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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 5, 1915)
5 he Omaha Sunday Bee Magazine Page TM NEW ADVENTURES 0T in WRITTEN BY GEORGE RANDOLPH CHESTER Author of MOetRich-QulckWalliBcfr4" DRAMATIZED BY CHARLES W. GODDARD Builder of tha Worid'i Greatest Serial INTRODUCING burr Mcintosh ... max figman - - - . ... lolita robertson - - Copyright lttt by The SUr Co. AI For In ftlghta Reaerved. A TRANSACTION IN SUMMER BOARDERS KQTUNO. ladle!" observed J. Rufu Wall. Ingford. ae he looked at the dilapidated stage which u to carry them from the forlorn and lonesome little station at Birch wood to the Pine Lake Health Resort. "It takes a couple of wise lollops like you and me, Blackie, to set the prone food when we do a;et It": and he glanced at the discouraged looking- Violet and Fannie Warden. Aunt Patty Warden was smiling; cheerfully. "Don't ring me in on this, J. Rufus," protested Blackie Daw, twirling his black mustache with complacency. "I didn't want any health, remember. I've got too much now, in spite of all I can do to ruin It." "Perhaps that- isn't out stage," said Fanny Warden hopefully. What faint hopes Fannie hand entertained, however, were dashed by the driver himself, as he stopped his horses at the platform. "Are you Mr. Walllngford and party?" he Inquired in a voice which was a startling- reproduction of the tone of the rear off wheel, and he surveyed them with the mournfulness of the grave. Walllngford looked at Blackie with stern accusation, and then his Jovial pink face broke Into a smile, which, while infectious to behold, was not all mirth. "I never had a stronger hunch than right now to slip any body the wrong name," he oonfessed; "but the train's gone and we might as well be game. If our party can stand this, though, he's a piker. I suppose you're from Pine Lake?" "Tea, I'm from Rugr's place," admitted the driver. "I reckon you'd better aet as near In tbe middle of the middle seat as you kin." he continued, eying the huge Walllngford with more or leaa of dismay, and he winced quite painfully when Walllngford, shaving aeated all the others, gravely trimmed ship and forced all the springs down tightly and firmly upon the running-gear, where they only served to aocentuate the ensuing Jolts. "It'll seem real nice. to have' aeon health lookin' folka as you around," - volunteered the driver when they were well on their agonising way. "They don't none o' you mm nowaya peaked lookin' 1" "I feel myself peaking rapidly, however," returned pretty Violet Warden, her blue eyes sparkling' at Blackie Daw. Blackie burst into a chuckle, In which the others preaently Joined, but the phyatcal discomfort of the trip waa auch aa to check levity, and It waa a tired group which Anally alighted In appalling stiffness at the Pine Xake Health Resort. "It's right about the name," considered Blackie moodily. There's the . lake and there's the pine," and he pointed out the one single pine-tree which atood by the pond. "Go in and aee if Charlea Algernon Swivel la here: If not we hike; If so, he hikes. For we won't work here." "I ought to aue Charlee for dam gee." de clared Walllngford with profound dejection, but when he saw the emaciated Ruggs he changed his mind and figured upon buying blm a "Gates Ajar" -floral piece. "Why don't you get a fat clerk, to encourage Incoming gueatsT" be asked. "I can't afford It," wheeled Ruggs. "I wish I could sell this Joint. I'd hike for Texas. This is no place for a lunger." "What do you want for the outfit V Walllngford asked him Idly, not because he had the remotest idea of purchase, but merely from commercial habit. "Five thousand." returned Ruggs, though without hope. ''Forty rooms, sixty acres, fine eupply of pure spring water, splendid air. Want to buy?" . "No," returned Walllngford with the pecu liar chuokle in which his big shoulders al ways assisted; "I did once think of having tny own private cemetery, but I've given It up. Is Charlea Algernon Swivel hereT" "Never beard of him," declared Rugga wheeslly. and the party groaned. Charlea Algernon Swivel waa somewhere In this county of health resorts, and they had to find him. ... Breesy Point waa a regular place: fussily dressed old women crocheting on the wide verandas, and keeping a sharp eye about