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JAMES HEITMAN, Accidentally Rich
MRS. CAROLINE HEITMAN, His Wife

CHAPTER I. "What Kind of Shoes Are the Shoes You Wear?"

"What makes you wear such funny shoes?"

Linda Strong thrust forward a foot and critically examined the narrow
vamp, the projecting sole, the broad, low heel of her well-worn brown
calfskin shoe. Then her glance lifted to the face of Donald Whiting, one
of the most brilliant and popular seniors of the high school. Her eyes
narrowed in a manner habitual to her when thinking intently.

"Never you mind my shoes," she said deliberately. "Kindly fix your
attention on my head piece. When you see me allowing any Jap in my class
to make higher grades than I do, then I give you leave to say anything
you please concerning my head."

An angry red rushed to the boy's face. It was an irritating fact that in
the senior class of that particular Los Angeles high school a Japanese
boy stood at the head. This was embarrassing to every senior.

"I say," said Donald Whiting, "I call that a mean thrust."

"I have a particular reason," said Linda.

"And I have 'a particular reason'," said Donald, "for being interested
in your shoes."

Linda laughed suddenly. When Linda laughed, which was very seldom, those
within hearing turned to look at her. Hers was not a laugh that can be
achieved. There were a few high places on the peak of Linda's soul, and
on one of them homed a small flock of notes of rapture; notes as sweet
as the voice of the white-banded mockingbird of Argentina.

"How surprising!" exclaimed Linda. "We have been attending the same
school for three years; now, you stop me suddenly to tell me that you
are interested in the shape of my shoes."

"I have been watching them all the time," said Donald. "Can't understand
why any girl wants to be so different. Why don't you dress your hair the
same as the other girls and wear the same kind of clothes and shoes?"

"Now look here," interposed Linda "You are flying the track.I am willing
to justify my shoes, if I can, but here you go including my dress and a
big psychological problem, as well; but I think perhaps the why of the
shoes will explain the remainder. Does the name 'Alexander Strong' mean
anything to you?"

"The great nerve specialist?" asked Donald.

"Yes," said Linda. "The man who was the author of half-dozen books
that have been translated into many foreign tongue' and are used as
authorities all over the world. He happene