The pioneer-review. [volume] (Philip, Haakon County, S.D.) 1920-current, 1920-10-21
A DOOR OPENS
By AUGUSTUS C. sHERwIN.


tion.
He had come through the garage at
the end of the lot which held the
house where he boarded. seeking Sc
clusion and hoping for tranquility. AT
the end of the court was brick wall
marking the confines of a lot fronting
on another street. In 1t was set a
door and, tired at last he seated him-
self on its narrow threshold.
Musing. he must have dozed, for
suddenly the gate opened from the
other side and he described an erratic
backward movement, half somer-
sault, and lay prone on the grass just
beyond the door. Speedily Bemis re-
covered himself and got TO his feet,
for there was a peal of laughter and,
tracing it's source, he met the glance
of young girl of about eighteen who
drew her face straight, but her voice
was still suggestive of subdued mirth
as she said:
please forgive me, for 1t was un-
expected. | didn't know you were
there"
II apologize for such an unmanneriy
intrusion" spoke Bemis.
He could not help but gaze about
him with both wonderment and curios-
ity Sides, front and rear, the square
expanse of about one hundred feet
was surrounded by brick wall. In
its center embowered in Towering
vines was snug, oId-fashioned one
story cottage. Near to Ii, seated In
an invalid wheel-chair, was a man
with flowing gray beard and hair
snowy white. There was ham mock
and a bench near him and the girl
half led the way TO them as she said:
''You must have been tired If you
fell asleep OH the step. Won't you
rest a bit and talk with fatherf lie
sees so little of the world and will en-
joy your company"
His eyes followed her, pleased
and interested expression in their
depths. He was ashamed of his un-
manly depression as he eontrasted II
with her vivacity and her captivat-
ing naturalness and beauty. He ap-
preached the figure In the chair,
quickly observing that one arm OF It's
occupant hung useless over its side.
aid the pallid face and the half
crouching down attitude told of seri-
GUS physical disability. For all that
Morris Ward, father of Rita, smiled a
genial welcome.
II fell into your garden" spoke
Bemis. ''It is worth the adventure.
What charming, unique spot. riglss
in the heart of the city"
Yes nodded Mr.. Ward. I'VE have
kept ii up and love ii because my
brother Ephraim lived here for forty
years. He died few months since
and Rita is his heiress to the old place
here, a comfortable surplus at theI
bank and his business. But that we
can't carry on, for / cannot get around,
and Rita knows nothing about sail
making, which ~Ephraim followed for
half century. Pretty well gone out
since steam pleasure yachts came in,
output of our factory and the stuff,
twenty-three thousand yards of IT, isl
left on our hands In his old store
house down town. What is your line
Mr. Bemis?"
The possessor Of the name frankly
returned confidence for confidence.
He told of investing five thousand dol
lars in stock and borrowing the
amount with Ave times the total
value in securities on hard terms. The
speculation had failed and unless he
could raise and repay the money with
in sixty days the entire collateral was
lost to him.
why, see here" exclaimed Morris
Ward, as the dismal story was con.
cluded IF was young and strong as
you are. instead of an old stranded
wreck. wouldn't let trivial misfor-
tune like yours crush ME. You've
given me an idea. That warehouse
stuff may not sell quickly for sails,
hut aren't there other uses to which
1t might be adapted? You appeal to
me- DO some thinking. Help us get
rid of that dead stock and you shall
have liberal compensation for your
services
Rita. the sprite, the fairy. tire
less. fitting creature of grace. but
sensible and practical the while, be-
came third interested party In the
conference when she returned. There
was lunch and cocoa under the trees
and when Bemis left the place Morris
Ward handed him sample of the
warehouse merchandise spoil.
"Foresail duck. best standard" de-
clared Mr.. Ward. Extra heavy, bears
double riveting, hard twisted. hard
finished thread. You certainly can find
market for such prime stuff"
1T seems good to get back into the
harness OF real work." announced
Royce Bemis cheerily as he reap
peared at the quaint old home two
days later. ''I've sold the last yard
Of II. half to manufacturer OF horse
feed bags and the rest to coal firm
who deliver their supplies In sacks"
ooh. papa! We must have quite a.
celebration" enthused the delighted
Rita