The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-04-18
CHANTfCLEER TO THE RESCUE
By MARY Louise StetS0n.
BY Mafy LOUISE SIttSUIs
Copyright, 1921, by Wheeler Syn
dictate, Inc.)

Oy m6ly IWOlSC OtASCVAss
Copyright, 1921, by Wheeler Syn
dictate, Inc.)
Robert sat by the open fire and
smoked, but his was not q pipe OF
peace, despite the warmth Of the
atmosphere and the air OF COM
fort pervading his bachelor apart
ments. They had once seemed
home, but that was before Margaret
had been decided upon as the one
woman in all the world.
In school days Robert had been
called slow. It was soon noted,
however, that information once
registered was ever after in readi-
ness for use. Out in business hus-
tiers had looked upon him with sus-
picion, and yet they were forced to
admit he seemed to have a way Of
getting on. In belated counting
days, too, Robert still showed that
tendency to daily, and yet though
Margaret knew it not, she had been
welcomed into his heart, there to
remain whatever her wish in the
matter might be. 1t was exasper-
ating, though, to find that the lover
was being thwartsd as student and
business man had never been.
"Confound those Rhode Island
Reds" he muttered under his
breath. 'Gladioli,' strawberries.
poultry. A cabbage or pig craze
will come next, l presume. These
women! They've put up a big fight
and got the ballot. Why can't they
settle down and Do satisfied" And
Robert, in q spirit Of Indebtedness,
kicked the brass andirons faithful
ly rendering the service for which
they were created.
Small satisfaction, that. They
merely kept right on shining in
the red glow Of the fire.
Now Robert was in q pugilistic
mood, so he left those unresentfIl
andirons to shine on az long as
the embers glowed and sought COM
partnership elsewhere. But first he
polished his shoes and brushed his
clothes and donned the tie that
Margaret had complimented.
The Hilton farm is q little more
than a mile from the city postof-
nee. Barlow had often covered the
distance in threo-quarters Of an
hour, but on that particular Sum-
day afternoon. irritability within
and autumnal chilliness without
gave q new impetus to rapid walk
ing. He was surprised in glancing
up from a long perusal OF the side
walk to ind himself passing the old
Norris place, an eyesore In an 9th
erwise attractive nedghborhood.
On the sunny, II weather beaten,
doorstep sat Enos Norris. one leg
thrown over the other, his head
resting against the battered casing.
From within came the sound Of q
high-p pitched feminine voice. but
Enos pulled conteutedly on. His
was Q pipe OF peace.
Barlow nodded and passed on
Across the road and a little far
Their mp the hill were the well-kept
farm buildings owned BY Margaret's
father. As he approached. he was
impressed With their look Of quiet
uds, bsflitting the day: but he VA
inclined to be vexed thereby.
"Smug contentment of the same
sort she shows" was his unspokeu
comment ITO be smiled at forever
and . day and yet to fnd tho con.
versation switched on onto Rhode
Island Reds whenever q fellow
tried to b serious"
Suddenly around tho corner q.
the house. the lord Of the henya.d
came duttering and sQuavking into
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