Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1922-02-01
An Old Friends
Gratitude
By DOROTHY WHIrcoMB

Copyright. 1922. Western Newspaper Union.
Going, ArnoldT questioned Hal
Daniels, as he stood In the suburban
real estate office Of Young & Co., ad-
dressing the manager Of that branch
Of big city business.
''Ill tell you In minute" replied
Arnold White-"four, six, eight, nine,"
and he tipped over the bank bills in
his hand and then said definitely and
withal quite disconsolately-"no."
"Why notY
Cant afford It,"
Nonsense! See here, I believe you
are showing the white feather. And
Miss Leila Morton is we'll worth the
attentions Of any young manwf
mo doubt Of that" half sighed Ar
mold. "In fact, that's the trouble"
There was an interruption. A 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,
Hal7" he inquired of his friend
,"Sure-double that time, If / can be
useful"
N"Just keep the office open until I
return, will your"
"I'll do that, responded Hal.
Hal had not fully dropped into the
luxuriousness Of rep0se when there
was visitor. He was a bronzed-
faced, big-framed man with all the
marks of an outdoor life upon him
"Mr. Arnold Winter" he spoke in
quiringly.
"No, sir-onfy his friend"
"Ah, then 1 will watt" said the
stranger, seating himself "Friend Of
Mr.. White, are you? How is he get-
ting along?"
"He is the best fellow In the world"
declared Hal with JUNCTION, land an
up-to-date salesman. When he came
here he made two years. salary con-
tract for ridiculous sum. That ex-
pires soon. He'll get rich on his COM
missions, if they give him half a
chance"
That's promising" commented the
visitor. COMMENTED happy, I sup
pose?"
"Well, he's in love" laughed Hal.
"Tell me about that" rather eager
ly urged the stranger.
mo, I'm talking too much. guess"
dissented Hal. suddenly realizing that
he was discussing his absent friend
too freely with stranger.
For nearly five minutes the stranger
poured strange tale into the ears Of
his amazed auditor. Hal looked star
tied. then delighted.
Capital! famous! Arnold deserves
it all !" he cried Loyalty. Eyes, 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.
All, yes DOWCO AiuOiu OHC
word, Hal" he added. stepping to the
side Of his friend and speaking con-
fidentially: II wish you would get
word to Miss Morton through your
sister that 1 cannot attend the theater
party to the city tomorrow evening"
Nonsense !" began Hal stormily.
NO it isn't. haven't asked Miss
Morton"
mo, but I'll bet she expects It,"
81 can't afford it just now. Hal" as
serted Arnold seriously. and added
briskly to his visitor: Now then,
sir, what can show your
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:
"I'll take that house-it's a little