The Bottineau courant. (Bottineau, Bottineau County, N.D.) 1895-1929, 1920-12-23
"A BARGAIN
THRILL
IT, ..e,~ 81
tcopyrisht. 1920. western Newspapes Unionl
By b CHAPMAN

LlOu anu nope OF Ora merton ever
since she merged into early girlhoOd.
She had never been further from POST
Vile than q neighboring town, but had
lived on the promise of old Aunt Clar-
linda that some day. she should come
to Cold Harbor and spend a month.
Aunt Clarinda had been a resident
Of Cold Harbor before it's salubrious
and picturesque environment had be-
come popular. Her modest little home
was quite outside Of the magic resi-
Dental and hotel quarter.
Ora had dreamed deliciously and
saved frugally. It was on her seven
teenth birthday that Aunt Clarindn
had written to Mrs. Merton: LET the
child come l have made her q bath
ing suit and she a put in the whole
month II you can spare her that long"
There was a full fortnight. for Ora
to make her preparations. She had
thirty-two dollars and a ready made
dress waist and wrap. One day she
was seated on the porch sewing On
a home made wrapper, when a queer,
keen-eyed. little mar came up to tile
garden path carrying a peddler's pack.
He placed this on q step and al
nounced: "Some a r bargains, would
like to show the young lady,,
TITS not trinkets or cheap stuff,
lady" he explained. TITS something
choice and cheap-oh, 80 cheap! 1
have a brother In trouble. He can
not pay his bills and If I do not get
cash quickly he will be sold out. I
will show you what I have to sacri-
ice."
Ora's eyes glowed as the man
slipped q strap and spread out the
gorgeous, tempting contents Of the
pack. It was an extraordinary dis
play. It was no notion counter lay
out, but two perfect ladies' suits, hats,
gloves and scarfs.
I'm going to tell you the truth,
lady" spoke the peddler. These
goods are not new, although they were
never worn. Here is the truth about
them. They belonged to a leading
actress. Her company got on the
rocks and the law seized her belong
ings. / bought them cheap. "I'm go
ing to give you a bargain. Take your
pick Of one layout for twenty-five dol
lars .a
Ora val so excited at this offer that
she could hardly speak. Trembling,
she looked over the articles / the
pack, selected a complete outfit, paid
the man his price and every time at
ter that when she thought Of the won
derful investment she had made she
experienced a thrill Of pride and
pleasure.
Ora got to her aunt's, a happy, hope
full girl. Two mornings later she ar
rayed herself in her best. The dress,
of u peculiar purnlish tint, the neat,
but expensive looking hat, the light,
f1eecy shoulder scarf, her mirror told
her, presented an elegance and tasti-
ness which became her grandly. She
was conscious that she was admired
as she strolled down the beach. She
sat down upon al upturned boat and
reveled In a reverie Of perfect con-
tentment and peace.
why Mabel! got here all right,
did your and a shadow made Ora
start. Then the speaker leaned over,
kissed her squarely upon the lips and
then drew back, %breathless.
g '"The mischief! the dress deceived
me dear young lady," continued the
intruder, young, handsome, but pal
pably embarrassed, but Ora sprung co
her feet with flashing eyes.
"How dare your she cried, and
hurried away, the tears filling her
eys from sheer vexation. The young
man attempted to overtake her, plead
ing. expOstulating tncoherently, hut
Ora fairly ran and gained her aunt's
home overcome with the insolence of
q perfect stranger.
She did not venture to the beach for
two days after that. Then she went
to the board walk. where she could
seek protection, II again affronted.
when "A man in semf-uniform ap-
preached her.
"You will pardon me, miss" he
said, shut you will have to accompany
me to the police station. A lady just
pointed you 0ut as wearing some at
tire stolen from her trunk a week ago.
The dress, particularly, which is pre-
cisely like the one she now wears.
gives color to her claim"
Ora stood aghast. She felt as IL she
would faint on the spot. Just then a
handsome lady about her own size
approached. Officer" she said, Il
positively Identify those articles as
those stolen from me" ana was
Joined BY q young man who hooked
at Ora and spoke suddenly.
.Sister, this is some great mistakei
This Is the young lady I told you
about, whom r greeted as yourself.
Look. she is terribly distressed. OH
Ger. allow us to speak with the young
lady apart" and he took the arm OF
the wayering and overcome Ora and
led her to q. bench.
IT did not take long for light to
shine On darkness. Ora told her
simple, trutffn story. Miss EDNA
nani11efs was fufl Of regret and her
hs0tt,6or swNAro me &c. :