Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1920-08-18
An
Incongruous Role
By ALVAH J. GARTH
An
- 1'~HS~~SS1SO~~DO
Copyright, 1920, Western Newspaper Uni,
nd beautiful Won saw

. F.. al r
Barely eighteen. Oh, Dexter! you
must meet Verda Burton to appreciate
real loneliness"
anything to alleviate the dullness
Of the old place here"
"You will not complain on that
score when the summer home people
begin to arrive. AS to Miss Burton,
know you will like her and, conf
dentially, she is quite as much inter
ested in you.
Pretty Estelle Lang glanced side,
long at her handsome brother as she
spoke. Verda was beloved college
chum, one of their set, and might
cure Dexter Of his tendency to rove
when the impulse seized him. The
young man since his graduation had
done little but travel. Brazil, Alaska,
Labrador-he chose odd and long trips
and his people often saw nothing of
him for six months at time.
Il shall be gone all day to see
Aunty Virginia." said Estelle, "and
will need the chauffeur and the linn
CUISINE You can put in the day with
the runabout and fishing, suppose"
"Don't worry about me while there
are woods to explore and new birds
and flowers to get acquainted WITH"
replied Dexter. II think If I followed
my bent ! would be naturalist"
"You look one with that hideous
coat Of tan on you and wearing the
corduroy outing suit that you say has
been through Death Valley and the
mining reaches Of Nome. Really. Dex-
ter you must get more in touch with
civilization before the Season begins
II am rather proud of my sturdy
health and strength, Estelle," replied
Dexter. They have carried me through
tests that show what real man Is
capable. Of"
EstelIe had been gone for az hour
when the telephone rang. A servant
started to answer 1t but Dexter an
ticipated her.
II will attend to the CALL. he said
and took up the receiver. .Ross-
merer he spoke. Eyes, and this Is
Miss Burton? I will take the message,
please
wort You ask Miss Lang r she
can spare me her chauffeur for an
hour Of two? Our own has left US
and I cannot drive the machine my
self"
Dexter's eyes sparkled. Here was
the opportunity Of seeing the para
gon Of beauty his sister had so boast
ed of. and under circumstances which
would afford him chance to scan
and study her under an assumed ide0-
tity.
In his rough and ready attire Dex-
ter would pass very well for an av-
erage chauffeur. When he arrived at
Rossmere he reported to a servant
that he had come on exigency service
for Miss Burton, explained what It
was and he was taken to the garage
and 90 instructions brought the family
car around to the drive.
Miss Burton came up to II and Dex-
ter WIS repaid for the trouble he was
undertaking as he observed that she
was truly creature to admire Her
tone was kind and gracious as she
entered the machine, naming several
places in the next town which she
wished to visit The servant had
placed a basket and several parcels
in the auto, and from word or two
passed between maid and mistress
Dexter was made aware that Miss
Burton was bent upon mission to
the sick and needy.
It took about an hour to deliver her
bounty at the poor places she WIS.,
tied and then the return journey was
begun. Less than a mile out Of the
town. turning curve the machine
was put out Of commission by deep
rut. Dexter alighted and ascertained
the damage done.
II shall have to get back TO town
before we can 60 on" he advised
Miss Burton. "If you don't mind,
would you remain in the machine I'M
til I returnY
II can pass the time very pleasant
ly reading" replied verda with
sweet patience that made her seem
more beautiful than ever to Dexter.
He was back at the automobile within
an hour. He was quite startled as
he noticed a book lying on the ground
and no sign Of his FUR passenger,
though beyond some trees he caught
sight of some moving forms Swiftly
he sped in that direction. It was to
come upon coterie Of tramps. Pale
and affrighted, near to them stood Miss
Burton. Her captors were appraising
and dividing the contents of her hand
bag and had taken from her all her
rings and her watch and necklace.
Dexter Lang prepared for rush
and made his quarry. BE acted the
superb athlete that he was. The
nnprepared and astonished pilferers
went down like wooden men. In full
enjoyment of the scrimmage Dexter
sent them speeding from the spot IN
vivid dread, after he had mauled them
to his hearts content and recovered
their plumber.
II should not have left yOu alone.
Miss Burton" spoke Dexter.
II am only trifie faint said
verda, taking his arm as they started.
for the stalled machine. "And on!
Mr.. Lang, what splendid work you
have done in my behalf!"
aYou seem to know me" stammefed