The Lamar register., 1920-08-04
AN IMPLACABLE
WARDEN
tCopyright)
By EDGAR WHITE

The crime of Martha Trueman's un-
attached loveliness was laid without
reservation at the door Of her tall and
sOldler-like aunt who was splnster,
and who, 1t was said, had ordained that
the fair-haired orphan should travel
In her own austere footsteps. Ii was
matter OF common knowledge that
quite number Of eligible young men
of Prairie Valley had visited the True
man mansion, In the suburbs, and then
had, from unknown causes, lost inter
est.
No one ever hinted that the object of
their visit was at fault-not at all. She
was admittedly the prettiest girl 10
town, and the most popular. The amaz-
Ing thing about II was that she didn't
drop away and lose her buoyancy un-
der the rigid blockade her grim aunt
seemed to have established against all
mankind.
At church, at social gatherings, and
on the streets her blue eyes sparkled
with good nature and seemed to invite
confidence.
One night when the subject OF Aunt
Naomi's reprehenslble conduct was be-
ing quietly discussed by several young
men In the Prairie Valley club room,
Robert Compton, Il newcomer. who
was assistant superintendent OF the
local electrical machine works. cas-
ually remarked that he had been In
troduced to Miss Martha that day. and
had been very courteously invited TO
call.
Better not 60" said Lloyd McPher-
son, with an impressive look at the
other members OF the party; ''tt only
means trouble for you"
How sof" inquired Compton.
Mcpherson shrugged his shoulders,
and laughed bitterly.
You've had fair warning" he said
"and all the boys here will bear me
out"
They promptly echoed the doleful
statement.
Compton was sitting with his feet
on the edge OF the window. he med
itatively knocked the ashes on his
cigar, and said:
"Well, my heads set on being init
ated. Then / can be one OF you. TN
going out"
Compton was city man. having
been reared IN Chicago and there
learned his calling The trip was made
the next evening
Martha received him graciously and
showed him into the parlor. where
Aunt Naomi was sedately awaiting
him.
Compton decided she couldn't be as
black as some had painted her. Mar
tha sat dutifully beside her, and let
her aunt do most of the talking.
The visitor waA enjoying quite d
pleasant evening and was beginning
TO wonder where the baieful influence
came in. While he was conversiDg In
terestingly with the master Of cere-
monies, the fairhaired girl quietly
arose and began stirring the ire In the
crate. As she did 50 L tiny cloud Of
smoke was waited toward her and she
coughed slightly. but hastily covered
her mouth with her apron. Aunt Ma
omi requested her To get the check
ers and board before she sat down
again.
You play checkers. I presume. Mr.
Compton, inquired Aunt Naomi.
Il can. though DON'T said the
young man, boldly"
you won't play checkeIs with me?'
demanded Aunt Naomi, 10 astonish-
ment.
Lets talk that's nicer" said Comp
ton. ingratiatingly.
Il was nearly eleven when Compton
arose to leave, and as he did so he
remarked spologetically to Aunt Ma.
omi:
You mustn't think hard OF me be.
cause 1 didn't play checkers. It's a
| great game and some other time you
and will have a bout"
"Oh. that's all right" she said; 81
enjoyed your talk better. anyway"
They accompanied him to the door
and Martha's bright eyes warmly sec.
onded her aunt's Invitation to repeat
the visit
well, Miss Martha met him with
smiles at the door" remarked McPher.
son dreamily. when Compton Joined
them In the coy corner of the club
room, next evening.
"And she ushered him into the lit
tie parlor, where Aunt Naomi received
him like captain of the old guard,
added Harry Guthrie, reminiscently.