Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 December 1910 — THE FORTUNE HUNTER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE FORTUNE HUNTER

Novelized by »! LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE ! From the Play of the Same Name by i WINCHELL SMITH | Copyright. 1910, by Winched Smith I and Louis Joseph Vance I

CHAPTER IX. PRESENTLY Duncan moved and came out of his abstraction. “I'd better get that broom.” he said slowly. “The place certainly needs some expert manicuring before we get that new stock in.” He swept the floor, thrilled with the sensation of accomplishment. Two shadows moved slo\\iy“atßwart the windows Straightening up. he looked. gasped and fled for the back of the store. "Heavens!” he whispered.

aghast to recognize .JoSie Lockwood and Angie Tutkill. of whose übiquitous shadows in his way he had been con scious so frequently within the past several days. “I thought I must have made an impression. Don't tell me thej’’re coming in!” Behind the counter he struggled furiously into his coat. "They are.’* he said, with a sinking heart, “and I’ll bet a dollar my face is dirty!” His bow was a very passable imitation of the real thing, he flattered himself, and there's uo manner of doubt but that it flattered the two prettiest and most forward young women in Radvil!' of that day “May I have the honor of waiting on you, ladies':" he inquired with all the suavity of an accomplished salesman. Josie and Angie sidled together, giggling and simpering, quite overcome

by his manner A muffle! ‘ How de do?” from Angle aud a .half strangled echo of the saluatiou from the other were barely articulate. But. hearing them, he bowed again, separately to each. “Good afternoon." be said and waited in an inquiring pose. “This—this is Mr. Duncan, isn’t it?” inquired .Josie, controlling herself. “Yes. and you are Miss Lockwood. if I’m not mistaken.” Renewed giggles prefaced her “Oh. how did you know?” "Could anyone remain two weeks in Radvilie and, not hear of Miss Lockwood?” The shot told famously. “How nice of you! Mr Duncan. 1 want you to meet my friend Miss Tuthill.” “I’ve had i tie honor of admiring Miss Tuthill from a distance.” Duncan assured the younger woman. And "She’ll, burn up!" lie feared secretly, watching the conflagration of blushes that she display* & “Just think of getting away with a line of mush like that! Harry was right after all. This is a country town, all right.” “And—ami are you working here. Sir. Duncan?" Josie pursued. “I'm supposed to be. I’m afraid I don’t know the business very well as yet.” “ “Oh. that's awf’ly nice.” Angie thought. He thanked her humbly. “We didn't expect to see you here.” Josie assured him. “We just thought we'd like some soda.” ' “Soda!” he parroted, horrified. He cast a glance askance at the tawdry fountain. "Let's see, bow d'you work the infernal thing?" he asked himself, utterly bewildered. “Yes.” Angie chimed in. “it's so warm this afternoon we”— “I’ve got to put it through somehow.” he thought savagely, and aloud. “Yes, certainly.” lie said and smiled winningiy. “Wilt you be pleased to step this way?” Out of the corners of his eyes he detected the amused look that passed between the girls. “Oh. very well!” he said beneath his breath. “Yon may laugh, but you asked for soda, and

V soda you shall have, my dears, if yon die of it.” He put himself behind the counter with an air of great determination and leaned upon it with both hands outspread until he realized that this was the pose of a groceryman. “What’ll you have?" be demanded genially. “Er—that is—l mean, would yon prefer vanilla or—ah—soda ?" A chant antiphonal answered him: “I hate vanilla.” “And so do I.” „ • “oh. don’t say that!" he pleaded. “Of course you know there’s—ah—vanilla and vanilla. Ah, some vanilla I know is detestable, but when yon get a real> ’ly One vintage—ah—imported vanilla, it’s quite another matter—ah—particularly at this season of the year’’— His confusion was becoming painfuL “Oh, is it?” asked Josie helpfully. Her eyes dwelt upon his with a confiding expression which he later characterized as a baby stare, and he was promptly reduced to babbling Idiocy. Miss Lockwood> Especially Just now, you know—ah—after the bock season—an—i mean, when the weather Is—ls—in a_ way—you might put it. vanilla weather.? “But I like chocolate best.” Angie poured. And be bated her ly for the moment , ‘ “Very welj.” Josie told him sweetly. “I’ll have the vanilla.” He"'thanked her with unnecessary effusion and turned to inspect the

