The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-06-22
The Man From Huntington.
BY ELIZABETH cHuRcHwELL
copyright, 1920, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicatey


its proud positions.
Evenings were different. Then Car
Ter Ragsdale had thought that ne
would gladly exchange al the thrills
Of metropolitan existence TO be back
at home again.
on the first Sunday in May. when
spring was making Central Park q
p!ace Of enchantment throwing soft
ven o. green over the chill loveliness
\ Il wears in winter, Carter Ragsdale
y wen! for a stroll through It's high
u ways and byways.
Il was a beautiful morning. Things
had been going well at the office.
His chief, a man little given to praise
had spoken some words OF warm COM
mendation, the afternoon before. He
lad been given increased RESPONSE
Billy. There were hints Of promotion.
With q salary increase, before long.
AS he paced slowly that Sunday
morning, Carter was thinking that
things we're indeed well with his
Norid-if he might only sometimes
see someone from home. Then he
remembered the Huntington papeT,
ne tour-page weekly which came to
his boarding house each Saturday, ev-
ery line Of which he read on Sunday.
{ BE sat down on convenient bench
and drew the thin sheets from his
pocket.
No records Of world happenings In
the great New York papers were as
interesting as the Live Little Locals
on the last page OF the Huntington
Mercury" One by one he conned
them.
Miss Bess Walpole spratned her
ankle last Saturday at the Baptist
Sunday School picnic at Laurel
Creek"
mi. Roger Vernon has new auto
mobile"
From some sudden impulse Carter
Ragsdale raised his eyes.
Directly opposite, across the path,
sat a strangely familiar figure An
old gentleman, lean Of frame, aqui-
line Of feature, keen Of eye, was
watching him Instantly upon his
feet, Carter Ragsdale whipped off his
hat, and bounded the dozen interview
Ing feet, his face exultant.
why, Mr. Vernon" he called, who
would ever have expected
By this time he had reached the
!. bench where his park neighbor sat.
HiS face fell.
x y beg your pardon, sir" he STAN:
mered. ~ thoCght-an old friend
J, from home-tom Mississippi had
Just been reading about him in my
Z home PAPER. II I'd only stopped to
thhk-but the resemblance is really
striktng!'
\ EMBARRASSED, Carter started away,
calling in valedictory. II trust ! have
not annoyed you, SIR"
The stranger summoned the young ,
man to q seat beside him.
! y did not catch the name OF N,
double he said courteously.
Then Carter made explanations.
+Mr. Roger Vernon, sir. He Is prest-
dent Of the bank at home, and a very
fine gentleman, No ore could object
to having such a double"
81 Carter found himself talking quite
at ease with his new acquaintance.
The old gentleman doomed a laugh
Of hearty appreciation.
sYour double has just bought new
hhe"-Carter indicated the news
spaper tam.
caught the old gentleman's eye.
dumping Jehosophat!' he exclaim-
ed. sThls Is strange!"
From an inner pocket he produced
his card. Carter read: James Roger
Vernon
'sYoung man, your vernon's my sec
ond cousin. never was in Hunting
!: ton II my life, and never saw him.
But I've heard my father tell Of Wis
ting IN Mississippi when he was
boy, I've always intended to get In
touch with my Southern relatives
some d4y."
Just as they were launched on this |
tonic, there came an interruption. A
aim, graceful girl, with dark eyes and
coppery hair, stood before them.
I'm Just getting introduced for the
first time to nv relatives in Mississ-
ippic explained the father.
Alicia held out pretty hand. "0h,"
she said" Is this new cousin-fom
Mississippir
Carter shook his head dolorously.
I'D certainly claim the relationship
e ! didn't know I'd be shown up an
imposter later! But the families are
! great friends. ! sent my first valen-
tine 10 your fourth cousin.
Alicia laughed. To Carter It was
the most charming he had ever heard. |
How nice to have met you!' she
said.
When they took their. departure
= Carter walked beside them. Not far
nom the park a luxurious Limousine
waited.
Don't forget our address, young
man. said Mr.. Vernon. Come to
see Us. Come to breakfast next Sun
daytime sharp. We've got SOU
them cook"
The recipient Of this invitation |
stood as rapt as one upon whom man
I. No from heaven was descending. He !
could scarcely murmur his grateful
acceptance.
AS Nj. Vernon turned 70 give direc-
tions to the chauffeur. Alicia added:
IT want to hear all about this fourth !
cousin I've never seen. i scent TO /,
nance"
AS Alicia's father bundled her into
the car Carter protested. "0h. no,
she's married nov. 1t was Just pup, |
Sloye-a sort Of trial heat"
A lovely face smiled. Never mind. |
You can find q romance here. New |
Workers always say one can find any
thing one waits"
Nj. vernon leaned out to call, Mine !
o'clock sharp" /
Then certain young southerner. |
from whom a burden OF loneliness |
bad been magically lifted, went bliss |
5 fully upon his way.
oii. IN New Yorl was giving him bust
ness opportunity. Now the wonder
ful city held out another lure. Find |
romance here?" he quoted under his |
hyeath. why, It's already found"
n |