The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-05-12
"STRANGER.
WELCOMED"
Copyright, 1920. western Newspaper Union}
By WALTER J. DELANEY


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 ey
tend a genial invitation to the visiting
public, the stranger, welcome" post
ers has been posted promscuously
Dwinell, misunderstanding, passed
beyond the gates and came to an orna
mental iron bench
"Ah! my find back in the road" he
observed after moments rest.
He drew from his pocket a folded
sheet, blown across his path on the
highway. A cursOry glaAce showed
it to be an official legal document. He
was examining it professionally when
shadow crossed the page. Turning
quickly he found himself face to face
with the most beautiful young lady he
had ever met. Her eyes were fixed
on the sheet as if devouring it's con.
tents. She uttered a quick gasp, ther
she turned and sped from the spot
with the grace end sWiftness of q
startled fawn.
Dw;nell was startled; bewildered
He watched the little figure until il
disappeared. He was filled with a
sense of mystery. He was about start
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.
WELL" breathed Dwinell in a
tremendous aspiration Of wonder and
indignation.
In about half an hour the door was
cautiously 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. 5
Once mdfe the door opened and
there appeared a stern, but handsome
faced young man, evidently the brother
Of the airy sprite of the garden and
that sparkling young creature herself.
The former, was grim in manner,
fairly menacing.
'Tf you please" spoke Dw;nell
courteously, "Why am l detainedY
BE thankful you were not seen first
by some Of the hands on the grounds
who are instructed to shoot all tres.
passers," said the young man severe
~. Especially intruders bent on your
undetermined mission"
"Will you explain what that MEANS
demanded Dwinell with dignity. ooh
that you mean" as the young man
| Haunted the document that seemed
bobbing up everywhere. ~ found thai
in the road"
"Hector," here whispered the girl
"can there be a mistake"
Hush. Marion" Then to Dwinell
"You mean to say you did not sneak in
here to serve this paper on my invalid
| father.
II surely did not" replied Dwinell
Il am a lawyer-my name is Peafce
| Dwinell, and here are my credentials
Brother and sister glanced over the
papers. The former began to LOOK dis
composed, the young lady seemed con
WINGED. She directed an apologize
glance at Dwinell.
''Tell him-Oh am sure he can be
trusted" she mupmured.
II believe your representation" said
Hector Rhodes. Unfortunately VIC
have treated you as an enemy, where
you would probably prove q friend
My aged father is being prosecuted by
blackmailing litigant who hopes we
would pay him large sum rather
than have him dragged into court ai
the risk Of his health. Our enemy
has vainly endeavored to serve papers
on him. We have him in close hiding
Will you see If you can advise some
way Of baffling ones persistent foe?"
Dwinell assented, and soon learned
the details Of the case. He LETT Fair
view bent upon the mission Of prevent.
ing further annoyance Of the family,
returning the next morning.
"Your father will be prosecuted nc
further" confidently announced OWN.
| ell. II have entered appearance for
, him under bond, but am satisfied That
| -o-w 11axar x,,,ll 0o-o.