The Lamar register., 1920-02-11

Inc newly Stlttlcu 49,
Merton stood looking dismally across
n barren expanse of meadow, sparseiy
sheltered inside of board structure,
one end OF which was entirely exposed
TO the elements
He had been Informed by letter Dy
his new parishioners that he would
be met by wagon or by a light hand-car
which twice day brought freight. and
sometimes passengers, from Merton
along a seven-mile abandoned narrow
gauge spur. Neither wagon nor hand
car had appeared, and almost with re-
sentiment Rev. joel Mannierre stood
Viewing the unfamiliar landscape.
He ran out into the middle Of the
road and waved his arms as an auto
mobile driven by pleasant-fnceu
young man. very charming girl Of
about seventeen at his side slowed up
please excuse me-" spoke the for
lorn one, but | am stranger anu
was to have been met here by some
body. am the new pastor of the Mer-
ton church. Can you direct me how
to reach that town.
why. jump right in!" cried Alan
Ware. open-heartedly.
Il think | understand spoke up Lu-
ellie Durland. ave passed wagon
broken down In rut some ways down
the road. and II must he the one dele
gated to see that you were taken care
Of"
AS II is, make yourself comfortable
In the back seat and we will get you to
welcome and comfort in u jiny" said
Alan. II am not much Of church
man. but Lucille. here, has devoutness
enough to make up for whole neg
lectful community"
II was very plain TO Reverend Man
Mere that he was in the company of
two heartsome beings. very much In
love with each other.
Lucille told him lot as to his new
charge. and the clergyman warmed to-
wards the bright-spirited young fellow.
who kept up an animated conversa-
ton until the reverend gentleman was
landed in the hotel at Merton.
Alan and Lucille were secretly en-
gagged. She lived with her stepfather
at the edge Of Merton. and behind her
home was q shed where the hand-csr
was stored. Lucille's mother was dead
and her stepfather. q crusty, exacting
old tyrant, and q servant were her
sole home companions. Alan left her
few hundred feet from the house. for
Mr.. Durland had decided aversion To
not think Of engagement or marriage
for at least two years TO come.
"wednesday afternoon. Lucille"
were Alan's parting words.
Yes. II you must have your way.
oh, deari fear there will be a scene
when father learns the truth"
Its the only way to insure our hap
piness." insisted Alan. TN come At
about three. In the automobile. You
be all ready. and we'll spin 10 verden
and be back. man and wife. before your
father gets home"
And Wednesday at three o'clock
Alan Ware drove up In front of the
Durland place. The servant liked him
and, admitting him, told him that Lu-
ellie would be downstairs In a few
minutes. Alan was lmpatiently await.
ing the appearance OF his lady love
when the servant burst into his pres
ence, alive with excitement.
"NIr. Ware" she nuttered, Mr.. Dur
land IN coming tearing down the street
like mad. | don't know why. but II you
do. and your idea Is to go somewhere
with Lucille. you had better hurry"
THAT fellow. warei" painted Mr..
Durland. n few minutes later dashing
into the house That's his automo-
bile outside. He's trying to steal
march on me! Where Is he, Lucille:"
MIR. Ware was here a minute ago"
reported the servant. ''und Miss Lu-
ellie was up In her room"
But Alan had disappeared. and. Lu-
ellie. too. Warned by the servant. they
had stolen out the back way. The
dnuntless Alan resolved that the elope-
ment should not be a fizzle. Had he
not the marriage license in his pock-
ct? Lucille was all unnerved. hut she
followed his instructions. They had
reached the hand-car shelter.
It's the only way" declared Alan.
and settled the old but light vehicle
across the rails "Now. then. dear. for
terminus and dash on foot to Yer
den before your father can overtake
usl"
Richard Durland uttered q hollow
roar OF rage and discontinue as he