Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1922-11-23

watched him go.
It'll Thursdayr' muttered the sinis-
ter voice of old Stepho, who had ap-
preached softly through the under
growth at the sound Of voices, and had
overheard their parting. But when he
came TO Periwinkle house, he gave no
sign to Nadine that he had overheard
only talked Of Monsieur Boyce and
the fine dresses he would buy for her
when she was his wife.
1t was long past noon when BRACE
reached the river.
The General had gone over into an
other parish to attend stock sale.
at Drace more closely, at his torn
clothes, his muddy shoes, she sighed
and sat down beside him where on the
rustic bench he had dropped to rest
before going to his room.
Virgil" she said, there is some
thing troubling you. Now, you needn't
tell me that it Is business I know
what business is. / know all Of its
tricks but l also know love and all
Of its tricks. Virgil you are In love.
Let me hope that it is not that Nina
Spence. She isn't worthy Of you; and
besides, she doesn't belong to us. She
is not of our world. Virgil, / am so
sorry"
She put her hand on his arm, and he
took it and affectionately kissed 1t.
he Il ~
you speak Of ! am in the-the throes,
you might say, and have been-was
before l got here, but not with her."
"But is it with anyone know"
"You have seen her, have heard"
ooh, you must tell me. 1t shall be
sacred with me. If you only knew how
people tell me their affairs of the heart.
Even old Colonel Josh has told me.
Now, why won't your
II shall tell you, but must put you
on your honor said that you have
seen her. You have; you spoke of
her. Nadine"
ooh, Virgil! But her father!'
EYES, l know. But let me tell you
my story.
He told of his love, not Of his IA
theirs death--told her nothing of his
oath; she listened enraptured; and
when he had finished, she mothered
him with her arms about his neck.
About ten O'Clock next day, while
the family sat in the shade, up to the
gate drew a Respondent carriage,
drawn by two black horses and driv-
en- by negro in livery. Out stepped
man as tall as Lincoln and wearing
hat as high as his. His raiment flashed
like the varnish of his equipage. Drace
recognized him as ne came through the
gate, taking off his gloves, and the
General cried out:
'Tycie, / wish may die dead If 1t
isn't Liberty Shottle!'
Colonel ShOttle, at your service"
replied Liberty, bowling and gesturing
with his gloves in his hand.
swell, Libertyl" cried his aunt, CIV
ing him hug of welcome
The General and BRACE grasped him,
stroked his velvety raiment, urging
him to seat.
"Why all this, Colonel Shottle r'-
from the General. you don't mean to
tell me that you have sold your jute-
stock?"
"Uncle Howard, sir, first issue orders
to have my carriage stored, my horses
stabbed and my driver quartered,
please
The order was issued, and they sat
waiting for Shottle to explain his
transformation.
"A simple story" he began, stretch
ing out his legs. But do not forestall
me. Poker, dice, roulette, faro, haz-
ard-all of them failed"
"And this comes Of legitimate In
vestment!' Tycie cried. II knew it
would. Oh, knew it just had to come.
Now tell us about 1t.
1T was an investment, Aunt Tycie.
But let me not forestall myself. / left
here on boat, got broke. Finally
reached Tampa, Florida"
away down there, Liberty prom
Tycie.
Patience, my dear aunt. Tampa,
and broke! After a day of hope with
it's throat cut from ear to ear, / got
on a boat bound for Havana. The
Spanish captain gave me passage for
service. He was studying English, and
/ agreed to explain to him certain
niceties of our mother tongue. you I'M
derstand; and am sure that, reaching
port he knew more about gambling
terms than he could have picked I'D in
year of close study IN one of our or
binary schools. He was appreciative
generous, and gave me bonus of FIVE
dollars. l went to a hotel, not Of the
first class, and it was there that /
made my investment The weather
was warm and"
For gracious sake, Liberty, tell us ="
his aunt urged him.
"That is my aim, but let us not be
impetuous. l was eating a
Spanish stew out on the sidewalk, the