Greenwood daily commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1919-1926, 1920-03-27
ABARCAIN
THRILL
By ALDEN CHAPMAN

Copyright. 1920. Western Newspaper Unionl
To e life had been the anticipa-
ton n hope of Ora Merton yer
since she merged into early girlhood.
She a never been further from Post
willie than a neighboring town. but had
1ved on the promise Of old Aunt Clar-
india thar some day she should come
to Cold HarbOr and spend a month.
Aunt Clarinda had been a resident
of Cold Harbor before its 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. 1t was on her seven
teenth birthday that Aunt Clarinda
had written to Mrs. Merton: LET the
child come. | have made her a bath
ing suit and h can put in the whole
month if you can spare her that long"
There was a full fortnight for Ora
to make her preparations. She had
t%hirty-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 man came up to the
garden path carrying a peddler's pack.
He placed his ON a step and an
nOunced: "Some rare bargains, would
like to show the young lady"
ITS not trinkets or cheap stuff.
lady" he explained. IT'S something
choice and cheap-oh. so cheap!
ave a brother in trouble. He can
not pay his bills and if l do not get
cash quickly he will be sold out. /
will show you what l have to sacri.
fee"
Ora's eyes glOWed as the man
slipped a strap and spread out the
gorgeous, tempting contents of the
pack. 1t was an extraordinary dis
play. 1t 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
V worn. Here is the truth about
them. They belonged t o IL leading
actress. Her company got on the
rocks and the law seized her belong
ings. l bought them cheap. Tn go
ing to give you a bargain. Take your
pick of n layout for twenty-five dol
lars"
Ora was so excited at this offer that
she could hardly speak. Trembling
she looked over the articles in the
pack, selected a complete outfit, paid
! tho hic viz nrI p-0r- ;-,o -
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 d peculiar purplish 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 an upturned boat anf
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 ant
then drew back, GREATNESS.
"The mischief. the dress deceived
me e. young lady," continued thu
intruder, young, handsome, but pal
pably embarrassed, but Ora sprung c.
her feet with flashing eyes.
How dare you'll" she cried, ant
hurried away, the tears filling he
eys from sheer veXatiOn. The youn.
man attempted to overtake her, plead
ing, expostulating incoherently. bu
Ora fairly ran and gained her aunt
home overcome with the insolence O
a perfect stranger.
She did not venture to the beach 70
two days after that Then she wen
to the board walk. where she coul
seek protection, If again affronted
preached her.
"You will pardon N e MISS" HI
said, but you will AVE to accompan.
me to the police station. a lady jus
pointed you u as wearing some at
tire stolen from her trunk a week age
The dress, particularly, which is pre-
ciSely like the one she now veal
gives color to her claim"
Ora stood aghast. She felt as if sh
would faint on the spot. Just then
handsome lady about her own siz
approached. Officer" she said, &c
positively identify those articles a
those stolen from me-" and wa
joined by a young MAI who locke
at Ora and spoke suddenly.
"Sister, this is some great mistake
This is the young lady / told yo'
about. whom l greeted as yourself
Look, she is terribly distressed. Off
Ger. allow us to speak with the youn
lady apart" and he took the arm o
the wavering and overcome Ora an
led her to a bench.
It did not take long for light t
shine on darkness. Ora told he
simple, truthful story. Miss Edna
Danyers was full of regret, and he
brother wore the apologize face Q
a man eager to atone for his especia
error. They insisted on Ora comm
to their hotel, and the full reparatio
Of sincere regret and kindly interes
told how they believed in their innt