The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1920-04-24
STRANGER,
WELCOME!"
By WALTER J. DELANEY

At the end OF ten miles hike
Pearce Dwinell expressed a sign of
ardent relief as lining a park-like
estate, he read the words in bold
letters. "Stranger-Welcome."
He had left his law office In the
city planning to become a knight OF
the road for seven days. He had
traversed fair country, meeting with
more variety than adventure.
Now Pearce Dwinell had no means
OF knowing that Fairview was CON
tiguous to the little town of Alton,
where farmers institute had been
held. To advertise the same and ex-
tend genial invitation to the visiting
public, the Stranger, welcome" post
ers has been posted promiscuously
Dwinell, misunderstanding, passed
beyond the gates and came to an orna-
mental iron bench.
"Ah /! my find back in the road" he
observed after a moments rest.
He drew from his pocket folded
sheet, blown across his path on the
highway. A cursory glance showed
1t TO be an official legal document. He
was examining it professionally when
a shadow crossed the page. Turning
quickly he found himself face to face
with the most beautiful young lady he
mad ever met Fer eyes were fixed
on the sheet rs if devouring its con
tents. She uttered a quick gasp, then
sh turned and sped from the spot |
with the grace and swiftness' of Il |
startled fawn.
Dwlnell was startled; bewiIdered |
He watched the little figure until it |
disappeared. He was filled with a |
sense of mystery. He was about sss st
ing out TO explore the strange fairy |
land, when from clump of bushes
there appeared two men suggesting |
conventional care keepers. They |
looked grim and acted with force. His |
arms were pinioned, he was forced |
forward and to his expostulations
and struggles his captors paid not the
least heed.
Nearing the house the two men
paused. The girl was in sight at a
distance. She waved a hand. The
men started up again, entered the
structure at a rear door, forced their
prisoner up dark stairway and re.
leased him within an old lumber room
with strongly barred windows.
'WellW breathed Dwinell in
tremendous aspiration of wonder and
indignation.
In about half an hour the door was
opened. A server holding
a smoking meal was slid across the
threshold. Dwinell was hungry and
could not resist the tempting collation.
spread before him. A dainty cook
must have prepared it for all was per-
feet and exquisite.
Once more the door opened and
here appeared a stern, but handsome
'aced young man, evidently the brother
If the airy sprite of the garden and
hat sparkling young creature herself.
The former, was grim in manner,
'airly menacing.
"If you please" spoke Dwinell
"Why am I detained"
'Be thankful you were not seen first
~ some of the hands on the grounds,
who are instructed to shoot all tres
said the young man severe
Y. ESPECIALLY intruders bent on your
mission"
"Will you explain what that MEANS"
demanded Dwinell with dignity. "Oh,
hat you mean" as the young man
launted the document that seemed
'obbing up everywhere. 81 found that
n the road"
Hector" here whispered the girl,
can there be mistake"
"Hush, Marion" Then to Dwinell:
You mean TO say you did not sneak in
ere to serve this paper on my invalid
ather.
81 surely did not" replied Dwinell,
I am a lawyer-my name is Pearce
)winell, and here are my credentials"
Brother and sister glanced over the
apers. The former began to look dis
omposed. the young lady seemed con-
inced. She directed an apologetic
lance at Dwinell.
"Tell him-Oh am sure he can be
she murmured.
81 believe your representation" said
Iector Rhodes. Unfortunately we
ave treated you as an enemy, where
on would probably prove a friend.
Ty aged father is being prosecuted by
blackmailing litigant who hopes we
,ould pay him a large sum rather
nan have him dragged into court at
ne risk of his health. Our enemy
as vainly endeavored to serve papers
n him. We have him in close hiding.
1lll you see if you can advise some
ay of battling ones persistent foe?"
Dwinell assented, and soon learned
le details of the case. He left Fair
lew bent upon the mission of prevent
lg further annoyance of the family.
the next morning.
'Your father win be prosecuted no
lrther," confidently announced Dwin- :,
l. 81 have entered appearance for
I'm under bond, but am satisfied that
our enemy will never dare to come e
ito court"
How shall we ever thank you
lough." spoke Hector Rhodes, +
"And will you ever forgive me for
f-I-