The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-02-21
THE Dali Y
SHORT STORY.
Hidden AWAY.
BY WARD EeERroN.

Copyright, 1920, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)
A tiny village tucked away among
~ green hills. Late one afternoon
mig, htgh-powered car came
honking along the smooth state road.
us sole occupant an elderly man wht
: all his life.
This must be the place." he decid.
ed, as his glance fell upon q tidy,
comfortable looking farmhouse under
Alishting at tho gate he made his
way to the front porch where sat an
old man in his shirt sleeves.
I'm a New York lumber dealer. l
came UP to look over some wood.lots
IN the neighborhood." he explained.
Expect 70 be here two or three days.
was told back yorier, that maybe
you would take care Of me, now that
the only hotel in the place is closed for
repairs"
Farmer Grimes got to his feet with
many rheumatic grunts.
Guess We can put you up for that
long" he replied, "lll see what Betty
says"
He disappeared for moment with.
IA the house, then called out from the
door way, "You Jest drive your car
round to the barn"
Col. Burton obeyed with feeling
o. extreme satisfaction. There was a
sweet, wholesome atmosphere about
the place that made It far preferable
70 any country hotel he had ever
known.
When he entered the house. Betty.
pretty, slender girl in blue gingham
met him with a shy and charming
smile. She had eyes bluer than her
pretty gown-the. trustful look OF one
unacquatnted with guile. The city
man thought he had never seen a girl
so innocent and sweet
presently, as firm step crossed
lhe Kitchen floor, she turned quickly.
her whole face transformed by the ex.
preston that went over it. Interested
and. curious Col. Burton glanced
through the half.open door, barely
stiling an exclamation as he did so.
y was no stranger upon whom ibis
startled gaze rested-this broad.
snouldered young man approaching
with confident tread.
How strangely things come about!
so this was where Tom Dudley had
been hiding for, year and a half.
me colonels brow darkened and his
hands clinched. All these months he
nad hoped for meeting like this.
The fellows status in the household
vas easily guessed. The hired mani
But OF course these good people had
no suspicion that they were harbor.
mg thief! "of all houses in this
riilage, 1t is curious that / should
nave been directed to this one," the
colonel thought gloatingly.
Meanwhile Tom Dudley had come
% sudden halt just across the
threshold. His face went paper.whire
under its tan, and he reached out both
hands groptngly as II seeking some
support.
Toni Tom! what is. it?r cried
Betty In alarm. you are I'LL"
Her very tone was caress. It told
Col Burton that she had given th.
priceless treasure of her love to the
gfaeeless young scamp. There was
sometning In her expression, as she
sprang forward, that went to the
worldly mans heart. For a moment
ne hesitated; then he did most sur.
prising thing. Instead of Announcing
the rascal, he pushed forward a chair.
Better sit down, young man. until
YOU get over it."
Pouring glass OF water he held it
to Toms lips, wondering at himself as
he did SO. The latter drank gulpingly,
looked up wildly and beseechingly in.
to the stern face bending over him.
II was hot in the field" he NUT.
tered after a moment. Guess I'd bet.
ter go and lie down"
Yes, do" said Betty, giving him
her strong young sholder to lean upon.
The colonel's brows knitted as he
gazed. after them. Something in the
attitude OF the two bridged a gulf of
forty years. His hard face softened a
little as he met the imploring look
with which the young man disappear.
am getting chicken-hearted." he
muttered. Il couldn't make up nv
mind to speak before that girl. There's
something beautiful in such TRUSTING
love The old man will have to hear
the tale"
Aloud he said:
That young fellow was taken yery
suddenly Ill.," ~
Il never happened afore," return.
ed the unsuspecting farmer. 'Tom is
strong as an OK. Does the work o. two
men about the place."
You seem fond of him?"
4 couldn't get along without Tom.
I'm all doubled up with rheumatic, YOU
see, an since the war good help can't
pc had for love or money. But Tom
looks arter everything-keeps the
place tidy and shipshape. He can out.
do me when it comes to. raisin' crops.
for all he's a new hand at SIGH work :"
Humph!" said Col. Burton. AMI
then, after moment he asked
was It when he first came toy
he have plenty OF money!
Wel-er-hardly," answered Far.
nler Grimes. Guess he'd had hard
luck o some sort. Anyhow, he was
strapped. But what O. that? / wanted