Gilpin observer., 1920-04-29
STRANGER,
WELCOME!"
By WALTER ). DELANEY
Copyright, 1890. Western Newspaper Union

AT lAiC Cuu VI q tCu AniCS AAhO
Pearce Dwinell expressed a sign Of
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 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 a farmers institute had been
held. To advertise the same and ex-
tend genial invitation to the visiting
public, the stranger, welcome" post
ers has been posted prOmiscuously
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 folded
sheet, blown across his path on the
highway. A cursOry glance showed
1t to be an official legal document. He
was examining 1t professionally when
a 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 its con-
tents. She uttered a quick gasp, then
she turned and sped from the spot
with the grace and swiftness of
startled fawn.
Dwinell was startled; bewildered
He watched the little figure until it
disappeared. He was filed with a
sense of mystery. He was about start
Ing out to explore the strange fairy
land, when from a 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 Mt a
distance. She waved hand. The
men started up again, entered the
structure at 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
tremendous aspiration of wonder and
Indignation.
In about half an hour the door was
cautiously opened. A server holding
smoking meal was slid across the
threshold. Dwinell was hungry and
could not resist the tempting collation.
spread before him. dainty cook
must have prepared 1t for all was per-
feet and exquisite.
Once more 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.
"If you please" spoke Dwinell
cOurteously, "Why am I detninedT
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
ly. Especially intruders bent on your
undetermined mission"
"Will You explain what that MEANS"
demanded Dwinell with dignity. "Oh,
that, YOU mean" as the young man
Haunted the document that seemed
bobbing up everywhere. 81 found thnt
in the road"
Hector" here whispered the girl,
"can there he mistake"
FLUSH, Marion" Then to Dwinell:
"YOu mean 10 say you did not sneak in
here to serve this paper on my invalid
father.
81 surely did not" replied Dwinell,
81 am a lawyer-my name is Pearce
Dwinell, and here are my credentials"
Brother md sister glanced over the
papers. The former began to look dis
composed, the young lady seemed con-
vinced. She directed an apologetlc
glance at Dwinell.
'"Tell him--Oh am sure he can be
trusted" she murmured
"I believe your representation" said
Hector Rhodes. unfortunately we
have treated you as an enemy, where
My aged father is being prosecuted by
blackmalllng litigant who hopes we
would pay him large sum rather
than have him dragged into court at
the risk Of his health. Our enemy
has vainly endeavored to serve papers
on him. We have him In close hiding.
Will you see II you can advise some
way Of baffling ones persistent foe?"
Dwinell ossented, and soon learned
the details Of the cnse Ho loft Eotr
view bent upon the mission of prevent
Ing further annoyance Of the family,
returning the next morning.
"Your father will be prosecuted no
further" confidently announced Dwin-