The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-22
Euening Story
A Deal i'm Real Estate.

! the panorama or field and wood be-
Half way down the hill lay a small
farm, the house cleaning white
against the green foiiage. It stood
well back from the road and was
shaded by two huge sugar naples.
shrubbery and flowers, the well kept
fences and trim outbui1dings. testified
to the thrift and good taste of the
occupants.
Now. If I only had a wife that
would be just fireplace for me-" Pow
, ers said to himself. stopping to gaze
longingly at the cottage.
1t was after o'clock and the young
attorney had left office in town with
it's heat and dust and its clicking type
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 broad sign let
tered, For Sale" He came to a 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 If I had any use for a farm"
Resolute1y 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 sup
ping again. mo, no harm in that,
surely" he reasoned. and a moment
later he had turned in the graveled
driveway.
AS he assembled the front steps he
was conscious Of voices just inside the
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 courteousIy.
''Will you tell me the price" he be-
gan, then paused in confusion as he
met the eyes of the girl before him.
| 'tWhy-why, Helen Randi didn't
know you lived here he stammered.
recognizing a friend of his youth
grown to young womanhood.
"John Powers! OF all peopler' the
girl exclaimed. offering her hand
| Come right i'm
'I fear I'm intruding," Powers an
swered. recovering from his surprise.
NO. indeed. you are not" the girl
business caller, Mr.. Jackson
Powers nodded coolly to Jackson,
whom he recognized as a shrewd real
estate Spectator. The man was plain
| ly put out at the interruption.
How long have you lived here?"
Powers inquired.
| ABOUT a year" the girl replied.
Its strange I haven't run across
you in town"
Father was i'll when we came and
died three months ago. I didn't go
out much"
'T see." said Powers, gravely. "But
I may as well obtain the information
I came for he added. what do you
! ask for this place?''
Five thousand dollars" came the
answer.
I Powers's face fell.
Don't you want to look thru ?' the
girl asked eagerly. At believe that is
| the proper way to talk to a prospec-
tive purchaser" she laughed, rising
and leading the way into the dining
room.
Powers was quick to follow. Seer
tainly I'll look thru. Can't tell wheth-
err I'll want the place or not until I've
seen it, he returned. lightly.
THAT man is trying to buy the
property at ridiculous1y low price
and I'm afraid mother'll accept the
| offer. I thought maybe If you showed
an interest in it he might give more"
| the girl whispered In the privacy of
the kitchen.
I'm on" Powers whispered back.
his lips close to one dainty ear.
Now there are three sleeping rooms
and a bath upstairs. I'll show you
| those. >his guide announced as they
returned to the living room.
| 1.-The house is a perfect GEM" Pow
ers's enthusiastic praise was meant for
the ears of jackson. with whom Mrs.
Rand was Politely keeping up a con-
versa ton.
| Why sell this pretty placer Pow
ers asked when the two were alone
again.
Helen's merry air vanished. "Finan-
cial reasons; father left very little
Wei. what about my offer, Miss
Rand ?" The impatient voice of the
real estate man broke in sharply upon
them.
| The girl glanced questioningly at
Powers. II hardly think so-not
tonight. at any rate. The offer is too
| low" she called, descending the stairs.
TITS every cent can give" the
Spectator snapped, and my offer
won't stand long" He paused for
moment. Don't think every one who
looks at the house is going to buy it,"
he sneered, shooting a black look at
Powers, +Just sign that contract" he
urged. turning to the older woman,
| land Til pay deposit now and the
balance of the money as soon as the
title can be searched and the deed
| drawn
VIVA It's the offer, HeIen?" Powers
voice had an ominous ring to it,
"Thirty-five hundred dollars" the
girl answered quickly.
TOO low by fifteen hundred" Pow
ers returned sharply. He paused, then,
Il will buy the property at your fig
ure. Mrs Rand" he declared with a
quick glance at Jackson
Ihere was a little scream of delight
from the girl and jackson turned a
threatening look upon the young man.
And who may you be, butting in on
! my business" he demanded harshIy.
Powers ignored him. s'P1l write you
a check for five hundred dollars as
deposit" he said cody, addressing the
mother and leading the slightly be-
wildered woman to a table
The Spectator darted forward mo,
you don't young fellow. This is nv