Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1920 — Page 7

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 192?

COMRADES OF PERIL

SYNOPSIS. CHAPTER I.—Tom Shelby, a rancher, rides In to the frontier town of Ponca looking for a good time after a long spell of hard work and loneliness on the ranch. Instead, he runs into a funeral — that of Dad Calkins, a retired army man of whom little is known. A girl, still in her teens, survives Calkins. CHAPTER ll.—McCarthy, a saloonkeeper and Ponca’s leading citizen, decides that the girl, now alone in the World, should marry. Shelby starts a hunt for eligible husbands and the minister goes to confer with the girt CHAPTER 111The Choice of the Lady. Shelby, accompanied by “Red” Kelly, who had been unceremoniously routed' out of bed after a hard day’s work, were the last to join the company of selects crowded into Dan McCarthy’s office. The -majority were unshaven and roughly dressed, inclined to look on the whole affair as a lark, but there were serious faces among them and altogether, in Shelby’s judgment as he looked them over, they were not a bad lot. He pushed his way through the throng and joined Mac, who stood with his back to the desk. “That’s all of them,” he said quietly. “Now give ’em your spiel an’ we’ll see what comes of It.” \ McCarthy cleared his throat and removed the stump of cigar from between his teeth. "La the door shut tight? AH right. What I’ve got to say is just fer you, boys, an’ ain’t ter be told ’round promlscuse. We started in ter give Ol’ Dad Calkins a proper kind of a funeral an’ sure pulled it off in some style, if I say It myself. Then we decided it was up to us to give the gurl a decent send-off an’ this town chucked in about gve hundred bucks an’ never batted an .eye. When that was over with, I sorter considered that Ponca had about done its share, but the preacher what come down from Buffalo Gap didn’t think the same. He ksed here was a poor girl left with no |*iome an’ no protection and that unless she was taken care of she’d maybe

“What I’ve Got to Say Is Just for You Boys.”

drift ter h —l an’ back, an’ he argued that it was Ponca’s business ® see that she got started off right. His idee was that she ought ter be married afore she had any chance ter drift and git reckless like a lot o’ them females.” There was an uneasy movement among the crowd and Shelby was amused at the varied expression upon the faces before him. McCarthy paused as though gathering himself together for his rpaln effort. “AU I got ter say is when I thought it all over I concluded the preacher sure had it Sized up about right. That girl is decent an’ has been brought up decent, even if 01’ Dad was a rounder. He kept her straight an’ giv’ her a good education. Now what s goln ter become of her when she’s left alone? I told the 1 preacher Td do my share an’ see to it that Ponca came up to the scratch. I naturally can’t marry her myself, seeing as how I’ve got a wife and five kids hlready, but I’ll do the next best thing—l’ll cough up enough coin to give the fellow who will give her a phance ter make good. She’s goln’ ter have cash ter back much?” “What’s the figure, Dan?” “Two thousand, besides th§ five