for poaeible scandal; young oouplea la tennis flannels sauntering about on well-kept lawns between prim flower-beds and de livering themselves of conversation which would bore them to tears If they could hear It in a phonograph ten years later; strik ingly dreeeed married women taking the first atepa toward divorce while, waiting . for their husband's week-end vielte; boats with couples of contentment drifting lastly on the quiet bay; smart riding-parties on handsome horses, glancing In cold disdain at mere pedestrians and automobllists; wom en changing gowna three times a day, and men dressing at leaat twloe; prices beyond the reach of honeat folka, and all the reet of It that goea to make a really exclusive fashionable resort for the middle olassee. Ia this place the Walllngford party fitted like a glove, and J. Rufus waa the life of the party. Wherever be went light followed blm. He wae ao big. so Impressive, and withal ao genial that the women bad all aoted him with eager questioning, and half the men were hie friends and admirers be fore he had been there a day. Especially Charles Algernon Swivel. That youth, found on the flret evening and promptly annexed, trailed Walllngford about, laughed at hi tori, drank In hla good-natured philos ophy, and emulated him In every reepeet. Charles Algernon was a most Immature young man of not overly good breeding, nor overly good looks, nor apparently overly good sense, though In bis rather watery little eyes waa a trace of Inherited shrewd ness. Moreover, he waa very wearing upon the nerves, and bis ethloe were crude. Hit father had made hie money la oil. Aleo hla father haa atolen twenty-nve thousand dol lars from the Warden orphans, on the death of their father, and thte waa why Charles Algernon had been hunted and found and studied. "Tbla la the greateet place I ever saw," he oonfeeaed to Walllngford as hla pre maturely wrinkled eyee followed a pair of strikingly dreeeed women across tha laws. "Such women ;and such flirting I" "Oh. yes." said Walllngford dryly. "P yon suppose they all flirt?" "Outrageously!" declared Charlee Alger non with unctloa and moist ltpe and em phatic ballet. "I hadn't . noticed it myself" returned Walllngford' "I had a sort of Idea that the majority of women were decent, anywhere. But I euppose I'm growing old. A handsome and wealthy young fellow like you, now, must have them flocking arouad him like flies around a syrup-Jar." "Well, no," confessed Charlee Algernon, with certain uncomfortable remlnlecencee of decided set-bek. "This la my flret trip to euch a place aa thla. you know Father waa always pretty eloee wilt hla aaeaer before READ - - - J. Rufus Walllngford ..... Blackie Daw -------- Violet ho died. Bat rve had. some Inek with wom en at that." and he grinned with a leer which might have made a mora austere gentleman and a more impulsive one than Walllngford lap hla silly face. "I see," said he. "I guess yon'll make father's money circulate la Its old age," and he winked at Blackie Paw, who had Just come up. . "Well, I'd Ilk to make It more active, any how," declared young Swivel. "That te. Just as soon as I get It. Tou see, I've only been on allowance until now, but on the fifth of next month I come of age, and I get the reet of It a hundred and fifty thou sand dollars! Of course I'll only epend the Income. I want to Invest It In good pay ing business that will make a good profit ii'" piemy oi lime 10 spend 11 in. I've been thinking that for a buelnesa which only takea up half the year; the summer reeort line ought to be attractive," and his watery eyes once more followed the prog ress of a couple of short-skirted tennis girls, their flannels draping themselves prettily In the breese against lithe young limbs. Walllngford saw and understood, and again found himself loathing Swivel quite out of proportion to hla deserts. "Finest business In the world," he agreed; "pays big. requires small capital and no experi ence." Blackie Daw's head suddenly went back with a laugh. He had been blessed with a happy Idea. "Mr. Walllngford knows what he la talk ing about," he observed, twirling his moue tache and .winking gravely while Swivel watched speculatively the anklea of a girl stepping ont of a boat. "He made hla for tune In tbe aummer-resort business. But, of course, you've