The courier-index., 1920-11-12
aI4 a ~-ssw'
The Friend, Indeed
By ROSE TRAVIS
Id. 1920. Western Newspaper Union'I

of the house uecIueuiy SA"fN ~ settled expression upon his honest open face.
 Amy Robbins clasped her hands nervously as Thorpe shook his heaa rather gloomily and sighed. "l don'C measure up to your fathers require ments. Amy" he observed. "whlch means no engagement allowed. and therefore our marriage indefinitely postponed. Plainly, he thinks my rrospects do not justify our union un- n, have a permanent position and Eomething saved up."
 But ohl Willis, we could live on so little l exclaimed Amy.
 "That would not be justice to you, dear. No, he is right but l nave certain idea in view I told him noth- inq about. I have learned that a for est preserve officer is to be appointed for this district at a salary that would lift us far beyond your fathers re- strictions. am going to try ana get 1t. don't want the matter stirred up' for few know of the political plum soon to be offered. If they oio l would be crowded out in the rusn. l have some good letters to men or note and influence at Springfield, ana I am going to put in two weeks ooWn there pulling wires and trying 10 land the appointment"
 "Oh! Willis. do hope you get UT
 q understand that Senator Rossiter could have a good deal to say aDout it. but I haven't as yet found anybody who knows him."
 q shall be so lonely while you are gone."
 "Well. there is your bosom friend, Carrie Trevor, to comfort you and that new prospective beau of hers, Martin Hood, will act as cavalier for you both when occasion requires"
 "Oh I shall stay strictly at home and just think of you all of the time" declared Amy Loyalty.
 Thorpe fortified himself with his letters of introduction and commenda- ton and few hundred dollars he had saved, and left for the state capital the next day. Political tactics were something foreign to his experience, but he was keen witted and in a day or two was quite posted as to the mysteries and manipulation of lobby ing and the like. He felt himself for tunate when one day he was intro duced to a man named Seth Price. The go-between who brought about this apparently important acqualnt- anceship assured Thorpe that the fine dinner he bought him and a sum or money he loaned him comprised well deserved consideration.
 "Price will fit you out, sure. He understands all the ropes and always lands his client" declared the man. "Just follow his orders, tip him a couple of hundred for his help and you've bought splendid position cheap"
 There was a week of hopeful an- ticipation, of many promises, of daily variety and activity for Thorpe. Then one day an honest man informed him that he was wasting both time and money, for Price had no real infiu- ence, and was deceiving him.
 Thorpe was disappointed, almost discouraged. Then his aunt wrote him letter that upset him greatly. She was naturally shrew and a trouble maker, as he we'll knew, but she injected a poison into a certain dark insinuation she made that aroused Thorpe's jealousy and caused him no little unhappiness.
 That young fellow, Martin Hood, whom everybody supposed was the special beau of Carrie Trevor, is show ing a great deal more attention to Amy than to his supposed lady love. You had better be getting home, Will lis, if you do not wish to lose Amy. for they are together nearly all of the time"
 Thorpe was pretty gloomy all the way home on the train, divided be- tween worry about his disappOint- ment and over Amy. It was twilight as he passed the Robbins home. Thorpe caught sight of two familiar figures there in the garden-Amy and young Hood. She held his hand and was looking up into his face as if betoken. ing the deepest emotion. If they were only friends, they acted as though very dear to one another.
 Hood was all excitement, as though greatly pleased with something. He patted Amy on the arm familiarly.
 Pardon me for intruding," Thorpe spoke harshly, "but it appears to me that some explanation is due me right here and now"
 To his astonishment, instead of em barrassment at detection, confusion over untimely discovery, "the guilty twain" ran towards him all smiles anC exultant.
 "Oh, WilIisl" chirped Amy gayly "such news !"
 Congratulate me upon my sue cess" cried Hood, extending his hand
 "Just think. Willis" huttered Amy "after you were gone learned tha