The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-01-22
THE DALI
81 HORT STORY
a Deal in Real Estate.
By WlLLIAM A. SIMPSON.

mis- eyes swept the panorama oI iteiu
and wood before him.
Half way down the hill lay sinai.
farm, the house cleaning white
4 against the green foliage. It stood
well back from the road and was
shaded by two huge sugar NAPLES.
The smooth lawn in front, with IL
shrubbery and flowerr, the we'll kept
fences and trim outbuildlngs, testt-
fled to the thrift and good taste OF
the occupants.
Now IL only had wife that would
be Just the place for me-" Powers said
to himself, stopping 10 gaze longingly
at the cottage.
II was after 5 o'clock and the young
attorney had left the office in town
with Its heat and dust and its clack.
ing typewriters an hour before for his
daily tramp.
He swung down the hill, his eyes
taking in every detail OF the property
before him, and OF course he could
not miss seeing the board sign iet-
tered, For Sale" He came to halt
again and stared greedily.
"oh, well. it's nothing to me- he
unused, starting forward again. THE
price must be far beyond my means
even IL had any use for farm. ("
Resolutely he directed his eyes in an
other direction.
But he had walked only few
yards further when he realized he
was studying the trim little cottage
again. His steps Jagged. ''There would
be no harm in asking the price, I
suppose" he said to himself slowly,
stopping again. "No, no harm IN
that, surely" he reasoned, and "a
moment later he had turned in at the
graveled driveway.
As he assembled the front steps he
was conscious OF voices Just inside the
closed door. THE property1l never
bring your figure. Better accept my
offer; you'll not get as good again.
Silence followed the interrupting
knock. then the door was opened.
Powers barred his head courteottsly.
viii you tell me the price" he be-
gan, then paused in confusion as he
met the eyes OF the girl before him.
"Why=-why, Helen Rand! didn't
recognizing q friend of his youth
grown 10 young womanhood.
John Powers! or all people!" the
girl exclaimed, offering her hand
Come right in"
fear I'm intruding," Powers an
swered, recovering from his surprise.
Y mo, indeed, you are not" the girl
assured him. Mother is here and q
business caller. Mr.. Jackson"
Powers nodded coolly to Jackson;
whom he recognized as shrewd real
estate Spectator. The man was plain
~ put out at the interruption.
How long have you lived here?'
Powers inquired. a
About year." the girl replied.
"Its strange / haven't run across
You in town"
Father was Ill when we came and
died three months ago. l didn't 20
out much"
4 see.r said Powers gravely. "But
may as well obtain the information
came for" he added. what do you
ask for this placer"
Five thousand dollars" came the
answer.
Powers face fell.
Don't you want to look through, 2"
the girl asked eagerly. Il believe that
is the proper way to talk to pros
pectiye purchaser" she laughed, ris-
ing and leading the way into the din
ing room.
Powers was quick to follow. Ger
tainly III look through. Can't tell
whether III want the place or not I'M
ul I've seen It." he returned lightly.
4 That man is trying to buy the
property at ridiculously low price
and I'm afraid mother'll accept the
offer. ! thought maybe, II you showed
an interest in 1t he might give more"
the girl whispered In the privacy st
the kitchen.
ffTtrn nm pauva,. -vh t..a.ad L.At.
his lips close to one dainty ear.
Now there are three sleeping rooms
and q bath upstairs. I'll show you
those" his guide announced as they
returned to the living room.
The house Is perfect GEM" Pow
ers's enthusiastic praise was meant
for the ears of jackson, with whom
Mrs. Rrand was politely keeping up q
conversation.
why sell this pretty placer" Pow
ers asked when the two were alone
Helen's merry air vanished. Ell
nansial reasons; father left very lit
well, what about my offer, Miss
RANDI" the impatient voice Of the
real estate man broke IN sharply up
on them.
The girl gignced questioningly at
Powers, I'll hardly think so-not to-
night, at any rate. The offer Is too
low" she called, descending the
stairs.
tits every cent I can give" the
Spectator snapped, "and my offer
won't stand long He paused for a
moment. Don't think every one who
looks OF the house is going to buy
: IT," he snaered, shooting q black
look at Powers. Gust sign that con-
tract" he urged, turning to the older
woman, land III pay q deposit now
and the balance of the money as soon
as the title can be searched and the
deed drawn"
What Is the offer, Heien?" Powers
voice had an ominous ring to It.
"Thirty-five hundred dollars" the
gtrl answered quickly.
Too low by fifteen hundred" Pow
ers returned sharply. He paused then,
Il viii buy the property at your fig
ure. Mrs. Rand" he declared with a
quick glance at jackson.
There was a little scream OF de-
light from the girl and Jackson turn
ed a threatening look upon the young
man. "And who may you be, buttine
4. .aNa