By RANDALL PARRISH

CG^/2JGMT^C/4 e C£.(//2G & COy

hundred already subscribed. That’s more’n some o’ you ducks ever saw.” “Say, Mac, what was the ptan? Cut the cards for furst chance?” “No; this is a sportin’ proposition, with everyone havin’ a fair show,” explained the saloonkeeper. “We sorter picked you boys out as the most likely runts ’rodnd town and intend ter Une you up an’ then let her pick out the one she takes a fancy to. It’s only fair she has a chance to take the duffer she’d rather have.” There was a confused murmur of voices, some reckless, others muttering opposition, but It was evident the proposition rather appealed to the majority, who saw in it a change for some unusual fun and excitement, with only a vague probability of being caught. Shelby slipped in a word. “I’ll bet five to one," he said quietly, “that she turns down the whole gang.” “Ter h —l she will I Not after she gets one glimpse o’ Cowan. She’ll think he owns the town.” “That’s It, boys! Come on, you fellers; the bunch o’ us don’t run no risk. She’ll copper on Cowan an’ If she misses him them sideburns o’ Archibald’s will sure get her goat.” “Is this yere two thousand a sure thing?” It was Gowan who asked somewhat anxiously. “It ain’t got no string tied to it?” A yell greeted the question, punctuated with various remarks. “Takln’ it seriously, old man?” “Goin’ to start an opposition store?” “I guarantee the' sum,” said McCarthy, “every last cent of it. Whoever the girl chooses, when he marries her, I’ll pay him the money. That’s flat an’ you boys know whose talking.” There was a surging forward Indicative of readiness. Evidently the proposition had caught on, and the bunch was eager to learn the result. “Lead us to it, Mac,” someone cried gayly, “gittin’ married Is my long suit.” “All right, boys,” and McCarthy glanced at his watch. “I reckon the preacher ought ter have her ready for the delegation by this time. How about it, Tom?” They moved slowly out, jostling each other, qnd indulging in horse play and rude jokes, none taking the affair seriously, but eager to learn how it would terminatg, McCarthy led the way, directly across the main street, and down the path past the dance hall, which by this time was in full blaze. Beyond they were plunged Into darkness, but could see ahead of them the faint gleam of a light through the window of Calkins’ shack. One or two sought to drop out, but Shelby collared them promptly, so that the entire bunch finally lined up behind McCarthy as he rapped on the closed door. The preacher opened it, his round face beaming benignantly in the glare of the single oil-lamp within, his bulk absolutely blocking the entrance. Beyond, those close at hand had a vague glimpse of the girl, who stood back against the wall, staring toward them with wideopen eyes. The Buffalo Gap man smiled blandly in welcome, Impressed by the number of faces he saw, ttad stepped heavily aside. “Come right in, gentlemen,” he exclaimed, gesturing Impressively with one hand, “our “accommodations are not extensive, as you will perceive, yet ample, I trust. Just circle about the wall there —to the left, please. You have explained the circumstances, Mr. McCarthy?" “Sure.”

"Very well, then,” his voice assuming a soothing tone. “We need waste no unnecessary time in preliminaries. I have very frankly laid the entire matter before the young lady and have finally convinced her of the righteousness of our purpose. Do I fitly express your state of mind, my child?" She lifted her eyes slightly, a red flush burning on either cheek. “I suppose so; that’s what you told me to say.” Shelby, slipping in through the door last of all, had found a precarious seat on the sill of the window, where he had a full view of the room. His glance wandered appreclatlngly along that solemn line of men backed up rigidly against the wall. They were an odd-looking bunch, crowded together under the glare of the oil-lamp, the most of them roughly dressed and unshaven and all of them visibly embarrassed and a little ashamed. The girl stftod alone just before them and to Shelby she appeared younger and far better looking than in the afternoon. She would have been almost pretty but for the pathetic droop at the corners of her mouth and the rebellious, sullen look in her eyes. The preacher spread his hands in disapprobation of her remark. “Oh, no, my dear,” he protested. “I merely labored with you and urged this upon you as the better course. I even made ft the subject of prayer

THE TWICE-A-WEEK DEMOCRAT

that we might be divinely guided. It is now a matter entirely for your own decision.” She looked from him to the row of breathless men facing her, impatiently, her bosom rising and falling tumultously. “And I’ve got to choose which one Td rather marry?” “Well, yes, that Is the idea crudely, expressed. Not that you are compelled in any way; only we feel it highly desirable; that —well, perhaps I may say, it is the will of God that you make some such choice.” Her eyes wandered up and down the shrinking line, resting calmly on face after face. If she felt any humor in the situation, there was no expression of it visible. She retained an appearance of sullen Indifference, which was almost insolent. j. “There ain’t no more of ’em?” “No; this Is all." “And I got to pick from these?” The preacher nodded his head, as she glanced inquiringly in his direction. The pent-up breath came in a sigh from between her lips. “Well, if I've got to, I have, I suppose, and, so far as I can see, It don't make no difference. I’ll take the fel-

