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he Omaha Sunday Bee Magazine Page
TM NEW ADVENTURES 0T
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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.)