glassware- There could lie no mis take about the right jar. however; there whs nothing hut vanilla, and, seizing it. he removed the metal cap aud placed it before the girls With less ease he discnveri-d a whisky glass and put it l*eside the bottle, witb a cordial waVe of the band. A pause ensued. Duncan was smiling fatuously, serene in the belief that be had solved the problem—the way to Serve soda van to unike them help themselves. It was very simple, erdy they didn't With a start he became sensible that they were eying him strangely. i “You—ab—wanted vanilla, did you not V “Yes. thanks, vanilla." Josie agreed. ■ “Well, that's it." he said firmly, indicating the jar and the glass > Josie gigg'ed. “Hut I don't want to drink it dear You put the sirup in tile glass, you know, aud then the so da” .. r "Uh. 1 See! You want to make a higliba— ah-a long drink ot it. Ah. yes”’ He procured a glass of the regulation size "Now 1 understand.” A pause. “If you’ll be good enough to betp yourself to the sirup.” “No. you do it.” Josie pleaded. “Certainly!” He lifted the whisky glass aud the jar and began to pour. “If you'll just say when ” “What? Oh. that’s enough, thank you!” “If I evei get out of this fix I’ll blow the whole shooting match.” he promised himself, holding the glass beneath the faucet and'liddling nervously with the valves for a moment he fancied the tank must be empty, for nothing

came of his efforts. Then abruptly the fixture seemed to explode. "A gey serf” he cried, blinded with the dash of carbonated water and sirup in his face, while he fumbled furiously with the valves. As unexpectedly as it had begun the flow ceased He put down the glass found nis handkerchief and mopped his dripping face. When able to see again °be discovered the young women leaning against one of the showcases, weak with laughter, but at a safe re move . ■ “Our soda’s so strong, you know.” he apologized “But if you’ll stay where you are I'll try again.’ Warned by experience, he worked at the machine gingerly. finally producing a thin, spluttering trickle. Beaming with triumph, he looked up. “1 think it’s safe now,” be suggested. “1 seem to have U under control.” Angie and Josie returned, torn by distrust, but unable to resist the fascination of the stranger in our village. And there's uo denying the boy was good looking and a gentleman by birth and education. He had filled one glass and was tincturing it with sirup when he caught again that confiding smile of Josie's full upon him as Jhe beams of a noon day sun “Haven't we seen yon at church. Mr. Duncan?” she said prettily. “1 think perhaps you may have,” be conceded "I have seen you both.” The second glass (for he was determined that Angie should not escape) took up all his attention for an instauL “Do you have to go, too?” be Inquired out of this deep preoccupation. “What?” ' ■ “I mean do yon attend regularly?” he amended hastily. “Oh. yes. of course.” Josie simpered, accepting thp glass he offered her “Yon make if a, rule to go every -Sunday. don't yon. Mr Duncan?” He permitted himself an Indiscretion. secure in the Belief it would pass unchallenged: “It’s one of the rules, but I didn't make it.” ' °. “Did you know there was a vacancy in the choir?” Angie asked, taking up her glass “Choir ?' ! “Yes.” Josie chimed in; “we were hoping you'd Join. 1 want you to awfully.” “We’re 1 both in the choir,” Angle explained 1 “And all the girls want you to join Don’t they. Angie?” “Oh. yes. indeed; they’re all Just dying to meet yon.*.* , “I’ll have to write and ask.” be said a.bstraetediy ) whaf do yon meauijyTtafT” Josie’s question struck him dumb with consternation He made curious

