The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-11-26
Cauhgt Breaking rders.

A patrolman named Larson Travelled
out OF East Chicago Avenue Station then
He was eating what he called his dinner,
but it was midnight. He was hungry
enough to enjoy the food that was COM
ing, but there was another reason why
he was to enjoy the long half hour ne
was to spend at the table
The other reason appeared IN few min
utes carrying glass of water. and a
plate of bread, and dish OF butter,
which she placed in front of the broad
patrolman. She found occasion 10 say
something to him, and he found himself
laughing and blushing like boy. Then
she went tripping back through the
swinging doors TO the kitchen once more,
while mis- big blue eyes followed her with
such beaming affection that Proprietor
Gustafson noticed it and was pleased.
IF 1 could only say the things when
she's here that 1 think about when she
is gone" said Patrolman Larson, musing
confusedly.
Thekla Olafson was not only the more
cogent reason why Patrolman Larson en-
joyed the steaming meat she brought
to him for his dinner that night and otn-
er nights but she was also the reason
why he continued to go for mis- dinner TO
transferred TO the Halsted Street Station,
and that was the cause Of a happening
that brought about with suddenness the
turning point in his life. He was trans
ferred because an exceptionally good po-
liceman of his particular fitness was
needed at that station, just then, and IN
spector Heidelmeier sent Larson there.
Disobedience Of orders was something
that never occurred to Patrolman Larson
until the hour of his midnight dinner ar
rived, and he realized that to dine where
his big. tender heart was Juggling, and
pulling, and calling on him TO go would
be disobedience of grave sort.
Patrolmen at best are only human, and
soon he was blushing again and watch
ing with beaming blue eyes the disap-
pearing form of Thekla through the
swinging doors.
Il am not on this post any more
Thekla." he said guiltily and awkwardlys
as she was placing his dinner before him
And are you going away?" TheklA
asked with such a pain in her voice that
Patrolman Larson dropped his knife and
looked UP at her with his blue eyes star
ing.
Thekla had never before seen any other
expression in those eyes than manly
sort of affection which she half doubted
whenever she tried to interpret 1t. They
seemed surprised at one another.
Il am transferred to Halsted Street. !"
said Patrolman Larson, 'but l guess
I'll come in for dinner now and then"
but you won't come often any more?'
suggested Thekla, timidly.
20, yes, I'll be in again tomorrow
night"
AS Patrolman Larson was leaving the
restaurant that night he found himself
face to face with Lieutenant Murphy, his
old commander of East Chicago Avenue
Station.
Hello. Magnus," said the Lieutenant,
81 thought you were at Halsted Street"
"I am" stammered Patrolman Larson.
at Just came down for something to eat.
"Be careful, Magnus. 1t looks mighty
had to see a man this far off his post,
said the Lieutenant as he went on.
It was with many misgivings that Pa
trolman Larson brought himself to the
point of violating orders again the next
night. To be caught again meant dismiss
sal He had told Thekla he would be
there for dinner, however, and that was
a promise made sacred by the picture in
his heart of Thekla blushing as he told
her he would come. Love was stronger
than duty. AS he went he kept looking
to the right and to the left TO see IL
any commanding officer were in sight.
He reached the restaurant without see
ing any. but in a state of agitation as If
he were a frightened boy instead of big,
brave policeman. In the presence OF
Thekla he soon forgot his offense against
the rules, and even stood at the door
talking with her instead of hurrying back
when he had finished dinner. He was on
the point of trying again to say some
thing he had so often determined to say
to her when his hands suddenly dropped
bv his side and his cheek turned pale.
what is it, Magnus?" Thekla asked in
alright, while she involuntarily clutch
ed one of his hands.
There's the Loot, and he'll catch me
again.
'.Why, what have you done?" she ask
ed in terror.
Nothing. but come to see you-Thekla.
From across the street and coming d.
rectly toward the door of the restaurant
was Lieutenant Murphy.
Il guess have lost my job" whispered
Patrolman Larson.
cant l help but instead of finish
ing the sentence Thekla clutched tighter
his hand.
Then. I don't care If did lose it," he
said. growing brave in the face of dam
ger and squeezing her little hand in his
| ponderous big one.
The Loot didn't stop, and he didn't
| come in. He turned his head and passed
on as If he hadn't seen them or had
! changed his mind.
well. I'm safe this time" said Mag
ms with sigh of relief, "but If we lived
| in He finished the sentence by
| stammering and getting red in the face.
"Do YOU mean that, Magnus?" she
WHISPERED. looking up into his eyes.
And Wen be happy together?
| 'Td be happy" she murmured.