Thursday, December 30, 1926. VERNONIA EAGLE JIM AND HIS DECISION By H. M. EGBERT (Copyright by W. G. Chapman.) IM BENNETT sat on the sand of Tan-tan Island and looked out across the sea, as he had done each day for more than a year. Everybody in Tan-tan knew Jim Ben­ nett, and the raggedest beachcomber I sneered when his name was men­ tioned. It was not so much the depths to which he had fallen as the tact that he had fallen so far. Three years ago be had left San Francisco to make his fortune In the South seas and had come back to • marry Elsie Dale, But her father was many times a millionaire, und had other Ideas for Elsie’s future. Every- thing depended, then, on Jim's making good on the copra trading trip. In which he had sunk his little capital. i xAt least, so far as marrying Elsie was concerned. Her father would never consent. Jim knew Jack Dale too well to hope for that. But If the trip succeeded Jim could afford to bear the old man’s enmity, and Elsie had said she would. The ship was wrecked on an un­ charted reef off Tan-tan. Jim saw his little capital lost. He had barely the fare home. Despair Cook hold of him, then the lethargy of the life In the little place. He had sunk down and down. He had ut last written to Elsie releasing her—und hud forgot­ ten. He had quite forgotten by the time Elsie's letter arrived. She had told him that she was going to wait three years. If ut the end of that time he did not clulru her, she would feel jfree. But she loved him; let him re- Cember that every day of his life. At the end of the first year Jim re- embered it occasionally. He was employed in one of the Island re­ ports. At the end of the second yetir he had a hazy recollection. Then he was doing odd jobs along the wharf. At the end of the third year, when he Was nothing but a beachcomber, he remembered again, this time more Clearly. He remembered it when the month­ ly vessel arrived. He expected that It would carry a letter for him. No letter had been at the post office; and yet, when Jim looked up and saw a Kroung, athletic American, neatly dressed, with sun helmet and blue glasses, approaching him, he was sure that he had come upon business con- Jcerning Klsie. Jim looked up lazily from among the fSlittle group of fellow loafers, and won- * *dered how any man could find the . energy to wulk at that gait in such a sun. The young man drew up to the J | group and stopped. “Any of you men know a fellow ‘-.flamed Jim Bennett?” he inquired. The man nearest Jim nudged him lazily; the rest did not even shift their eyes from the far horizon. “I’m Jim Bennett,” said Jim, rising. [ He saw the astonishment upon the I young man’s face. “Will you please come over here?” asked the »¿ranger. He led him about fifty yards away, out of Hie hearing of the others. He ' r. might have saved himself the trouble, for those who were not asleep In the *hade had already forgotten Jim’s ex­ istence. When they stood together 1 tipoti the sand the young man took Jim by the shoulders and swung him round, facing hint. “Are you Jim Bennett or are you lying?” he demanded, in crisp, nervous accents. For an Instant Jim felt the resent­ ft ment that would have come to any normul man at such treatment; but then he remembered that lie had left his manhood behind him at Tan-tan town. “I'm Jim Bennett," he answered doggeilly. “What do you want with me?” The other breathed hard. "Where do you come from?" he demanded. "I must have proofs of what you say. Who is the woman to whom you are engaged?” “You mean Miss Dale, I suppose,” drawled Jim, and the other let his hands drop from his shoulders and .stared at him hopelessly. "Are you crazy or sunstruck V he I Inquired presently. "Usually both,” answered Jim truth­ fully. “Today, as It happens, I haven’t found anyone willing to give me the price. How about you?" The young man clapped him on the ■houlder. "Listen to me," he said quietly. "You must have been a man once, from all I’ve heard of you. I recog­ nise you now from your photograph, although that beard makes you look quite different. Miss Dale’s father Is dead. He has left her his whole for­ tune. She wanted me to come and find you and bring you back to her. She loves you, and pride doesn't count. She knows what you must have been through, and she's going to ask you to marry her, once she gets you at her aide Understand?” Jim understood. The thought of the Dale millions at his command was paralyllug; it galvanized him Into life. He looked up, to see the young man reading his face. "Here’s ten dollars I” he said sud­ denly “No—wait 1" He pulled out the pecketbook again. "Here's a bun dred. Do you think you can get washed end cleaned and have a new suit and good linen on your back, ready to sail on the ship tomorrow?" Jim pocketed the money mechan­ J ically. "I suppose so," he muttered. 4-L Hall At Westport St. Helens Defeats Yacolt “Whet' your hurry?” St. Helens won from Yacolt Is Destroyed By FLe “B.