noises In bis throat and fancied (m was quite possiblei that they eyed him In a peculiar fashion “It’s—l mean—a little trouble with my throat,” he managed to lie at length. “I must ask my physician if I may first." ,“Ob. I see.” said Josie. “But,” he hastened to change the subject, “you're not drinking, either of you. I sincerely hope It’s not so very bad.” Angle replaced her glass, barely tast ed. “Do you like It, Josie?” To Josle's credit It must be admitted that she made a brave attempt to drink But the mixture was undoubtedly flat, stale and unprofitable. Sbe sighed, put it back on the counter and rose to the emergency. “Mine’s perfectly lovely”—with a ravishing smile “but it’s not very sweet” “I made them dry for you—thought you’d like 'em that way.” he stammered. “Perhaps you’d like ’em better if 1 put a collar on 'em?" The chorus negatived this suggestion very promptly. “Why don't yon try a glass. Mr. Duncan?” Angie added with malice, slyly nudging Josie “I'm on the wagon—J mean, I don’t drink' at all.” he said wretchedly, and was deeply grateful for the diversion afforded by the entrance of a third customer. It was Tracey Tanner, as usual swollen with important tidings, as usual propelling himself through the world at a heavy trot. It has always been a source of wonderment to me how Tracey manages to keep so stout with all the violent exercise he takes. “Say. Angie.” he twanged at sight of her, “I’ve been lookin’ for yon every where. Did you hear that”— He stopped instantaneously witb open mouth as he saw Duncan behind the counter, and open mouthed he remain ed while the young man came round and advanced toward him. with a bland smirk, accompanied by a proses sional bow and rubbing of bands. “May 1 have the pleasure of serving you, Mr. Tanner?’ “Huh?” bleated Tracey, dumfound ed. “Is there anything you wish to pur chase?” A violent emotion stirred in Tracey Sounds began to emanate from his heaving chest. “N-n-no. ma’am!” he breathed explosively. Duncan again, his face expressionless “Then will you be good enough to excuse me?” He turned precisely and made his way back to the counter As if released from some spell of strong enchantment by tbe movement, Tracey swung on his,heel and lunged for the door “What was it you warned to ***k me. Tracey?” Angie called after him. .As the boy disappeared at a hard gallop jits response floated back, “I fergiL” “I’m afraid I must have frightened him?” Duncan said inquiringly. “Oh, no; not at ail.” Josie reassured him. “He’s just gone to tell everybody yon’re here.” “Come, Josie; we've been here ever bo long.” Angie moved slowly toward the door, but Josie Inclined to linger. “Don’t hurry, I beg of you.” Duncan interposed. “Oh, We haven’t hurried.” she said, with a gush of gratification that star-

tied the man “You’ll remember what I said about the choir, won’t you?” He braced biihself jto take advantage of the opening. “1 shall never forget it,” be Said impressively. She gave him her hand “Then goodby.” “Not goodby. 1 trust?” He retained the hand, despising himself Inexpressibly. \ “Oh, we’ll be la again, won’t we, Amgie?” “Oh, yes. Indeed!” e .

“My laud Angie! What do yon think ? I d almost forgotten to pay for the soda.