heard of him J. Rufus Walllngford, the big summer-resort owner; owns a string- of -places from Maine to California. He knows what a fat business It Is. I tell you." "Indeed." fluttered Charles Algernon, to whom the name of Walllngford had been unknown up to two days before. "It's aa honor to meet you I'm sure, Mr. Walllng ford." and he ahook handa anew over this fresh Introduction. "It may be worth a lot of money to meet you." "Yes. It might be worth quite a bit of money," replied Walllngford with a double meaning In whloh there was almost a snarl; whereat Blackie, knowing Walllngford's most Inward mind, almost snorted. "I say, Jim," suggested Blackie with slow emphasis, "you might let Swivel have your Pine Lake Health Resort." This would have been too much for even Walllngford's gravity If he had not at that moment caught Charles Algernon's specula tive eye fixed upon Fannie Warden, who was passing them with Aunt Patty and Violet. She smiled pleasantly at J. Rufus and at Blackie, and was about to move on. when Mr. Swivel, his expreeslon changing to one smirking courtesy, exclaimed: "And la that beautiful young lady a friend of yours? Tou must present met" Walllngford aurveyed him with amuse ment, and then, with sudden determination, called after the ladlea and gravely Intro duced them. "Indeed I am glad to meet Mlae Warden," aaaerted Mr. Swivel gallantly. "I've been noticing you for the past two days, with your charming alater." "Tou're very flattering,' ebaerved Fannie demurely, while Violet auppreaaed a giggle, "Coming; Aunt Patty." "Tou ahouldn't have apoken of Pine Lake, Mr. Daw," aald Walllngford with pleaeant reproof. "I'm not sure that I want to sell auch a money-making plant Just yet, even though it la somewhat out Of my wheel of resorts. "Pine Laker mueed Mr. Swivel "If a an attractive name. Ia It a gay place? Qay?" repeated Blackie with enthuelaam. "Oay is no name for It!" "Fashionable, I euppoee?" suggested Mr. Swivel Interestedly. "Fashionable," Mr. Daw assured him. "la no fiame for It. And women! Tou'll see no women here like thoee at Pine Lake; I'llglve you my word of honor on that." "Tou're absolutely correct about that. Mr. Daw," aeserted Walllngford. Thsre are no women here who can be In any way com pared to thoee at Pine Lake. 'And, of course, the proprietor of such a place becomee very well acquainted. Indeed, with the very best of his guests.? "About what would yon want for Pino Lake, In case you should make up your mind to part with It?" he hesitatingly asked. "I shouldn't ears to set a price upon It now," Mr. Walllngford declared, after soma deliberation. "I might say, however, that the price would be within your means." "I say," pleaded Mr. Swivel, "if you do make up your mind to sell It, aee me about It before you make any bargain, won't yout" "Well.' hesitated Walllngford, "I don't mind promising you that." Later Swivel attempted to display hla wit before the beautiful Warden girls, who soon became bored and excused themselves to dress for dinner. "Here's where this Swivel person certainly doee get the hook !" declared Walllngford eav agely. "Heretofore we only meant to take his money, but now we'll take It rough. When I run across a damn feel like that with money It makes roe mad.' What right haa ha to have money, anyhow? He don't evea know how to apend It I Why, yeeter day at breakfaat I saw him swallow a whole glassful of the most priceless oau terno in America only a few easee of It left without ever stopping to taete It, right between bites of eountry sausage I" Tve decided, after all, to let you have the first look-In on that Pine Lake proposition," aid Walllngford to Charlea Algernon that night, aa they aat over a bottie of cham pagne In a retired little alcove. The flret of the month I'll be back thla way and we'll go down and see It; and when we get there Jou'll lay eye on soma beaatlee that well, uet you wait and aee!" and he winked moat meaningly. Ill be delighted. I'm aare." retained Charles Algernon, squirming with pleasure In the anticipated treat. "Not Until the first, yon eay?" -Well, along about thea," replied Wall lngford, "Thank yon, thank youl" exclaimed Charlee Algernon fervently, almeat grasp ing Walllngford' hand In hla enthusiasm. "There Is on thing, though continued Walllngford. "If I hold off all offers on thla for you. rve get to have your prom lee not to consider any other propositions until yon as thla 4 "Why, certainly. readily promised Swivel. "That's only fair. Regular etuanere, you atr.