The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1929-04-19
What the Gray House Hid


gested briskIy. "I'll beat you three
sets out of four whenever you are
ready. I've been reading book Oh
tennis tactics, and after committing
1t to memory I've burned It. so you
can't read it. You haven't chance r.
Hanhy's mood was more cheerful
81 wrote that hook" he declared
want to betT'
eco and get into flannels," Pelham
told him. "Hil's worried" he added.
to Dina. when Handy had left the
room.
II never saw him so before. Try
and make him laugh at 1t. Bill"
Hanby's mood Of depression nassed
very quickly. New daily interests 80
crowded one upon the other that
there was no room for gloom or In
trospection.
The Parkers did not come Parker's
stomach. after many unheeded warn
ings had finally rebelled against fits
owners habit of taking three meat
meals day. Julia Parker wrote thar
her husband .,as about to be operated
upon.
One day. walking down the drive
Handy met small, florid. neatly
dressed man approaching the house
the sort of man to inspire conf
dence even among the most snspi
cious.
"If he's a salesman" Hanby reflect
ed, I'm gone. A man like that could
sell me anything!"
The stranger bowed politely.
"Mr. Handy. / believer"
"Yes." replied Hanby, wondering
what II was he was about to buy.
My name is Observation-Disclosures
Appleton. You are probably unaware
Of my existence"
ION the contrary, you are expected
when the bass season opens. You
were kind enough to give my friend
Mr.. Pelham some information about
this house.
las | was in the neighborhood !
took the liberty of coming to see your
improvements. have always been
much interested in the Gray house"
II shall be glad to show you over
1t and ask your advice. find every
day that there are LOT of things
about country estates that they don't
teach boys on farms-these improve.
ments. for instance"
Mr.. Appleton's manner was almost
eager.
MAY ask what they are?"
"a big swimming pool between the
tennis courts and the house, new
garage for six cars. Japanese tea
house. and dozen smaller jobs"
Nothing pleases the new owner
more than the opportunity to exhibit
his property. Mr. Appleton was
bored by nothing. He begged to he
shown everything He had no crAi-S
vssa's. mt cOngrMuIAted Hilton HAN
by warmly.
'You will make this" he declared
lone of the stately homes of Amer
lea. You have genius for this sort
of thing"
Only in one matter was his view
opposed to that of the owner. He
thought that the ground given over
to the bird sanctuary would do adj
mirably for ornamental glass houses.
''My wife and wouldn't think of
such thing" Hanby asserted firmly.
ave are for the conservation of bird
life. You may not know it. hut our
rarer species Of songsters are in seri-
GUS danger Of determination. That
bird sanctuary is hobby of ours.
and it will not be disturbed while
we live"
Mr.. Appleton wrung his hosts
hand. Handy was surprised at the
emotion written on this CHEEKY, IN
lined face.
ut does you credit, SIR" he ex.
claimed. "In my ignorance | have
given no thought to such matters.
It was criminal negligence. did
not know"
"As matter of fact" Handy con-
fessed, 81 was just as needless as
you until month ago. Mr.. Rayliss.
whom met at the Metropolitan club.
told me all about it. I rather think
ne is president or the OrnithOlOgica!
society,""
'"The name seems familiar" said
Appleton. Zone of our national au-
thorities, If I mistake not. think
I have read a notice of one of his
books on the subject"
Appleton was sightseeing until
luncheon. Handy would not let him
refuse to stay to the meal. despite the
fact that he had neat package of
sandwiches and fruit
The interior of the. house charmed
him greatly. He was filed with ad
miration at the rules Of the Sanctu-
airy club. The critical family circle
approved of him.
ITO BE coNrINuEDo