“Please don’t speak Of It, Miss Lockwood The pleasure’’— "But. I must Mr Duncan. How mm h js It?” Josie fingered the contents of her purse expectantly, but Duncan hung In the wind. He had no least notion what might be the price of soda water. “Two for a quarter,” he hazarded, with his disarming grin. Angie choked with appreciation of this exquisite sally. ’’Ain't you fun ny” “I'm afraid vou’re right,”' he conout carelessly before him, be sat motionless. suffocating at the bottom of a gulf of discontent nis lips moved, sometimes noiselessly, again In whls pers barely audible “Years of this! A matter of human endurance—no, superhuman! If It wasn’t for the bargain. I’d chock it all and— Well, the only way to forget your misery Is to work. I suppose.” He pulled himself together and stood np. wondering where he had left his broom, and simultaneously Stiffened with surprise, aware that be was not alone. A glance, however, established the connection between the rear door, which stood ajar, and the young woman who stood staring at him In ntterest stupefaction. He was quick to see the Intelligence In Betty Graham’s mutinous eyes and the sweet lines of her mouth, too often shaped In sullen mold, and no less qnick to recognize that she would carry herself well, with spirit and digpity. once s#.* were relieved of household toll and uioil. once given the chance to discard her shapeless, bedraggled and threadbare garments for those dainty and beautiful things for which her starved heart must be sick with longing. “Good Lord.” he thought, pitiful, “it’s worse here than I dreamed. Old Graham must need a beeper, and this child has, been trying to l>e that witb nothing to keep him on." “Who are you?’’ the girl demanded sullenly In a voice a little harsh and toneless “What are you doing here? Where’s my father?” “Mr. Graham has stepi>ed out on business.” Duncan replied “You are his daughter, I believe?” “Yes. I’m his daughter, but”— “My name is Nathaniel Duncan Mr. Graham has been kind enough to take me on as apprentice, so to speak.” Her stare continned. intense, resentful, undeviating. “You mean you’re going to work here?” “That’s my intention. Miss Graham." He nodded gravely. “What for?’ “To learn the drug business.”

ceded. “Still. I’d rather you didn’t think so.” “It’s 10 cents. Isn’t It, Mr. Duncan?” Josie was offering him a dime, lie accepted it without question ’Thank you very much.” said be. ”Good afternoon, ladies.” He was aware of Angle’s fluttering farewells on the sidewalk. Josie was lingering on the doorstep in an agony of untrained, coquetry. Oe lowered his tone for her benefit, thereby add Ing new weight to bis bombardment of her amateur defenses “Remember you promised to call again’’ > Her g'c?!es tore his eardrums. “Tb thank \-m. I’m sure.” she sta - mer«*d and ffed \ . Tb*\\ <iis.-!;*jH‘a red He wandered tc the eh.-m and threw himself limply Into It "That voice!” he said stupid: ly “Th:o higgle! I've got to too stt * win I bar’ It serves me right.’’ he cow', r hid' *1 '• Tin* most hopeless of humors sailed him. and'he yielded to .lt with out a struggle His attitude expri-ss ed his —mood with relent les>r verify Chiu sunken upon his breast, eye* fairly distilling gloom, legs stretched •' ' ' 1 *

“Oh-b!" She flung herself a pace away Impatiently, “I’m not a child, and I don’t want to be talked to like one.” “I didn’t mean to annoy you”— “Well, yon do Yon’ve got no business In a rundown place like this, you with yoqr fine clothes and your fine airs. -You didn’t come here to learn the drug business. You know as well as I do you’re got some other motive!” There was a truth In that to-sting him. He smarted under its lasb, bnj held his temper In check because he was sorry for the girl “Perhaps you’re right." he conceded—“perhaps I have some other motive. But that’s neither here obr there. I’m here, and it is my present Intention to learn the drug business In your father's store.” “1 dpn’t believe you, Mr Duncan,.or whatever your name is.” “I’m sorry." he said patiently. Betty’s lt|is twitched confer ptUonsly. “Well, saying you do mean to work here”— “I do." “You’re ...fn.a.ktns a mistake," she snapped "Father can’t pay you nothing.” “He’ll pay me all I’m worth.” said Duncan meekly. She glared at him an Instant longer, then, mute for lack of a sufficiently scornful retort, turned' and rah back up the steps, slamming the door behind her. $

STRAIGHTENING UP, HE LOOKED, GASPED AND FLED.

“TES,” ANGIE CHIMED IN, "IT'S SO WARM.”

“OH. DON'T SAY THAT:" HE HE PLEADED.

“IT’S ONE OF THE RULES, BUT I DIDN’T MAKE IT ”

“WE WERE HOPING YOU WOULD JOIN THE CHOIR.”

MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SERVING YOU?”

“IT SERVES ME RIGHT,” HE CONCLUDED.

“YES, I'M HIS DAUGHTER. BUT”