The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1921-11-11
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"a "a BEING A DEAR DAD q
BY HELEN HEDLEY.
"a IA "a n No "a "a "a "a "a "a Y


chorus of Nobody! answered him
crescendo, and ending in a sort of
groan.
"Why on earth" Emmett began.
Lois, the eldest Ashton, took the word
from his lips, saying: "Just what we
want to know-and can't find out. 1t
Is this way-dad says we shan't, and
there's an end of it. Not the least
little smidge of reason why"
upon my world" Emmett ejaculat-
ed-then wheeling upon EN-, the
youngest Of the trio, withal the wicked
est flirt ; Confess, miss What nave
you been doing to make a perfectly
good father act up this way"
Nothing at all. I've had no chance
whatever" En- pouted, but with the
ghost of dimple playing about her
lips. "Been over at Grandpa Beams
which is next thing to solitary con-
finement. So lonesome I'd almost
have had heart failure even over you"
Even me! Ingratitude, thy name is
En- Ashtonw Emmett cried, laying a
hand distractedly to his forehead. All
were laughing-even Betty, the staid
middle sister. Lois gasped between
giggles: But 1 really believe you're
"n the right trail, Emmett"
Elm giggled harder than anybody
She had ,to-being perfectly aware Of
why dad, usually the most tractable
of parents, was indeed acting up. The
why was a man-as is usual in case
Of stern father and a distractingly
pretty girl. Squire Ashton disap
proved of Barton Clay wholly-from
the crown of his handsome head to the
solcs of his aristocratic feet. Add that
the fair was, in effect, Barton Clay
he was president OF the association
chief exhibitor and giver Of more thar
half the priZes-and the mystery ceas-
es to be mysterious.
"My respected uncle will surely got
his come-uppance. l see him now with
three old maids to torment his extreme
age" Emmett commented loftily. Bet.
ty amazed all by a vigorous head
shake and said: Make it two, please
I'm going to marry-if have to pro
pose myself, get The license and pay
the parsOn."
"Betsy didn't know you could be
so desperate" Emmett cried. trying to
pinch her cheek. "But cheer up-ii
the worst comes, I'll look you up
susceptible widower-one so new il
grief he don't know enough to ruI
away"
mo need. chn always take YOU
at PINCH" Betty retorted.
EN-, how about you@ Emmett de.
handed. She gggled again. Nothing
doing" she said saucily. "Em, EN-
nett we'd get ourselves so mixed up
we couldn't tell who to scold or swear
at, or aggravate. And really, we are as
much alike as our Names"
mo such thing. You fatter your
self wildly" Emmett returned, stick.
ing out his chin. The battle of wits
so ragged that those engaged had NO
ears or eyes for anything outside.
Therefore, red car halted at the por-
tico steps, the hall door yielded to an
impatient hand which had found
knocking vain and then all Barton Clay
was among them, nodding to the 9TH
ers, but holding Ems hands as though
he could not let them go, and looking
down into her eyes. What he read
there glorified his face. With soft
laugh, half blissful, half defiant, he
bent and kissed her, then gathered her
Ia his arms. '"Bear witness, I'm no
kidnaper, take my own from her fa-
TIERS house in the face of daylight and
under, the eyes Of her-family," he said
proudly--then to EN-: you got my
note? Are you ready to go without
waiting fc:- inc fair?" III
"I'm ready, but I don't know any
thing about any note" EN- answered
openly, nesting to him. Emmett laid
a hand upon Barton's arm, saying per-
suasively: listen, son, don't do this
Tery foolish thing. You mustn't, in
fact. won't let you. That's my little
sister you're smuggling up there-no-
body's ever going to have the right to
say she left her fathers house with
man not her welded husband. You'd
hate that, same as I would, once you
let yourself think in cold blood. Stay
and face the music-otherwise her
father Well stand by you, all Of us
let him know you mean fair and mean
also to play fair"
Barton grinned-one charm Of his
was quick transition. II tell you, it
has been refreshing-this liberal al
rcwance of cold shoulder" he said.
"But here comes the grand mogul now.
who lives up to fine words?"
GAIL Of u.s." Lois said, running to
meet her father, who entered amid q
chorus "Please," and do be a dear
dad" and such like entreaties. A
glance explained things to him, but
Emmett had to put the case convinc-
lngly Ia the end. "As public-spirited
citizen, you owe 1t to the country to
put a dangerous citizen under bonds
to keep the peace" he said. Barton
will make bond with the county clerk
giving me for surety"
Her father drew hard, catching
breath. his ewes the while ranging his