The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-01-15
CHAPTER DISCONTINUED.

Back in Conward's Office, while the
agreement was being drawn. Irene was
possessed of a consuming desire TO
consult with Dave Eden. She was
uneasy about this transaction in which
her mother proposed so precipitately
to invest the greater part Of their lit
tie fortune. Il think / would hesitate,
mother" she cried. IF you buy this
house we will have only few thou
sand dollars left. Your health may de-
mand other expenditures
MY health was never better" Mrs.
Hardy interrupted. And I'm not
going to miss chance like this, health
or no health. You have heard Mr..
Coward tell how many people have
grown wealthy buying property and
selling it again. And 1 will sell it
again-When 1 get my price"
1T is as your mother says" Con-
ward interjected. There are very
rapid increases in value. 1 would not
be surprised if you should be offered
an advance of ten thousand dollars on
this place before fall
There must be an end somewhere"
Irene murmured, rather weakly.
AJul uC1 W t1S NAANAA3 a NhCNAs
''I shall give you five thousand dollars
now" she said, land the balance when
you give me the deed, or whatever it
is. That is the proper way, isn't it?"
'Well, it's DONE" said Irene with an
uneasy laugh which her excitement
pitched a little higher than she had
intended.
In an adjoining room Dave Eden
heard that laugh, and if stirred some
remembrance in him. Instantly he
connected it with Irene Hardy. The
Truth was Irene Hardy had been In
the background OF his mind during
every waking hour since Bert Nor
rison had dropped her bombshell upon
him. And now that voice
Dave had no plan. He simply
walked into Conward's Office. His eye
took in the little group and the mind
behind caught something of its pOr-
tent. Irene's beauty! What a quick
ening of the pulses was his as he saw
In this splendid woman the girl who
had stirred and returned his youthful
passionI But Dave had poise. He
walked straight to Irene.
81 heard your voice." he said, In
quiet tones that gave no hint of the
emotion beneath. 81 am very glad to
see you again" He took the hand
which she extended, in a firm, warm
grasp; there was nothing in it, as
Irene protested to herself, that was
more than firm and warm, but it set
her finger tips a-tingling.
my mother, Mr.. Eden" she man.
70 eY,1
was as well controlled as his had been.
Mrs. Hardy looked on the clean-built
young man with the dark eyes and the
brown, smooth face, but the name sug-
gested nothing. you remember
Irene went on, 81 told you of Mr.. Ell
den. 1t was at his ranch we stayed
when father was hurt"
"But thought he was a COW punch
erI ~ exclaimed Mrs. Hardy.
''Times change quickly in the West,
madam said Dave. Most Of our
business men-at least, those bred in
the country-have thrown a lasSo in
their day. You should hear them brag
of their steer-roping yet in the Ranch
mems club
Irene's eyes danced. Dave had al
mother had implied contempt he had
set up a note OF pride.
ooh, I suppose" said her mother,
foT lack Of a better answer. Every
thing is so absurd in the West. But
you were good TO my daughter, and to
poor, dear Andrew. If only he had
been spared. Women are so unused to
these business responsibilities, Mr..
Coward. 1t is fortunate there are q
few reliable firms upon which we can
lean in our inexperience."
Mother has bought a house." Irene
explained to Dave. 1--WE thought this
was a safe place to come A look
on Elden's face caused her to pause.
''Why, what is wrOng?" she said.
Dave looked at Coward, at Mrs.
Hardy, and at Irene. He was instant
Iy aware that Coward had "stung''
them. 1t was common knowledge in