-e. use,” suld the other grawl , The big 4-L hall at Westpoct high school in bosketball Thurscay "Miss ' iqle is on board. That’s why. was completely destroyed by a night, 28 to 14 in the St. Helsns And I hi best man In the world could lit spectacular fire which started a- gymnasium. St. Helens played the deserve your luck.” Somehow the uew clothes, the lux­ bout 2:30 a. m. Thursday mor.i- Scappoose All-Stars last night. ury of a bath, hud put new maqhood ing of last week. The cause of into Jim. He lay in bed early lu the the fire is unknown. The loss ja Würren* May Get Lights. morning In the hotel and speculated estimated at $15,000 and is well With 42 persons having signed what be would do with the Dale mil­ covered by insurance. It is ex­ up fbt electric light service in lions. He would go to San Francisco, J pected that the building will be- Warren, it is thought that the of course. He would build a palace rebuilt. there. He would have automobiles, rrecessAry 52 demanded by Dis- tine clothes, cigars, all the physical ' trict Manager C. C. Turlay of the Heavy Fine For Possession luxuries which he had been denied Wm. Schmeck was arrested ly P. El P. Company will be secured so long. And—he would marry Elsie before ' lang, and thht in a short at the first opportunity, to keep his Marshal Kelly Christmas night in time the entire district will be us­ the rear of the Vista hotel f->r hold on her. ing electricty. He got up and dressed. . He was having liquor in his possession. lie Just about to leave the room when the broke two pints on the sidewalk young man entered. He surveyed Jim but one and one-half gallons in Notice of Call of Bonds with a grimmer smile than before. his suitcase was confiscated by the "You haven’t shaved off your marshal. He was fined $150 ai,d Notice is hereby given to the beard.” be said. given 10 days in jail by Jud re holder of Bonds numbered 1, 2, "No." said Jim thoughtfully. "It Reasoner. 3, 4, 5, of Sewer Improvement looks—more manly, I think." Fined For Possession Bonds, of Vernonia Columbia Co. The other looked at him In con­ Dick Hendrickson Was arrested Oregon, dated Jan. 1, 1925; and tempt. It penetrated the man’s skin. Jim winced. It was the first moment Saturlay night for being drunk redeemable at the option of the of seif-realization In many a year. and having liquor in his possession. said City of Vernonia on Jan. 1, “Why huve you done all this for H e was admitted to bail 1926, said bond No. 1 being in me?” he asked, looking at the other in Judge Reasoner's court for $25. denomination of $260.16 and bonds curiously. “Do you kuow, I believe— He forfeited his bail by not show­ No. 2; 3, • 4, 5, being in I believe you are in love with Elsie ing up for trial. denomination of $500.00 each. That yourself." "Miss Dale from you, please,” re­ ■ , ------------------------- . gg-y------------- ------------ .....----------- ---------- plied the other. “Yes, I am In love with her, if you wish to know it. And if I hadn't found you I think she would have married me." "Then why did you find me?” mut­ tered Jim. The other choked down an expletive. “If you're ready," he said coldly, “we’ll start right away.” Jim went out with him. And now, surveyed by the curious Inhabitants of the little settlement, the target of their sneering glances, Jim felt sud­ denly more ashamed than he had ever felt before In all his life. And for the first time he really understood the depths of his degradation. He had been a worthless beach­ comber, while she had waited for him. believed in him. He was utterly worthless. He could not degrade that purs life to the level of Ms own. He had thought of nothing but the Dale millions, nothing at all of the love that had been true to him. Unconsciously he held his head kTSWAHT-WAMHSR MJTOMOSILS SATSTV COUNCIL higher and flung back the scornful gestures, the looks, the thinly-veiled /“YNK out of a thousand is the relationship between the annual automobile Jeers. They should learn some day fatalities and the number of motor vehicles In this country, according that there was that spark of manhood to the Stewart-Warner Safety Council for the prevention of automobile lu him which would kindle the old accidents, which has undertaken a strenubus campaign of automobile safety fires! and accident prevention. He knew that his past was utterly And for every fatality there aie at least 28 accidents serious enough to dead. And so, walking at the side of get on record. This does not take it to consideration minor sprains and bruises his companion, he boarded the boat. or people suffering from nervous sh >ck as the result of being In an automobile There was a delay, a brief delay. accident The young man turned to him and To appreciate what a vast army of killed and Injured Is annually con­ said: scripted by tlie reckless motorist and careless pedestrian, a comparison may "Hemember, Bennett, my lips are be made with American, casualties In the great war. Over a third as many sealed forever. You have your own people are killed annually by the a itomobile as'there were American soldiers future and hers to make or mar. I killed on the field of battle during the entire war, while the number injured kuow her love for you, and that is each year is nearly three times as great as the number of our boys who wers why I shall remain silent. Can you wounded throughout the war. honor It? Promise me that from this day forward you will strive with might aud main to be worthy of her." "I promise," answered Jim humbly, . 