- IT HERE! ThsnSselt J. Rufus Walllngford's second visit to Pino Lake was at the head of a much larger party than the first one, for at tha neareet big town he had stopped to hire a small army of carpenters, painters, paper-hangers, and gardeners. "I cot your telegram, and rve got my things packed," wheesed Mr. Ruggs; but I reckon now I'll have to stay and tend to all these people. Tou eay there's three or four more stage loads coming? Gosh!" "Don't worry about them," said Walllng ford cheerily. "Tou can get right off the lot as soon as you please. Here's Ave hun dred In cash and the balance in a New Tork draft." "Oooht" aald Rugga. "This Is life. Mr. Walllngford. Several years of It. maybe. "Let'e get that deed fixed up," replied Walllngford. "I suppose wo need a lawyer." "I've got ono light on the plaoe," Mr. Rugga explained, with aocne pride. "He's one of my boarders." The lawyer, who proved to be a living shadow loat no time in preparing the neces sary papers, and then Bill Rugga went down to the station with hla deoreplt driver. The boarder were the next trouble. They wouldn't go. Very well; arrive Onion Jonea the next day, and after a session with Blackie behind closed doors and a little clever manipulation with a paint brush. Onion appeared on tha porch with spot all over hie fare and hie bald head and fainted. Smallpox I The boarder left, in a hurry. Immediately things began to happen. Walllngford called the head carpenter to him, ''Patch up that roof." he ordered. "Pi op up that old barn ao It will atand for one month and make It look Ilk new. Splice that picket fenoo and build a million mile of wide porches around the house. Then I'll tell you what next to do." To the head pain ter he said, "Just start in and and paint, that's all." To the head gardener, "Here the place, fill up the lake and get busy." "Now come the hardeet part of It, said Walllngford at this point. "Tou stay here, Blackie, and doll tha place all up like an old man' bride, while I run In to Chicago and pick out a herd of Clean A aummer reeortera for our friend Charlea Algernon. I'm aura going to glv that pin-head a run for hta money The Job of "picking" summer boarder by offering free vacation to manicurists and the like was not so eaey as Walllngford had anticipated, and at the end of the third day he was almost discouraged. He wae tending at the bar of his hotel, musing In more or leee dejection over his poor luck, when a familiar but long-unheard voice hailed him, and ha turned to find a good comedian of his Broadway acquaintance at his elbow. "Hello, Ouyer!" said Walllngford heartily. "Tou're Just In time to save me from going the toboggan route; only a drunkard drinks alone, you know. What will you have, Danny?" "A sandwich and a glass of milk, with a piece of pie and a deml-tasee to follow," aid Mr. Ouyer In aepulchurra! tones. "QoatlooMir, say wifo." "Sura.- aald Walllngford. "Won't you add a pickle?" 'Couldn't do It In Justice to the balance of the company." returned Ouyer. "What'e the matter with the reet of the compaay?" asked Walllngford. "Tou haven't bad a flivver, or you wouldn't be looking presperous." "A mere tick of the trade, my boy," aald the other. "Wo have clothee. and to spare, both the men and the women of us; but food: Ah, food!" The divine lire of inspiration hit Walllng ford at about that moment. "Forty of you, did you say?" ho demanded. "What wero tbe coetumee you attached f" "Modern. Swell afternoon gowna for the women; etreet and evening clothee for the men. Including flannels and outfits for a country-club eoene. "Oreatr said Walllngford, with eager en thualaam. "Tonight, Ouyer, we have food without fear. In the morning we lift the mortgage at your hotel, and all go on a plcnlo. How would the members of your company ilk to take a week's reet at a nice country reeort. at my expense, wear those ewell coetumee all over the lot. and then- hike beck to Broadway, still at my " "Don't say any more Juet yet," pleaded Mr. Ouyer, holding forth hie hand, palm out ward. "I couldn't stand It. Where la the family ou want murdered, Let'e