Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-01-29

SDeeulnE up the DlUl. Ever y AiliiiS was
under high tension; powerful currents
of thought we're bearing the masses
along unaccustomed channels; society
itself was in a state of fiux. If he
were to strike at all let the blow fall
at once.
On this early August night he ascer-
tanned that Dave was working alone in
his office. Then he called number
on a telephone.
"This is the night" he explained.
"You will find him alone in his office.
l will be waiting to hear from you
at" he quoted Mrs. Hardy's tele-
phone number. Then he drove his car
to the Hardy home. exchanged a few
words with Irene, and sat down to a
hand of cribbage with her mother
Porting over his correspondence,
Dave, with his ear cooked for the cry
of the latest extra, spent the evening
hours in a valiant effort at concentra-
ton.
There came timid knock at the door.
"Come in," he called.
No one entered, but presently he
heard the knock again. He rose and
walked to the door. Outside stood a
young woman.
"If you please" she said, excuse
me, but-you are Mr.. Eden, aren't
you?"
eyes. Can l help you in any way?"
The woman Uttered a moment, but
resumed soberly: "You will wonder
at me coming to you, but I'm from the
country. Did you think that?"
81 suspected it," said Dave with
smile. "You knocked" He paused.
"Yes?"
'Like country girl" he said, boldly.
She Uttered again. "Well, I'm lost"
she confessed. Il got off the train a
short time ago. My aunt was to meet
me, but there are such crowds in the
street, must have missed her. And
saw your name on the window and
had heard Of you. So / just thought
that I'd ask-if you wouldn't mind
showing me to this address"
She fumbled in her pocket, and Dave
invited her into the office There she
produced a torn piece of paper with
an address.
"Why, that's just a few blocks !"
said Dave. "I'll walk around with
you" He turned for his hat, but at
that moment there was another timld
knock on the door. he opened 1t. A
boy OF eight Or ten years stood outside.
what is 1t, son?"
The lad looked shyiy about the of
flee. It was evident he was impressed
with it's magnificence. "Are you Mr..
Eden that sells lots?
Eyes. Were you thinking of buying
few lots?"
''Did you sell lots to my father?"
"Well, if knew your fathers name
perhaps could tell you. Who is your
father2"
"He's Mr.. Merton. I'm his son. And
he said to me, before he got so bad, he
said, There's just one honest man in
this city, and that's Mr.. Eden Is
that you. Mr.. Elden?'
"Weil, hope it is, but won't claim
such distinction. remember your
father very well. Did he send you to
me?"
mo, sir. He's too sick. He don't |
know anybody now. He didn't know
me tonight" The boys voice went |
thick and he stopped and swallowed. |
"And then remembered what he said |
about you, and just came"
Have you help - doctor -
nurse?"
mo, sir. We haven't any money.
My father spent 1t all for the lots that
he bought from you"
Dave WINGED. Then, turning to the
young woman: "I'm afraid this is
more urgent case than yours. I'll call
a taxi to take you to your address"
To his surprise, his visitor broke out
IN a ribald laugh. She had seated her.
self on a desk and was swinging one
foot jauntily.
ITS all off," she said. "Say, Dave,
you couldn't lose me in this burg.
You don't remember me, do you? Well,
Ill the better. I'm rather glad broke
Down on this job. l used TO DE SOME
hing of an actress, and I'd have put
t over If it hadn't been for the kid.
The fact is, Dave" she continued, Il
vas sent up here to decoy you. 1t
wasn't fair fighting, and l didn't like
t, but money has been mighty slow
If late. l wonder-how much you'd
rive to know who sent me?"
Dave pulled some bills from his
pocket and held them before her. she
ook them from his hand.
"Conward," she said.
Dawes blood went to his head. "The
coundrel !" he cried. "The low-down
logl There's more in this than fp-
,ears on the surface"
"Sure there is she said. There's
mother woman. There always Is" ,
Eden walked to his desk. From
Irawer he took a revolver, toyed with
{ moment in his hands, broke 1t
pen, crushed 1t full of cartridges, and
hrust II in his pocket.
The girl watched with friendly In !
crest. Believe me, Dave she said,
IL Coward turns up missing / won't