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A BAD BUSINESS
183

afternoon, and I will keep on at that average while you are a way."

"Why," spoke Frank, "how can you do that, with no mailing list addresses?"

"Oh, I set my wits at work and made quite a discovery," responded Mrs. Ismond with a bright smile. "The Pleasantville Herald has quite a list of exchanges. I asked Darry to send me some. They come from all over the State. I selected a number of promising names from little news items in the papers. For instance: I took girls' names from church and society items, and boys' names from baseball club items and the like. Good, fresh names, Frank—don't you see?"

"I do see," said Frank, "and it's a grand idea, mother."

After supper Mrs. Ismond went upstairs to make up a little parcel of collars, handkerchiefs and the like for her son's journey.

Frank looked up from the county map from which he was formulating a route, as his mother reappeared. At a glance he saw that she was very much agitated.

"Oh, Frank!" she panted, sinking into a chair pale and distressed-looking.

"Why, what's the matter, mother?" exclaimed Frank, arising quickly to his feet.