get to work "The family oonalat of ono stage-door ohnnle one of the kind who thinks that ! ha oaa't aet any of the women of the com pany to notice him. It's because each one Is afraid she'll be found out by tha other man la tha ease." "Oh! One of thoee!" aald Mr. Ouyer, with Infinite contempt. "Conelder him already aeeaealnated. How do you want it done kalfe or gua?" "Slow poleon and horrible agony by tak ing his money. I want to sell him a sum-mer-reaort. The) reeort to all ready, primped elear to tha last dab of rouge, but I want to decorate It wltb a lot of classy guests; aad then rrr - if ! Ml ! a - iiiiiiiii! a-'x a In Motion Pictures "The company acoepts the engagement with tear of gratitude. Walllngford. It's the heart Interest that gets us. When do we start V "In the morning. I'll gtv you about three days to rehearse, and then I'll bring on the hick." "Rehearse? Oh, of course." ' "I thought you'd see the pretty whit light. The thing must be properly cast, you know: old Ticker Tape, of La Halle Street, worth a million million dollars; old Persimmon Pucker, of Wall Street, worth a billion billion, then some Just common, every-day rich people, marrrlageable sons, marralge-, able daughters, flirty wives with rich hus band in the city, flirty daughter with blind aunte, and all the rest of It." "Say no mora," said Mr. Ouyer, smiling fondly as ho caught the spirit of the thing. We'll write the piece in rehearsal, and I'll guarantee it to be a scream." Whea Mr. Walllngford brought Mr. Swivel to Pino Lake, by way of Chicago, two beautiful women boarded tha train at the elty by the stock-yards, and were no aoonor ensoonoed In their aeata than Walllngford hailed them with great Joy. My dear Mra. Torrance I" ho exclaimed to the ellghtly older of the two. "What a de lightful aurprlse to find you here, for it'a two weeka too early to hope that you are bound for Pino Lake. Howdy, Miss Torrenoe; married yetr "Not yet," laughed Miss Torrence. "Maybe we can still get rid of her. If you have the ueual assortment of nice young men at Pin Lake. Tou may auppose that we're going to your delightful plaoe Juat for that purpose, If you like," laughed her mother, stealing an Instantly auppreeeed In quiring glance at Mr. Swivel. Immediately Walllngford presented that flattered young man to the ladlea. Never In all hla experience had Mr. Charlea Algernon met wltth so warm and cordial a reception from ladlee of such evident breed ing, taete and wealth. At last, through Walllngford, that Jovial prince of good fel lows, he waa coming Into hla own, and all the way to Pine Lake he monopolised tha attention of the wife and daughter of a' supposititious Rodley Torrence, suppositi tious traction magnate. Finally they reaohed Pine Lake, and tha ladies hurried way to dress for the next act. They were scarcely missed. Across the lawn, down flower-bordered walks and be neath bending boughs, sauntered bright-eyed girls In ravishing garments, who cast shy but languishing glances at the handsome stranger. Upon the rails of the wide porch hung draperies of rich, warm coloring, and In the hammocks lolled yet other startling bsautles, who, though remarkably careless as to ankles, made a succession of living beauty tableaux which were wonderfully appealing to Mr. Swivel. All thla waa in the very flret afternoon. In the evening there were ravishing gown and Ivory shoulder and languorous music, and, about an hour after dinner. Charles Algeraen found himself blissfully settled down In a dark corner of the porch for a 1 i. -v ,f. ': "- ... - , t t ; ' r i Far csnco Obo usually alf-posiomd Mr. WaIUagfor4 waa floetaroeL tete-a-tete with a particularly fetching heir ess, a Miss Tattle Van Vorhiea, daughter of President Van Vorhles. of the Amalgamated Lead Corporation. Another than Mr. Swivel might have thought that Mies Tottle's Up were too thin and firm, that her ohln was too sharp, her cheek bones too prominent, nd the blue of her eyes too cold. But what did Mr. Swivel know or car of these thing when he saw tha rounded anklee, and the tapering arm; In the display of which Miss Tottle was so generous? lie liked, too. tbe decided ways In which she had appropriated him and thought her bold possession of him really pretty; aleo he admired very muoh the entertaining aalvette with