Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-05-19

r6dQ aloud. You TOLD the truth ABOUT
that, too. But why G. M? Come, what
Is it that distinguishes you from the
rank and file Of Dabbsesf Is it
Charles or Cyrus Or"
The older man blushed. &c. NJ,
generally sign myself" he admitted,
"but If you really want to know what
it stands for-why, Claude Melnotte
Dabbs g my name"
The young man laughed softly, re-
peating, Claude Melnotte."
Mr.. Dabbs smiled. ''Do you blame
me for sticking to G. NJ, or Mister?"
II do not" his companion declared
emphatically. "Tell me-"
"A travelling company, pretty good
one, too, I believe" Mr.. Dabbs began
hurriedly, with somebody celebrated
as Pauline came to the county seat
and played The Lady Of Lyons. My
mother"
II didn't mean that" the young man
assured him hastily, as though fearing
obstetrical details. 81 meant to ask
is there a Lady of Lyons in Peace
Valley and is yours called Pauline
toO?"
Mr.. Dabbs hesitated, shook his head
thoughtfully, and said slowly: Il live
alone, with Aunt Lyddy to keep house
for me.
"'Course, I've always thought it was
a blamed silly play. All about poor
boy marrying lady under false pre-
lenses. Good many years since read
it, though, but as remember, he made
good. I've often wondered If in real
life"
But his companion cared nothing
about discussing Lytton's old play. II
say, Claude Melnotte," he interrupted,
lis your Peace Valley home lit by ALA
baster lamps'?"
Claude Melnotte Dabbs hesitated.
He was home again, after week Of
the Wholesale and Retail Grocer's con-
vention in New York. Behind that
calm exterior he was greatly excited.
Something in the young mans ques-
ton family stirred his memory. Surely
there had been mention of "alabaster
lamps" in that old play. Vaguely feel
ing that there was another answer, he
took particular pains to be exact.
"We've got an electric light plant
for the store only, as you'll notice. In
the house we burn coal oil. They're
Rochester lamps"
He threw the door wide open and
beckoned to his companion to enter,
saying:
welcome home, Ned. Welcome to
Peace Valley and our store"
With their entrance conversation
stopped and all eyes turned toward
Mr.. Dabbs and his companion.
Ned saw what seemed an immense
cavern, Lit by crudely installed electric
lights which shed garish glow over
the huge stock of canned goods, flower
pots, cotton cloth, hams, bacon, tea,
coffee and other staples which consti-
tute general store.
"Hello, Sim," Mr.. Dabbs began,
greeting the big-headed, pale-faced
man behind the counter who. was la
ding out sugar for a bewhiskered
farmer.
But before he could introduce Ned,
a clear, girlish voice interrupted:
II beg pardon, but could-will any
one tell me the road to Glover HOl-
low?"
The occupants of the store trans
ferred their attention to the girl who,
unnoticed, had entered just behind
Mr.. Dabbs and his companion.
She was slender, vivid, dark girl.
One might suspect, and find, red lights
in the brown hair almost hidden by
her close-fitting hat, and a fire in the
blue eyes that looked out from under
long, dark lashes. Everything about
her spoke of money and care expend-
ed upon every article Of her clothing.
She had that curious air Of response
bility and knowledge that is so oddly
part Of youth that the war has left us.
II beg pardon" Ned began, but the
girl looked past him and at the capa-
BILE Dabbs, who had turned toward her
and was pointing through the dark
doorway as he spoke:
go straight along up that road un-
til you pass Brook farm, which you'll
know by the little covered bridge over
the brook. Cross the bridge, turn to
the right and keep on up the hill and
away from Peace Valley and you'll be
on the only road to Glover Hollow"
The girl thanked him briefly, though
cordially, and went swiftly out. Ordi-
narily the crowd would have discussed
her, her destination and her likelihood
of being ''stayer" or just a visitor at
Glover Hollow But now there was
another stranger present, and they
turned their attention to Ned.
Mr.. Dabbs introduced him briefly
"My nephew. Ned Carter, come to
stay awhile"