The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-04-28

unusual fun and excitement, with only
vague probability Of being caught.
Shelby slipped in a word.
"I'll bet five to one," he said quietly,
that she turns down the whole gang
"Ter hi she Will Not after she
gets one glimpse o. Cowan. She'll
think he owns the town."
"That's 1t, boys! Come on, you
fellers; the bunch o. us don't run no
risk. She'll copper on Cowan an II
she misses him them sideburns O. Ar
chibald's will sure get her goat"
as this yere two thousand sure
thlng?" 1t was Cowan who asked
somewhat anxiously. at amt got no
string tied to it?"
A yell greeted the question, punctu-
ated with various remarks.
"Takin' 1t seriously, old man?'
"Goin' to start an opposition store"
81 guarantee the sum-" said Nc
Carthy, "every last cent Of 1t. Who
ever the girl chooses, when he marries
her, I'll pay him the money. That's
fiat an you boys know whose talking"
There was a surging forward indi-
cative of readiness. Evidently the
proposition had caught on, and the
bunch was eager to learn the result.
LEAD us to 1t. Mac" someone cried
gayly, "gittin' married Is my long
suit"
"All right, boys" and Mccarthy
glanced ut his watch. 81 reckon the
preacher ought ter have her ready for
the delegation by this time. How
about 1t, TomT
They moved slowly out, jostling
each other, and indulging In horse
play and rude jokes, none taking the
affair seriously, but eager to learn how
1t would terminate.
Mccarthy led the way, directly
across the main street. and down the
path past the dance hall. which by
this time was In full blaze. Beyond
they were plunged into darkness, but
could see ahead Of them the faint
CLEAN Of light through the window
Of Calkins' shack. One or two sought
to drop out, but Shelby collared them
promptly, so that the entire bunch
finally lined up behind Mccarthy as he
raped on the closed door. The preach
er opened It, his round face beaming
benignantly In the glare Of the single
oil-lamp within. his bulk absolutely
blocking the entrance. Beyond, those
close at hand had vague glimpse OF
the girl, who stood back against the
wall, staring toward them with wide
open eyes. The Buffalo Gap man
smiled blandly in welcome. impressed
by the number Of faces he saw, and
stepped heavily aside.
"Come right in, gentlemen" he ex-
claimed. gesturing impressively with
one hand, "our accommodations are
not extensive, as you will perceive,
yet ample, trust. Just circle about
the wall thereto the left, please.
You have explained the circumstances,
Mr.. Mccarthy"
"Sure."
every we'll, then" his voice assum-
ing a soothing tone. "We need waste
no unnecessary time In preliminaries.
have very frankly laid the entire
matter before the young lady and have
finally convinced her Of the righteous
ness Of our purpose. Do fifty express
your state Of mind, my child"
She lifted her eyes slightly, a red
flush burning on either cheek.
~ suppose so; that's what you told
me to say"
Shelby, slipping in through the door
last of all, had found a precarious
seat on the sill of the window, where
he had a full view Of the room. His
glance wandered appreciatingly along
that solemn line Of men backed up
rigldly against the wall. They were
an odd-looking bunch, crowded to-
gether under the glare Of the oil-lamp.
the most Of them roughly dressed and
unshaven and all Of them visibly en-
barrassed and a little ashamed. The
girl stood alone Just before them and
to Shelby she appeared younger and
far better looking than In the after
noon. She would have been almost
pretty but for the pathetic droop at
the corners OF her mouth and the re-
bellious sullen look In her eyes. The
preacher spread his hands In disap-
probation of her remark.
ooh, no.. my DEAR" he protested.
81 merely labored with you and urged
this upon you as the better course. l
even made 1t the subject Of prayer
that we might be divinely guided. It
is now a matter entirely for your own
decision"
she looked from him to the row of
breathless men facing her, Impatient
ly, her bosom rising and falling tu-
multously.
"And I've got to choose which one
I'd rather marryf'
"well. yes, that is the idea crudely
expressed. Not that you are COM
PEELED in any way; only we feel 1t
highly desirable; that-well, perhaps
may say, It is the will of God that
you make soire such choice"