which ah ad mitted hint to Immediate good fellowship wltb her. Walllngford, who never allowed himself to bs Ignorant for a moment as to the whereabouta of Charlea Algernon, paased that way with tha temporary Mr. Torrenoe In keen delight. At eome flippant remark which Mra. Torrence made to him aa they paeerd out of hearing, Walllngford ehuokled heartily, and the chin of Miss Ven Vorhiea suddenly gave a sharp upward tilt. "Tour friend Walllngford give m pang," she said. A rollicking song from tho parlor brought Mies Tettle to her feet at the same moment, nd she. hurried Into ta parlor with her protege. The next day was but a repetition and am amplification of tha first. Beautiful women Inside of stunning gowns were everywhere. nd these offered him a full and easy good fellowship such as bs had never hoped (or In his wildest and most daring momenta In the morning there bad been a long, quiet ramble over the plaoe with Mlea Tottle, and In tha evening aha monopolised him again. Walllngford, aeelng him cafe In a hammock with her, went contentedly about hie busi ness and walked away from the house a little dletanco with Blackie to speculate with Joy upon bow well his flan waa eaught. and lust how much they weuld be able to ex tract from Charlea Algeraoa. whea tho me sa eat ease a. Suddenly aa ominous sound smote upon Walllngford'a eare. Back In the parlor they were singing, in full chorus, "Give My Re- ferds to Broadway," and there was a sob In he voloee! "Ureal Scott!" said Walllngford. "If that bunch of actors and actressee are getting mushy about Broadway, It's all over." lie hurried back to the house and had the mualo switched, but the Incident had made him thoughtful, and ha called Mr. Swivel one etde. "Well, old top; how goes It?" he asked. "Great!" aald Mr. Hwlvel. "Great! Never had such a night In my life." "How would you like to own the place?" The eyes of Mr. Swivel narrowed a trifle. "Well," he said, "I might dicker with you." "What do you say about going to Chicago In the morning, then?" suggested WalUag ford. Again Swivel heelteted a moment. "Give one just an hour to think It over," he said. Walllngford. of course, gave him tha hour, but ho looked in anxiety after Mr. Swivel aa that young men walked bark to the hammock where he had left Miss Van Vohlea It waa after the concert waa over that Mr. Swivel came to Walllngford, all amllee, and full even of eagerness. "Sure thing," aald he. "We'll take that Chicago trip. Before Walllngford etarted In tha morn ing, he paid a visit to the sleeping apart ment of Mr. Danny Ouyer. "Well, old boy,' said he; "how does thla look to you?" and before tha half-opened yes of the eminent comedian he held a large roll of real money. "Count It over," Invited Walllngford. "It will do you good. It represents extra far train transportation, beiths, meale, and a liberal allownre for Incldentale from here to the corner of Broadway and Forty-second Street, for the entire cast of "Hunting a Live One, or Staring the Lone I'lne Tree!" "Three cheers 1" said Mr. Ouyer, throwing off the covers. "I suppose we are to get an early train." "If us," replied Walllngford. with a chuckle and a grandiloquent wave of the hand. "The hick and Blackie Daw and your truly ar on our way, for tha gold-extracting process from the raw or begin today In Chicago. Bo, good-bye, old boy. Bid good-bye to the rest of the company for us, and thank them; and good luck to every one of them." When Walllngford hurried out to the stage, h found unexpected addition to tho party. In the person of smiling and Con fident Miss Tottlo Van Vorhles. "I have to meet papa In Chicago,1 ah weetly observed to Walllngford, "and I am certainly the lucky one to And that I am going to bave such good company. I know yon boys will all be nice to me." Walllngford and Daw exchanged glance Of wonder, and then, aa by common Impulse, thev cast blank looks at the back of the neck of Charles Algernon Hwlvel. "Why. say. Blackie," declared Walllngford, when they had a moment together t the moklng compartment: "If this unbaked lob tries to put over any trick or hold baok any of hla own coin. Til have him pinched. They have atrenuoua law In Chicago against rube having money." "1 told you about It," growled Blackie. "The only way to handle a mut tike thla, la to show blm the