Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1921-09-03
For Sale for
$1,000
By r. RAY BAKER.

but IL was bitter disappointment.
Frankly Casper lIopkins had adj
miited repeatedly to himself that
there was no reason why the most
beautiful girl in Waterford should
Look on him with favor. There were
handsome Suitors who lowered about
her threshold. and when the good
looks had been distributed Casper
must have been absent. for he was
very plain-lOoking young man.
There were athletes who aSpired 10
her hand. and IN physical dimensions
and strength. Casper made a poor
showing for he was II rather runty-
looking specimen of manhood. There
were rich mems sons who wOocd tn"
fair maiden, and here again Casper
did not shine. for his future was
wrapped up in shoe store IN which
he expected Ia buy an interest some
time soon.
liut he had hoped against hope.
and now his heart was broken. Hav-
ing received the fatal answer he
turned from Christine and slowly.
with eyes dOwncaSt, approached the
door Of her home. which lie vowed
he never would darkcn again once
he stepped Out into the dark world.
Casper"
Her v"icc arrested him as he was
turning tho knob.
Christine sat on davenport, in a
detected posture, lookins at him with
lack-ustcr eyes.
viii You come here, Casper" She
said. Il will explain some things 10
You intended Keeping It from
YOU. but ! feel It j. di" you. You
have been very nice 10 mo"
He sat on thu davenport beside her.
Il will not mincr words. she told
him. speaking rapidly. The fact is.
Cnsprr | am about to offer myself
FOR sale"
"lnu you--' Casper suffered.
unable To believe his ears.
II am about to offer myself for
sale She repeated. Casper, ! do
not wish to appear conccited. hut
wish me to marry them, aud | shall
accept onc-for one thousand dollars
cash need the money. Father. YOU
know is in the hospital and the only
thing that will save his life Is an OPP
Grafton that will cost the amount |
have mentioned II will not he the
first time such plan has been used,
| read in the newspapers recently
about New York girl who made 4
similar OFFER. with similar purpose
ir view. and that gave me the idea.
The only assets We have are some
worthless mining stock this home
which father has always lived in, and
and me. am going to sell myself.
G"odby."
Casper went out, walking in y
and his services We're not required
al the Shoe store where he was en-
pluyed; 80 he set out for a long
walk in the woods. He scarcely knew
where he wandered his thoughts
were So busy Ills dream Was shat
tered, his heart broken. and h. cared
little what happened To think Of
the girl he worshiped becoming the
bride of man She did not love
for one thousand dollars
BY the time Casper had walked
three hours there was different
light in his eyes, expressive OF a
combination of determination and
desperation.
With hurried steps he made his
way TO the house where he roomed
and boarded. From drawer of his
dresser he brought bank book.
which he opened Seated on the edge
Of the bed. he stared AT an array OF
figures. smiling grimly.
"Shes going to sell herself for II
thousand dollars" he unused. Very
we'll, Will buy her myself. love
her and have just n much right
10 her as any Of those rich men"
Tears threatened in Caspcr's eyes
II had taken him three years 10 save
that thousand, and II great deal of
pinching and Scrnping. lie had IN
mind the purchase Of an interest In
the shoe store where he worked and
he had put of asking Christine to
marry him until he had accumulated
the necessary amount TO 90 into
business Now. II he married Chris
tine according To her OWE terms. Il
would mean starting al over again.
But CaSper's mind was made up. lie
wanted Christine even II he had 10
buy her.
But Casper felt he would be unequal
10 the task If appearing In person 10
hid for Christine. So the next morn
ing. before he went to work he penned
Il brief note lie carried this 10 work
with hun. and when the bank was
opened he drew cut his funds and i'm
n.ediatcly transferred them to a check
ing account. Then he wrote a check
for thousand dollars and incloSed II
with the note. lie had exactly 81 lief;
Ia his credit In the hank.