New Britain herald., 1923-05-15
NOW 60 o> WITH rur STORY

Brother and sister exchanged
 gianehs, the father considered briefly
 smilingly, then he haid With oil
 ht three an q quarter, il wouldn't
 take long for q twelve-hundred bar'leF 10 get the hull eahoodle, would it2
 ''is your well producing twelve hundred barrels way?"
 Huh" Rriskow. junior. gfinnsd at his sister, exposing mouth full Of teeth as white and as sound as 'rail- road erockery. but his next words were directed at Gray; We got four wells and the poorest one is maxim twelve hundred bhrl."
 The guests mentnl calculations as 10 the Briskow royalties were inter- iupted by an announcement that din. ner was ready. whereupon tho father announced.
 Mister. it looks like you'd have to stay overnight with us cause I got important business after dinner an wouldn't trust Mn to pick out no jewelry by herself-thcm prices would skeer her to death. We're ignorant people and We ain't used to spendin' money. so it'll take time for us 10 make up our minds. Kin you wait ."
 "I'll stay as long as you'll keep me-" kray declared. heartily.
 4 moment i ter. having learned that a place at he table had been set for his driver as well as himself Gray stepped out to summon the man and to effect the necessary change in his arrangements. He was not surprised to find the chuaffeur with nose flat tened against pane of the front room window. his hands cupped over his eyes. Ignoring the fellows con fusion at being discovered, Gray told him of his change of plan and in- structed him to drire back to Ranger and to return late the following af- ternoon. Then he led the way | toward the kitchen.
 That stay at the Briskows' turned | out to be less irksome than the visitor had anticipated. for the afternoon was spent with Buddy examining the Bris- kow wells and others near by.
 They got along together swimming ly; in fact, they grew thicker than thieves in the course of time. The elder man soon became conscious of | the fact that he was being studied, | apalyzed. even copied-the sncerest form of fattery-and it pleased his vanity.
 When Gray offered him a cigarette Buddy rudely took the gold case out of his hand and examined 1t, then he laughed in raucons delight.
 Gosh never knew men had p,rty things. I'm goin' to get me one like that.
 Do you like it?"
 Gee. it's swell'
 Good I'll make you a present or it."
 Buddy stared at the speaker in speeches. surprise.
 Nobody never give me present, Buddy said. Not one that I wanted. I never had nothing l didn't have to have and couldn't get along With out This cigarette case is worth more'r all the stuff ever owned, an I'm syre obliged to you. lie re- placed the article in Grays hand.
 "Eh? Won't you accept it? Why not?"
 "I-Oh, I dunno"
 Gray pondered this refusal for q moment before saying, "Perhaps you think .'m-trying to make a good inn oression on you, so you'l buy some 
 "Mebbe.' Buddy averted his eyes. He was in real distress.
 "Um-m I ought to punch your 1ead" Grak slipped the case into ,oupe Briskow's pocket, T don't nave 60 bribe people. Some day ,ou'll realize that l like you
 Honest ?''
 "Cross my heart"
 The boy laughed in frank delight. ,is brown cheeks colored his eyes parkled. "Gosh," said he IT, Ike you." For some time thereafter re remained red and silent, but he .ept one big hand in the pocket where Jay the gDld cigarette case. here was a wordless song in Buddy ,riskow's heart, ,for-ho had made riend. And such q friend. Gray lade his conquest douby secure by ngag ging the young Rehemoth in