1. . ~ and the mail at his side looked at him strangely. This seemed to be a new man—he had known nothing of him. Along tlie deck came a white-robed figure, tripping gladly. Jim knew her at once. All his heart went out to her. Elsie had not changed a bit dur­ ing those three years, except that there wus more of the woman In her poise, her thoughtful eyes, and Just as much of the happy girl in her smil­ ing face. “John 1” she exclaimed. “Where— where is Jim, then? And who Is this gentleman?" Suddenly Jim realized that she had not recognized him. His tan, hfs beard, the ineffaceable marks of those three years on his face. . . , He turned a little away. "Jim died last week," he said quiet­ ly. “We didn’t dare to break the news to you at once. He died—I was his friend—he wanted me to tell you.” He turned and walked with steady steps to the ship’s gangway, and along the wharf. One Death Per 1300 Autos in a Year Is Record of U. S. pursuant to said option said bon is NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS numbered 1, 2, 3 4, 5, will be re­ Sealed bids will be received by deemed within Thirty days from I I). B. Reasoner, City Recorder of the date of this notice to-wit: On the City of Vernonia, Oregon, at the First day of January, 1927, the City Hall of said City, until upon presentation to the City 8:00 P. M. December 30, 1926, and then publicly opened, for the Treasurer of the City of Vernonia, furnishing and installation of one Vernonia, Oregon. 25 H. P. motor and one 5 H. P. motor including all wiring, switch­ In case any holder of any of es, couplings, anJ compensators for the said bonds fail to present same municipal water pumping Dlant, ac­ at time and place mentioned here­ cording to the plans and specifica­ in for the redemption thereof, then tions on file at the office of the the interest thereon shall cease City Recorder at Vernonia, Oregon. All equipment and motors to and the City Treasurer aforesaid will thereafter pay only the a- be General Electric or equal grade. No proposal will be considered mount of such bonds and the in­ terest secured thereon up to said unless accompanied by a certified check; or bidders bond equal to 1st day of January, 1927. 10 per cent of the amount of the Dated at Vernonia, Oregon, this bid and made payable *o the order of the City Treasurer of Vernonia, 1st day of December, 1926. J. C. Lindley, Treasurer Oregon. Dated December 21, 1926. City of Vernonia, Vernonia, Oregon D. B. REASONER. 202 202 City Recorder. COLLECTIONS NO COLLECTION—NO CHARGE KNIGHT ADJUSTMENT CO. We Get Results. Offices at McMinnville, Hillsboro and 502 Board of Trade build­ ing, Portland. —WE REPAIR— Anything in the Electric Line AND GUARANTEE OUR PLUMBING. ASPLAND PLUMBING And Electric Shop Phone MAin 193 I Person is Tilled and 28 injured annually for every 1000 Auto­ mobilesinthis Country Old World Charm Meets New World Conveniences Writer Has Brief for Much Maligned Goat Because the goat Is whimsical in appearance and, In Its kldllug state, spry and full of antics, it Is singled out as an animal to be made a pet of. Therefore it Is often found that peo­ ple without proper facilities will at­ tempt to keep a goat If dogs ate vegetables how many gardens would be ruined In a day with all the dogs we have at large! Why should the goat, above all animals, be expected to "Keep off the grass” and travel In the narrow path of animal virtue? It Is often said that the goat Is difficult to fence against, but this is erroneous. The fence that will hold a sheep will hold a goat. The only difference Is that If there is a hole In the fence depend upon the goat's wit to find it, while the sheep may pass It un seen. An ordinary milk goat, carry Ing a normal udder, has no desire to entangle herself In a fence; provided with proper food she will not crave the exaggerated Items of fare some times put down as her food.—Mon treal Family Herald. Mess How this word '-»me to descr be the rather crowded meal for soldiers Is uncertain since Its original use was to denote the groups of four in to which feast guests were divided tn olden days. Shakespeare has one of his characters In "Love’s Labor’s Lost" say. ”1 confess that you three fools larked me, fool, to make up the mess," that Is, four. LACING your house according o your lot Is the privilege of the per.» in who builds this practical dwelling of the Eng­ lish farm house type. The outran- e is so arranged that the house may el her be placed lengthwise for a thlrty-f< ot city P DINING tOOM FADA ATWATER KENT Fenner Radio Shop SETS - SERVICE - ACCESSORIES Battery Charging COME IN AND SEE US FOR Fada Radios Atwater Kent Radios Radio Service Savage Washers and Dryers. New and Used Pianos. Sheet Music. WE GIVE EASY TERMS I.OOA PICK NEW SERVICE Ing with the roof of dark weathered shingles, rhe j leasing features of the living room lnclrde it- windows on three sides, open fire- plac ■ and built-in book shelves. The open porch or »> nroom may open off from either the living or <1 nlng room. The kitchen has all the detells that delight the housewife—cupboards, broom <-los* t, break fast nook and double windows over the . Ink. fhe three bedrooms all have double ex- posuree and are well provided with clothes and llnei closets. The bathroom is so placed as to be e lually accessible from each bedroom. The attl< Is ventilated and mAkee a serviceable stor ge or playroom by sheathing the rafters and Hides with celotex, which vrvee both as a wall board and Insulating material. This small home so light and spacious, yet SECOND fLOOtPLAH comt act and adapted to doing without a eerv- Gt I LI no «HOST «L