The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-01-05
Beasley's
Christmas
Party
By
BOOTH HARRINGTON
=
Copyright BY Harper & Brothers
vi-continued.


knit comforter about his neck.
That's. good. We'd most give you up.
This here's Mr.. Grist, and Mr.. Henry
p. Cullop, and Mr.. Gus Schulmeyer--
three men that feel the same way
about Dave Beasley that do. That
other young Teller" he waved nit
tened hand to the fourth man-"he's
from the Journal. Likely you're ac-
quainted."
The young man from the Journal
was. unknown to me; moreover, ] was
far from overjoyed at his presence in
the group.
1--WE got you newspaper men here"
continued Mr.. Peck, because I'm
goin to show you somep'n' about
Dave Beasley that'll open good many
folks eyes when It's in print"
swell, what IL itg' asked, rather
sharply.
Jest hold your horses a little Bit
he returned. "Grist and me knows.
and so do Mr.. CuIlop and Mr.. Schulz
meyer. And I'm goin' to take them
and you two reporters to look at 1t.
All ready? Then come on
He threw open the door, stopped
to the gust that took him by the
throat, and led the way out into the
storm.
"What is he up to?' gasped to the
Journal man as we followed in a
struggling line.
II don't know any more than you
do,' he returned. "He thinks he's
got something tfht'll queer Beasley.
Peck's an old fool, but it's just pos
sibIe he's got hold Of something. Near
ly everybody has one thing, at least,
that they don't want found out. It
may be a good story. Lord, what a
night r.
l pushed ahead to the leaders side.
"See here, Mr.. Peck" began, but
he cut me off.
.You listen to me, young man! I'm
givin' you some news for your paper,
and I'm gittin' at it my own way, but
I'll git at it, don't you w6rryl I'm
goin' to let some folks around here
know what kind of a Teller Dave
Beasley really is; yes, and I'm
goin' to show George Dowden he can't
laugh at me! !"
"You're going to show Mr.. DowGen?"
I said. "You mean you're going to
take him along with us on this expe-
dition, too?"
'Take himl" Mr.. Peck emitted an
acrid bark of laughter Il guess he's
at Beasley's, all right"
'No he isn't; he's at home -at Mrs.
opportunities playing cards"
what /"
II happen to know that he'll be
there all evening"
Mr. Peck smote his palms together.
"Grist!" he called, over his shoulder,
and his colleague struggled forward.
Listen to this: even Dowden amt at
Beasley's. Amt the Lord workin' fer
us tonight?"
'Why don't you take Dowden with
you," urged, ''if there's anything you
want to show him?'
"By George, / Wilt" shouted Peck.
''Tve got him where the hairs short
now!"
"That's right" said Grist.
"Gentlemen"-Peck turned to the
others"when we git to Mrs. Apperth-
waite's, jest stop outside along the
fence minute. / reckon Wen pick
up recruit"
Shivering, we took up our way
again in single file, stumbling through
drifts that had deepened incredibly
within the hour. The wind was
straight against us. and so stingihgly
sharp and so laden with the driving
snow that when we reached Mrs. APP
perthwaite's gate s(which we APP
preached from the north, not passing
Beasley's) my eyes were so full of
smarting tears 1 could see only
blurred planes Of light dancing vague
~ In the darkness, instead Of brightly
lighted windows.
"Now," said Peck, painting and
turning his back to the wind: 'the
rest of you gentlemen wait out here.
You two newspaper men, you come
with me-"
He opened the gates and went in,
the Journal reporter and follow
ing-all three of us wiping our half
blinded eyes. When we reached the
shelter of the front porch. took the
key from my pocket and opened the
door.
Il live here" I explained to Mr..
Peck.
"All right" he said. "Jest step
in and tell George Dowden that Sim
Peck's out here and wants to see him
at the door minute. Be quick"
went into the library, and there
sat Dowden contemplatively playing
bridge with two of the elderly ladies'
and Miss Apperthwaite. The last
mentioned person quite took my
breath away.
IN honor Of the Christmas eve Il
supposedly she wore. an evening dress
of hIo oh 1ooo onI tho on1xr 1x-o,.d FOR