The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-04-14
THEIR
SIGNAL
DEFEAT
By BERTON TRIMMER
Copyright by w. G. chapman3

SOLiDC Will al uCIlL lOhSAhS CSSS'
Handsome, we'll dressed, erect and
manly looking, he would have made an
impression on nine out of ten fem
mime admirers. To Ina he was a
last hope. She had reached the Dor
ders of womanhood, and spinster
life seemed to menace her.
ga rising young man." spoke the
unctious voice of her father in her
ear so unexpectedly that she started,
blushed consciously and in some con-
fusion evaded his keen insinuating
eyes. rs he rising to the occasion
Of matrimony, Ina?"
"How should I known fluttered the
girl. "He comes here occasionally,
but divides his attention with others"
81 have fancied that he rather ia
vored you," proceeded Squire Ringold
bluntly fought to- AS to money and
position, he couldn't make a better
match, eh, Ina?'
Father" spoke Ina suddenly, plac-
ing a pleading hand on his arm, will
you do something for me?"
"Why, surely-always," acceded Mr..
Ringold, fairly surprised at her
strange manner. "What is it?"
''The school trustees are deciding on
new teacher"
"Why, yes, but that doesn't usually
interest you much
ut does this time" confessed Ina
hurriedly. Il understand that the
board has selected two to choose
from-a Miss Zelda Bertram of Fair
view and a Miss Lucy Dodge of Broc-
ton"
you're pretty well posted" said
the squire That's right"
"Mr. Newcombe favors Miss Dodge.
1t seems some friend of his recon-
mends her. she is young and pretty,
I learn"
eve usually give Newcombe his
way" said the Squire.
you mustn't this time" insisted
Ina. This Miss Bertram, I have
heard, is a Vassar graduate. She must
be older than the other one. Be
sides, it would be quite a card for US
to have a Vassar graduate as teach
er, don't you see, pap?"
The Squire saw" very well, indeed,
and said SO, and departed with a
chuckle. What Ina was inspired with
was the fear of beauty and youth COM
ing upon the scene to add new rival
In her determined onset to appropriate
young Newcombe as her fiance.
I'm WISE" meditated the Squire.
"As 1 have said, Newcombe is a ris-
ing man in the community, and I
wouldn't object to him as son-in-
law"
Although Ina did not know 1t, Paul
Newcombe was perfectly free from
any interest in Miss Dodge outside
of wishing to oblige a friend. He had
learned that the young lady in ques-
ton was entirely eligible for the post
she expected to fill, and his sympa-
thies were enlisted when he learned
that she was the sole support of an
invalid mother.
Paul had told the other six men,
bers of the school board of his pref
erence, He was lawyer they respect
ed his good judgment and up to the
day before the meeting of the trus-
tees the votes of four of his fellow
members were pledged with him.
To his surprise and in a way to his
panied regret Miss Bertram was
chosen for the vacant post by vote
Of five to two.
"You see, Newcombe,' explained the
Squire, trying to act off-handed, 1--WE
believe that a mature woman. as this
Miss Bertram Is probably, would be
better than a mere chit of a girl"
yes, and then again." advised one
of the Squire's cohorts, 'it's some
thing to have been educated at Vas
sar.'
II think that some one ought to 60
down to Fairview and personally mott
fy Miss Bertram of our choice" sub
mitted a third trustee.
Exactly" approved fourth, "and
first look up her general record to be
sure that we are making no mistake"
II nominate Newcombe to represent
the school board in that MISSION" said
the Squire.
Paul swallowed his disappointment
as to favoring friend through the
selection Of Miss Dodge. He made
arrangements to go to Fairview the
next day. That evening the Squire
came home with satisfied expression
on his face.
"Well, Ina," he observed, I'VE car
ried the day."
"They have selected the vassar girl,
then?"
"Of course. had influence enough
for that"
II hope this Miss Bertram is the
self-opinionated old maid I judge her
to be-" meditated Ina and felt quite
elated over her petty victory.
The fair siren planned out a series
Of parties for the near future, pur-
suant to the expected speedy return
Of Newcombe. He had never given
her the least indication that he had
any preference for her, but she was
sure she led In the race, at least To-
cally, as to position and wealth.
sort of queer about Newcombe,"
observed the Squire, when he came
home two days later. Hes usually a