"I’ll Take the Fellow Sittin' Over There.”

low slttin’ over there on the window; the one with the pink shirt." Shelby was upon his feet Instantly, so thoroughly startled by this sudden denouement as to scarcely find words. “But say, hold on!” he exclaimed excitedly. “I don’t belong to this bunch; I don’t even live in Ponca. I just came along to help out." The girl looked from face to face in bewilderment, which, judging from the expression of her eyes, was already verging on anger. “What does the man mean?” she asked hurriedly of the preacher, who stood nearest. “You said I was to choose and now he refuses. Did this one not come pledged?" “I am afraid not, my dear. I did not know, but he claims otherwise. He is not a Ponca man.” She fronted Shelby, standing straight, indignant, her eyes flashing coldly. “And you won’t marry me?” “I—l can’t —that’s all,” he stainmered. “Oh, h—l! What did you want to pick me out for?” The girl’s eyes rested hard on his face, then wandered slowly down the line of the others and her lips set firmly. , (TO BE CONTINUED.)

I ■ ■ When ji need of flrat-class stationery of any or all kinds, printed or plain, send your order to The Democrat office.

! SAY IT WITH i I FLOWERS i HOLDEN GREEN HIUSE PHONE 426. INSURE IN lints Mill lain ttiiM Of Benton, Jasper and Newton Counties. Insurance In force January 1, 1920 The average yearly rate for the 24 years this Company has been in existence has been but 14 cents on the |IOO insurance, or 11.40 per |l,ooo. State Mutual Windstorm Insurance written In connection. MARION I. ADAMS Rensselaer; S. A. Bruanahan, Parr, and J. P. Ryan (Gilliam tp.) Medaryville, R. F. D.; Wm. B. Moyers, Wheatfield; V. M. Poor, Kniman, are agents of thio Oompony and will bo pleased to give you any further information. • Stephen KohJey, Rensselaer, Is the adjuster for Jasper county. ..

The WEEK'S DOINGS

LEE Fred Nelson has gone to Jackson county to visit his parents. Estel Osborne and Art Telfer shipped a carload of stock Tuesday. Raymond Warren and wife have moved into the Mrs. C. A. Holeman house. The Home Missionary ladies met Tuesday afternoon with Mrs. S. M. Jacks. The teacher. Miss Anderson, and pupils are preparing h Thanksgiving program. The Jacks families from here attended a birthday dinner at Remington Sunday. Rev. Dean and Charley Weypiouth and wife were Sunday guests at J. W. Mellender’s. O. E. Noland and wife and Paul Morrell and wife of Rensselaer spent Sunday at S. W. Noland’s. Glenn Culp and Miss Georgia Hays of Monon were married Nov. 4 at Shepherdsville, Ky., and spent several days there with her sister and other relatives before returning home.

FAIR OAKS Mervin Dunn moved to Wheatfield Saturday. „ We were favored with another shower Monday night. Mrs. A. M. Bringle had an attack of the grip the first of the week. Mrs. Sam Kettering moved their household goods to Dunn’s Siding, their new location, Tuesday. Mrs. Eggleston, who had been visiting in Ohk) since last summer, returned to Fair Oaks last week. Abe Bringle and wife and daughter Amy spent Sunday with Arvel Bringle and wife at Remington. Jake Spitzer, J. C. Thompson and A. I. Abel and son Orval attended the McCray blowout at Kentland Tuesday. It is reported that Joe Norman will move down Into the old Halstead neighborhood in Newton township in the spring. . John Kight of Indianapolis and Mrs. Shein of Monon came the first of the week to visit their father, Isaac Kight, who is somewhat under the weather. There has been several cases of the grip in our town the past week. Landis Wood begun driving the school hack from the southern part of the school district Monday. The heavy snow, which visited us about 10 days ago, did considerable damage to cherry and peach trees in these parts, as it was so damp It stuck to the branches until they were badly broken. A. D. Washburn had a bunch of men start moving his house on Front street over onto his farm last week, but when they got to the railroad they stopped, by request of the railroad employes, and it is still It is reported that Oren Gourley of Gary and Miss Mary Norman were secretly married at Crown Point last May, while the latter was making the Gourley family a visit. They have been very successful in keeping it from their friends until a short time ago.

