New Britain herald., 1923-06-05
BTGIN HERE TO-DAY

Es
 Gray tells the colonel that because Of
 his hatred for the banker he means
 10 break him financially Nelson de-
 fies Gray, Rarhara Parker buys
 land for the colonel, Gray hires
 Mallow and two associates ta keep
 watch Of the activities ef Nelson in
 the oil fields Gus RFisknw strikes
 oil and Gray helps the family over
 the rough spots, Allie, the daughter,
 falls in love with Gray, Rud, the
 son, runs away from school and Gray
 follows 10 bring him home, He finds
 Bud in the hands of an adventures,
 NOW Go oN WITH THE STORY
 "she was, He's dead, or some. thing, l was hashful about eallin' around to see her, not hayin' anything to talk about but school an oil wells, but she took an interest right away. specially in the wells. You'd ought 10 hear the story of her life. Mfr, Gray, It's as sad as any novel, You see. her folks had lots Of money. but her ma died an her pa was too busy to be bothered. so he sent her of 10 q convent. Them nuns al the con. vent was so cruel 10 her that she run away"
 And went on the stage"
 How do you know"
 .I didn't. But-the stage is the usual refuge for convent-bred girls who are abused. I've met several. Did she Was the old home in Nir- sinia?"
 Sure! Mebbe you know her." Bud dy cried
 Perhaps. I seem to remember the story. What is her name7'
 Airline Montague"
 The elder man shook his head.
 You said something about n mar. riage. I dare say she married some | rich John whose family disapproved of the match-so many show girls have been deceived like that. You can't imagine the prejudice of those Fifth Avenue parents"
 That's what she done. An he went off an joined the French Legion of Honor an was killed"
 What is the estate you men, fioned?"
 "Oh, that's her own! It's all she had to fall back on. It's beip' set tied up now an she'll have her money before long"
 The old Virginia homestead and the slaves-?"
 Good thing she met me when she 1: did, for them lawyers had it all tied up in court and wouldn't let go till she paid their fees"
 "A providential meeting. truly. v Lat af | rid of the wretched bloodsuckers. I've done much the same thing, more than once. Now. one other ques- tion-how does she happen to be in Dallas? l infer from your account that she is model of virtue, and that she accepted your aid only upon the condition that your attentions to her should be characterized by the deep- est respect. So? Well then, "how come'?"
 That was just lucky chance. She's got some interests here; stocks an things, belongin' to the estate. She dunno, herself, how valuable they are, but me comin' right from Texas an bein in oil an all. she ast me to help her out. So I got her to come. All that had kep' her back was the expense. Mind you"-Buddy's tone became one of deeper admiration- "she ain't blue, or anything. No sir-ee. Her life's been sad, but you'd .ever know it. She's full of pep: allus out for fun. an'-that's what I Ike about her. Gee! You gotta meet her. MT. Gray"
 "Well, rather. But meanwhile. we must telegraph your parents not only hat you have been found. but also he further good news"
 I've better not say anything lbout my gettin' married" = Why not? They'd like to know
 Buddy stirred uneasily. Why, | Us this way I haven't ast her yet | debbe she won't have me. If she avs yes-I'l let em know"
 "Good We'll make it, for the ime being. a mere message of reas- trance. Tonight you and Miss Mon- ague shall dine with me and we'll o to theater."
 Gray was prepared to find his oung friends light O love super cially attractive, and she was all of hat. He was not prepared, however. 0 find her quite as good an actress 8 she appeared to be. In spite of he fact that she probably took less leasure in the meeting than did he, he admirably covered her feelings. Grays heart sank as he studied