Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1925-01-01
CHAPTER XVIII
Hominq Hearts

Jack Kilmeny had not been brought
up In the dry sunbaked West for moth
ing. The winds Of the Rockies had
entered into his character as well as
into his physique. lie was a willful
man, with good deal OF granite In
his makeup. A fighter from his youth,
be did not find II easy TO yield the
point upon which he differed from
Moyn. There was In her so much OF
impulslve generosity that he had ex.
pected TO overpower her scruples. But
she stood like a rock planted In the
soil.
II came 10 him as he walked home
after long fight with her that In his
heart he did not want her to Yield.
sne was the Moya Dwight he loved be-
cause she would not compromise with
her conviction. Yet, though he wanted
her 20 stand firm, he hated the thought
of giving way himself. II CALLED his
pride that he must come TO her with.
out penny. knowing that she had the
means 10 keep them both modestly.
Nor could he. without pang, think OF
surrendering the twenty-elght thou.
sand dollars he had fought for and
won. He was no visionary. The value
of money he understood perfectly. II
stood for power. place. honor. the
things that were worth having. Given
what he had, Jack knew he could
double II In Goldbanks within the
year. There were legitimate opportu-
mites for investment that were bound
TO make rich returns. But without a
dollar he would be like Samson shorn
of his locks.
All through the night he was Joined
In battle with himself. but when nj
early dawn he stood on the top of SON
ofa-Gun hin and faced a sky family
pink with the warning OF coming
sun his decision had been made.
on his way back he met Moya and
Miss Seldom. Joyce pounced upon
him with grievance.
"You haven't told me yet how much
you're going TO give for the new hos.
pltal Mr.. Kilmeny. You know we're
leaving tomorrow. and you'll have TO
decide at once. BE generous. please
You said yourself II was good cause"
He nodded agreement. ''rhe most
worthy charity I know I've often
wondered why some Andrew Carnegie
didn't set the fashion OF endowing
hospitals by wholesale. They ought
10 be free TO all poor folks out OF
health. When man Is losing his
wages and his family is serimping he
ought not to be facing thlrty-dollar.
a-week hospital charge. Yes, I'm for
the new hospital, Miss seldom"
"How strong are you for III" Joyce
asked. laughing at her newly acquired
American slang. "Mr. verlnder has
promised to give me two. dollars for
every one can raise among my other
friends SO don't he a--a--"
"A tlghtwad." supplied Moya with a
smile. She could do little In the
native slang herself,
Jack went into his pocket for a
checkbook and fountain pen. He
wrote for few seconds, tore the
check from the stub. and handed II to
Joyce.
That young woman gasped.
"why--you don't really mean--its
for twenty thousand two hundred
and fourteen dollars" she cried.
"And seventeen cents. Please don't
forget that" he added.
"But--what ON earth do you meanr'
Jack was looking at Moya. and she
at him with shining eyes In which JOY
swan.
"Its a little thank offering, Miss
Seldom"
because you were rescued from the
mine. | suppose. Still :"
Because I'm engaged 20 be married
TO the best woman In the world" he
corrected.
Joyce whlrled upon Moya with In
slant dlvlnation. 'You little wretch
and you never told me-"
II Miss Dwight had not known II
herself tn this moment she gave nc
sign 20 that effect Were telling you
now. DEAR" she explained
How long have you been engaged
Was II yesterday In the bucketf"
Jack laughed. Nothing so roman
tic. We've been engaged little les:
than half minute. You get the first
chance 10 wish Moya JOY on having
won SO great catch. She's marrying
pauper. you know"
II think we're very rich." differet
his sweetheart shyly.
Joyce looked from one to the Other
suspiclously. Il haven't n notion whai
either OF you mean. but know I'm 80
Ing 90 hang on 10 this check. MIR
Millionaire Pauper,"
Imps OF mischief sparkied In IN,
highgrader's eyes. "Dont forget tina
verinder has 60 write one for twie'
rs much"
Miss seldom could not help laugh
Ing. "ril see 10 that He's not |