face down to hers and
kissed him. Everybody trusts o ex-
cept mother; so folks will be with us.
AS for me. I am willing to give myself
to you and your care: and If you
don't take me-grab me now you have
a chance-In begin to believe you are
something Of a coward"
1t was a 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 q oment later. Betsy
wondered If he had been in a posi-
ton to overhear the conversation in
the den.
my dear, | am sorry, but Mr.. Elder
will not do. / have betetr hopes for
you." her mother said in her firm
way. AZ am sure your father agrees
with me-"
Her father peered over his paper.
ELDER a a fine reputation among
the men. but l am inclined to think he
lacks something the right sort of
a man should have, and that is nerve"
Mr.. Norcross SAID unsmilingly.
oh. is that so?' Betsy said, smiling.
"Mother. do you agree?"
"Well, I have always thought he was
lacking In stamina her mother an
swered.
Betsy went out. hiding her smiles.
"T wonder what they will think after
tonight?"
AT nine O'Clock she was ready. a
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 he was at
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 n 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? 1
am from Novell's garage. He told me
to tell you that he had changed his
mind. and that ! am under your or
ders. SIR the husky voice of the
driver said.
One moment for thought and Elder
acted. He lifted Betsy into the car.
gave the directions to the driver. The
powerful motor whispered a little, and
they rolled nff into the dusk on their
adventure.
Elder gathered the slight figure be-
side him into the shelter OF n protect