The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-09-16


the arrangements. and she was saun-
tering serenely into the library. where
her mother sat reading. and where
her father came a moment 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. ST am sure your father agrees
with me-"
'Elder has q fine reputation among
the men, but I am inclined TO think he
lacks something the right sort of
a man should have, and that is nerve, I"
Mr.. Norcross said unsmilingiy.
%Oh, is that so?" Betsy said, smiling.
Mother, do you agreeT"
sWelI, have always thought he was
lacking in stamina" her mother an
swered.
Betsy went out, hiding her smiles.
ct 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 moment he was at
her side.
'Betsy, the deuce is to pay. Your
mother telephoned Novell's garage
and Novel;, afraid he'd lose her trade,
wanted me to promise 1 was not up to
anything. It's enough to drive a 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.. Elder7 ]
am from NovelI's garage He told me
to tell you that he had changed his
mind, and that I 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 of into the dusk on theiI
adventure.
Elder gathered the slight figure be
side him into the shelter Of a protect
ing arm, and he whispered into one
small ear: Betsy, we are on the way
Novel; evidently had a change Of heart
But If anywhere along you have the
least doubt, say the word and we viii
turn back"
She pressed a cool cheek against
his. 81 am with you, dear. to the very
end Of this ride and all the years !"
The big car whispered rapidly
through the quiet residential streets
picked up speed as the country roads
were reached, and soon was speeding
to its destination bearing with It two
serenely happy hearts, who, because Of
the love between them and the happi-
ness nearing, had no question Of the
future
Only one fear remained with Elder.
Mrs. NOrcroSs in her determined. tena-
cious way might have reached out in
some other way to wreck the plans she
as the lights of Canton showed faint
~ in the distance and the car sped to-
ward them the fear passed.
In half an hour the fear had gone
for Elder found himself in Mr.. Jud-
sons library, the rOsy-cheeked. golden
haired girl beside him.
Mr.. Judson smiled at them. I'VE
shall have to locate another witness
. Mrs. Judson was called away sudden
". My housekeeper will serve as one
I will see if"
1--WE don't want TO wait, Mr.. Jud
son, really. Why-why not ask the
chauffeur?" she queried. turning to
Raymond.
I'll call him." the housekeeper said
! hustling out
A moment later the door opened and
the driver stepped in, his low-ftting