Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1922-07-13
By DOROTHY WHITcoMB

4
"Pll tell you 10 minute" replied
Arnold White-"four. six. eight. nine"
and he hipped over the bank bills In
his hand and then said definitely and
withal quite Observation-Disclosures"
"Why not?"
"Can't afford It."
Nonsense! See here, believe you
are showing the white feather. And
Miss Leila Morton Is we'll worth the
attentions of any young mani"
"NO doubt Of that" half sighed Ar
mold. I'm fact, that's the trouble"
There was an interruption. Gus
toner came driving up in an automo-
bile. wishing to look at some houses
listed for sale by the Office and Arnold
had to hurry away at once.
Have you half an hour to spare,
Halr he inquired Of his friend.
"Sure-dOuble that time, If l can be
useful"
"Just keep the Office open until l
7 return, will your"
"Tll do that, responded Hal.
Hal had not fully 'drOpped into the
righteousness OF repose when there
was a visitor. He was bronzed-
faced. big-framed man with all the
marks of an outdoor life upon him.
"Mr. Arnold White?" he spoke In
QulringIy. q
"No, sir-OnIy his friend"
"Ah, then will watt" said the
stranger, seating himself. "Friend Of
Mr.. White. are your How is he ge:.
ting along?"
"He Is the best fellow in the world
declared Hal with JUNCTION, cand an
up-tO-date salesman. When he came
here he made two years salary con-
tract for a ridiculous sum. That ex-
pireS soon. He'll get rich on his COM
missions, II they give him half a
chance"
That's promising" commented the
visitor "COntented, happy, sup
poser"
"Well. he's In lovel" laughed Hal.
"Teli me about that" rather eager
ly urged the stranger.
/ "No I'm talking too much. guess, "
dissented Hal, suddenly realizing that
he was discussing his absent friend
too freely with a stranger.
For nearly FIVE minutes the stranger
poured a strange tale into the ears Of
his amazed auditor. Hal looked star
tied, then delighted. ~.,
Capital! famous! Arnold deserves
1t all! he cried Loyalty. ayes, you
need to know all. You see, my sis
ter"
And this time Hal Daniels found a
listener to what his sister, the fast
friend Of Leila Morton. knew OF her
preferences as to her many beaux
Arnold White especially considered.
''This gentleman wishes to look over
your property" advised Hal, as Arnold
returned.
"Ah, yes" bowed. Arnold. zone
word, HAL" he added, stepping to the
side of his friend and speaking con-
fidentially: II wish you would gel
word to Miss Morton through your
sister that / cannot attend the theateE
party to the city tomorrow evening
Nonsense I" began Hal stormily.
mo, 1t isn't. haven't asked Miss
Morton"
Il mo, but I'll bet she expects It,"
II can't afford 1t Just nov, Hail." as
serted Arnold seriously. and added
briskly to his visitor: "Now then
sir, what can show you"
/ II want You to pick me out the
neatest, most convenient house you
have on your list" was the reply.
The customer insisted on Arnold
expressing his preference and judg
ment Finally the stranger said:
ell take that house-it's little
palace"
"What name In the deed. pieaser
inquired Arnold. taking up pen.
"Arnold White"
"What?" exclaimed Arnold, "why
that's my name"
Il II know It ls," bowed the stranger
coolly. II am following out my in
} structions implicitly"
II "But don't understand"
"You soon will. I nm an attorne.
; from Montana, representing Ernes
: hDrake."
"What! my old friend whom have
] not heard from for two yearST
] 'SThe same, and the man you loancs
! 500 to-. Well, we went West and go
In Jail. Stayed there for two years
} stubbornly fighting for valuable
/ land entry he had made. There was 1
! technicaIity and he stood BY his guns
! | Il helped him. i We beat the lanC
j sharks and he Is rich today. There h
; the money you loaned him with r.
I terest"
\ Arnold was stupeHed. Then hii
y frst thought was Of Leila.
= "By the way. Mr.. White, said tn
! stranger eabout this Young lady Mr.
II Daniels told me about sas
vi ERNEST DraketwOuld think of yOn
d happiness ahead Of anything else. h
/. said. Vas his representative. i CIV,
/. you this news reliably occurred
2 Miss Morton Il only waiting for M
4 ~ ask her cOmpany TO that theate