bait, then take it right away from him until he puts up for It. Sven a born Idiot like Swivel, If you leave him alone with a gold brick, I going to finally tumble that It would be a oute Idea to spill add on it- Well, that's what happened. Tou allowed Charles Algernon to stay ovsr two days, and ha tested the brick." "Toj're tho original I-told-you-so-kld, U right," declared Walllngford; "but like all the rest of them, you tell what' tha mat ter and don't tell what to do. Oo away, and let me think." Before tha trip waa over, however, he con cluded that he had been doing Mr. Swivel an Injustice, for Mr. Swivel paid no mere attention to Mlea Tottle than did either of the other. He waa cheerful and chatty all tha way, and corroborated hi Intention to purchaee Pin Lake, by mentioning cer tain trifling Improvements bs meant to make In that pleasant health-resort. When they arrived In Chicago be bade Mies Tot tle a pleasant geod-bye, and went with the other n-.en to their hotel. He oven per mitted them to go to bis bank with him after lunoh, and sea the transfer of his aocount. A they came out of the bank, however. Chart Algernon stopped on the tope and bade them good-bye. "Tou'll bave to excuse mo for aut aa hour," ho said. "I have a little private bualnees to look after." "But wo were to have our talk Immedi ately after you had bea to th bank," pro tested Walllngford. "I shall be compelled to exouee myself far on hour." Insisted Mr. Swivel. "But I waat to get out of town thla after noon," deolared Walllngford. "I hall meet you at tho hotel at two o'eleok." stated Mr. Swivel, with surprising oolaeea, and, walklag dewa tha elepa, . hailed a taxi aad drovo away. 0 '-V.. - 't i r If Yfith Ttrc &mous Bme' Players "Follow him, Jimmy!" exclaimed Blackie. clutching Walllngford'a arm. "Follow html'' There goea fifty thousand dollaral" "There goea the money, all right; or part of It." agreed Walllngford; "but there'a no uee to follow htm, for ho le coming back." "I'll bet you a quart of the special." "We'll go right bark to the hotel and order It, then; bees use you lose."' At precisely two o'clock there was a ring at the bell of Walllngford' apartments. Mr. Swivel was below to see Mr. Walllngford. "Send him right up," said Walllngford. and he passed blackie the win check to lgn. When Walllngford opened tha door In re sponse to a preeent knock, however, Mr. Swivel waa not alone. With him was Mis Tottlo Van Vorhles! "Permit me, gentleman, to Introduce Mra Swivel," aald Charles Algeraoa, beaming with Joy. "flwiveU Swlveir ohlded Walllngford. shaking a reproving finger at tha happy bridegroom. "I never thought you'd turn out to be a mere fortune hunter!" and he cast a malignant glano at Mle Tottle. For once the usually self-possessed Mr. Walllngford waa flustered. "Tou needn't spring any of that guff." aid Mra Swivel sweetly, taking possession of the best chair in the room, and apreadlng her skirts picturesquely. "Charlie knows all bout It. He know that I'm a enow girt, and he married me under my own name, whloh was Molly Smith. Also Charles knows all about tha plant you put up there at Pin Lake for hi speolal benefit." "Exactly," agreed Charlea Algernon, J peaking In a aurprlslngly brisk tone. Now, is get down to business. We're here to take Pine Lake off your hands. Now, how much do you went?" Walllngford bent smooth brows upon Mr, and Mra. Charlea Algernon. "Fifty thou and dollars," said he. Mies Tottle laughed With keen enjoyment. "Tou got to cancel on that," aha aald. "I know you figured on a large chunk of Charlle'a pile, but he's taken some brains Into tha company since then." Charlie emlled delightedly, aa If hla wife had paid him a compliment, and he patted her upon a plump shoulder. "So I see." said Walllngford slowly. "Well, how much doe th brain of th company propose to pay for Plna Lake?" and ha looked pleaeanUy at the bride. "Just cost," Charles Algernon told htm, tha wrinkles around hla eye beoomlng hard and sharp. "lou paid Bva thoueand for tha filace, and you put In about flvo thousand oa mprovemente. "So you are actually willing to pay m ten thousand dollars for It?" returned Wall lngford, fingering hla big ohln thoughtfully, "Ten thousand dollar a. Not a cant mora," Chirruped Mra. Charlea Algernon. "All right then." aald Walllngford, with