ROSELAWN Dorcie Kight is better at this writing. Fred Call and family took dinner with Walter Brown’s, near Fair Oaks, Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McDonald spent Sunday with his parents, Tom Parks and wife. - Frank Smith and Ed Myers and wives took Sunday dinner with Oscar Atwood and wife. Alva Call and wife spent Saturday night and Sunday with her parents, Sam Butts and wife. Mrs. W. T. Kight is going to Gary to keep house for her son Dorcie. She will spend Sunday here. Little Jim Cox of Tennessee is moving to Roselawn in the near future and will occupy the Baxter house. Clarence Smith moved Wednesday into a part of Mrs. Kight’s house, she having part of goods in same. John and Will Cunningham and families 1 of Detroit, Mich., arrived here Thursday via autos to visit with their parents, John Cunningham and wife.

MT. AYR (From the Tribune) Mr. and Mrs. Ged. Lynch were Brook visitors Tuesday. George Corbin and family spent Sunday with Mrs. Corbin’s brother, J. Nichols, near Lake Village. Mrs. Haskell Randolph and babe left Sunday evening for Baxter, Tenn., for a visit with her folks. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fenters of Attica are visiting Mr. Fenter’s sister, Mrs. George Lambert, and family. Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lee of Rensselaer visited Harry Brunton’s Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Rice of Lansing have been spending the week with Mrs. Rice’s folks, the Huntingtons. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Perkins of Goodland and daughter, Mrs. Geo. ißtaton, of Brook visited J. R. Sigler and family Thursday. Julian Swan has been here for some time visiting his sister, Mrs. : Ed Huntington. Mr. Swan’s home is at Mazomanee, Wis. Chas. Snow went to ChicagOs Saturday and spent the day Sunday with his wife and daughters, returning home Sunday evening. Arthur Baker returned to his home at Coffeeville, Kas., after a few days visit with his father, John Baker, who has been quite sick for some and J. M. Stutzman pf Arthur. 81., came to attend the J. B. Stutzman sale Friday. The former is a brother and the latter a nephew oi Mr. .Stutzman. _ . . . , The doctor reports a fine baby girl at the home of Leonard Brooks, on Tuesday, Oct. 26; Mr. and Mrs. Brooks five at Thayer, but win be

FNTUU! SUNDAY, NOV. 14 Kentland vs. Rensselaer Riverside Park Game Called at 3:00 ADMISSION 60c and 25c Including War Tax

remembered as having lived here at one time. Mrs. Wm. Conser was here from Earl Park Wednesday to visit the Armold’s. When she returned home she was accompanied by Mrs. Armold and Mrs. Jennie Ashby, who remained till Saturday. Mrs. Loma Miller returned from Niles, Mich., Saturday where she has been to have her eyes treated. She returned much Improved and feels with a few more treatments she will get entire relief. Miss Orpha Barton returned to her work at Indianapolis Sunday after a week’s vacation spent with home folks. The trip home was occasioned by the election and Miss Orpha's deqire to cast her first ballot. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hicks, who have been visiting Mr. Hicks's sister, Mrs. W. H. Med Worth, and family, started on their return trip to their home at Backing Ridge, N. J. Mr. Hicks is a railroad employe and had only a short vacation. Mr. and Mrs. George Hopkins, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Hopkins, Miss Lydia Renwick and Miss Susie Wood spent the day Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dickinson, near Goodland. Mrs. Dickinson was formerly Miss Florence Cacyn, a teacher in our schools here.

COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES

(By Co. Supt Sterrett) The Parr schools gave a box social wherein they made S3O last Friday night. The school put on an interesting program before the boxes were sold. Mrs. Rardin and Miss Ruby Gunyon, two teachers in the Parr schools, directed the school program. Mr. Blue, the upper room teacher, gave a very interesting talk on the educational topics sent out by Supt. L. N. Hines. The teachers have decided to purchase Y. P. R. C. books with the proceeds of the evening. The Fair Oaks schools will put on an educational betterment program one afternoon or night of next week. Miss Mildred Gifford, the teacher at Surrey in Newton township, will put on a similar program/on next Friday a week. Miss Ruth Watkins, teacher at Blue Grass In Newton, will also put on an afternoon program * Nov. 19. Word Is coming In from all angles from teachers who are giving educational programs to stimulate the people of Jasper county. Miss Elsie Zellers will put on an educational program in connection with the box social she Is advertising for the school at Virgie. Trustee Grant Davisson of Barkley township met with his advisory board at the office of the county superintendent last week and decided upon a definite line of action to get the two four-roomed school buildings constructed In time for use next fall. The members of the advisory board are Ralph Johnson, John Rusk and Mr. Gratner. This board and trustee deferred the building of new school houses when they met last year on account of the high cost of building material and labor. Since then Mr. Davisson has been making a diligent search for buildings that would best serve the two angles of Barkley tbwnship. He has been in Parke county upon numerous occasions and County Supt. Jolelff was kind enough to spend an entire day with Mr. Davisson taking him over Parke county to his best four-roomed buildings. Mr. Davisson is very much Interested in giving the people of Barkley township a substantial, efficient, practical school building In each place that he will build. He has offered to take the advisory board and county superintendent down to Parise county to show them a building that he thinks will meet the Barkley needs. He will do this at his own expense as he did last fall when he took these men all over northern Newton and Lake counties.

JOHN WILSON’S PUBLIC SALE The undersigned will offer at public auction at his farm, 5% miles north and 3 miles east of Rensselaer, on the former John Q. Lewis farm in Barkley township, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1920 the following described property: 2 Head of Horses—Mar® 4 years old and gelding 3 years old. 4 Head of Cattle—A excellent

milk cows, one fresh last spring, the other fresh four weeks ago; steer calf born last spring and heifer calf four weeks old. 14 Head of Hoge—Hampshire sow, crossed with Poland China, and nine pigs two months old; 4 good, thrifty shotes, wt. about 175 each. Farm Implements—Moline farm wagon; Moline 4-wheel corn planter; Champion potato digger; Champion potato planter; 3-section wood-frame harrow; 14-lnch Moline walking plow; set double work harness, and mapy other farm tools. All implements practically new and in good condition. Terms—A credit of 10 month* will be given on all sums over $lO, purchaser giving note with approved security, bearing 6% Interest from date of sale If paid when due, if not so paid to draw 8 % Interest from date of sale; 2% off for cash. Sums of $lO and under cash in hand and no discount. JOHN WILSON. W. A. McCurtain, Auct. Ray D. Thompson, Clerk. nl3 9O

O. I. C. Boars for Quick Sale 2 Spring Boars by Dandy Boy 41759. 2 Spring Boars by Model Post 41749. 4 Spring Boars by Johnson’s Liberty 82396. 4 Spring Boars by Critic, he by Pocket Piece 3rd 81531. Priced for immediate sale, S3O to >76 Sows for sale, SSO to S2OO ... New Blood for Old Customers . M B W Fom FRANK K. FRITZ McCoysburg, - Indiana

Harvey Williams Auctioneer Livestock, Real Estate and Farm Sales List your sale early as I sell nearly every day during the Ihle season. Write or telephone at my expense. Remington, - Indiana Telephone 3-B

in in tt HOli BM M .{MI in.

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