udden determination; I don't care to aell, I'm no piker, aad I caa pocket my loeeca Ilk a good loaer." Watohlng carefully, ha caught tha light est traoe of a startled look passing between Mr. and Mra Swivel, and saw that ha could It tight. "We womight increase that offer a little bit." suggested Charles Algernon after a painful wall. "All right." aald Mra Swivel. -We'll make It fifteen thoueand. and that 1 th top figure" Walllngford looked down upon her smil ing confidence. Now ha was sure of hi ground. "Will you please tell me," ha de manded, "Why you ar willing to pay fif teen thousand dollars for sixty acres of land that won't grow pumpkins, and a bouse that Isn't worth burning up? Tou know It'a no aummer reeort." "Well, you see, I think you're wrong about it being no good aa a summer reeort," ex plained Mr. Swivel, with a gltbnees whloh did not deceive Walllngford. 1'va always wanted to go Into the aummer-reeort bual nees. and I think wa can advertise this plscs In a way that will get u good trade." Both of them smiled at Walllngford brightly and Ingeniously. "Tou'll pay me forty thousand dollar for Pine Lake," observed that gentleman, smil ing in return. Mra Swivel laughed uproariously. "Tou'll pay me fortythoueand dollars cash for th place,' repeated Walllngford. "Sou won't? Plfteen thoueand I th limit? Ail right. Swivel, I'll make you a propoaltton. I'll run down to Pin Lake and look It over. It I feclde after that not to keep the place. 11 meet you here at this hour day after to-morrow and take your offer of fifteen thousand." He went to th telephone: h Inquired for the next train to Plna Lake; he ordered two ticket purchased for that place; he ordered hi bill sent up, a valet to pack hie lug gage, and a porter to remove It. It waa not until the porter cam for tha luggage that the Swivels gave In. "Can you give us a clear deed?" aeked Charlee Algernon. "There'll be no trouble about that.- Wall lngford politely assured him, "for I have a lawyer right downstairs." "So have we," promptly returned Cberlei Algernon. When everything had been arranged la hip hape, when Walllngford had put the check in his pockst and Mr. Swivel had put tha deed In his, tho triumphant moment ar rived for whloh th bridal couple had been watting. "Now, you big grafter. I'll tell you th truth," aald Swivel, every little wrinkle In his oily face twlotlng Itself Into knota "Tou've Juet sold a peach at a lemon price. That peculiar amell at Pino Lake I oil. That land down there ia Juat dripping with It. My father wae an oil prospector, and I waa raised in the buelnesa When I was a kid I was dragged from on oll-fleld to the other, and caa amsll crude ell further off than a bueaard caa eee a dead horee. I was soared stiff you'd get on to It before w got away from thsre." "Uo to It, Swivel." replied Walllngford urbanely. "Hope you make a fortune. 1 had my education la the mining business, from 'oil to diamonds, year ago, and I want to eay to you, right now, that there Isn't a emell In th universe that I wouldn't sell for thirty thousand dollars' profit. Later, when the smoke of battle had cleared away, Blackie Daw waa thoughtful aad silent. "I don't know about that Pine Lake deal, J. Rufue," be aald. "If at least aa even break that w got th wrong end of It." "Wo got all that Mr. Swivel stole from us," Immediately spako up Fannie Warden, always ready io defend Walllngford. The Wardens were on the spot within twenty mlnutee after the Swlvele bad gone. "There's not muoh over for th eapenea fund." considered Violet. "That len't the point," returned Blackie. unooneotouely patting vlolet'a hand. We wanted to sting Charlea for reaeone of our own." Walllngford. reatlng back la a big easy chair, paused in th operation of lighting a long, black cigar, to cloee hie eyea and chuckle. "Suppoee you had to take tho en tiro Beaumont oilfield, and Molly Smith with It for lifer he suggested. "No, blackie; whatever turns up, we etung him !" "But suppoee they do And an oil-rusher?" protested Blaokle, muoh wonted about It. "It can't gush much." asserted Walling, ford, crossing his leg In perfect etlefae- lln. U k w w.... ai.nr.nH Jn. w n ' knew I Invented that smell?, t'p In that uggy. wet field, back of tho woods, t poured two barrel of crude petrols una (Aaetkee Advoararo Neat Week.)