Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-12-27

t1reIy innocent u az 500
displacing his former schoo--chum' .
But as Ned's stiffness rather IN
creased than diminished, Charlie gave
him up entirely, determined that he
would show Ned Steele that his friend-
shin couldn't be refused twice.
So. under the existing circumstances,
they had anything but jolly time oflt
in Bowes & Co.'s office, with Ned grow
ing more stiff and solemn every day.
Milt's absence becoming more and more
frequent, and the proprietor's face IKE
a storm-cloud from one weeks end to
another.
Giving up Ned in disgust, Charlie
turned his attention 10 Milton Hartley,
and soon an acquaintance sprang up
between them that BODIED no good for
Mr.. Bowes' nephew. Unlike Ned, he
not only admired Milton, but he longed
TO initiate him, at least in some things.
In fact, Charlie wanted to be "a man OF
the world" He eagerly accepted Mil
tons invitation, one gay given, to-
"Come downtown tonight, Page, and
IN teach you billiards, if you'd like to
learn"
Ned looked up quickly from his work,
and almost spoke the warning that was
at his tongues end. But the thought;
ITS none Of my business" kept him
silent. Conscience, however, gave him
no peace; so as they were closing up for
the night, he said:
"Gharlie, don't you go with Milt to-
night. Your uncle won't like it"
rs that any of your business
snapped Charlie who knew very well
that his uncle would be far from
pleased at such an eseapade. Don't
give your advice, Steele, till it's called
for"
Ned turned on his heel and left,
angry with himself for speaking, yet
knowing that Charlie was juzt entering
a path that would be certain ruin To-
such an impulsive, head-strong fellow
Its nothing to me-none of my busi-
ness" said Ned, savagely thinking of
the hard luck Charles presence in the
office would bring him.
"Are you too tired to take the work
I've finished over to Mrs. Coles for me
after tea, Ned2" was Mrs. Steele's gen
tie inquiry, during the meal.
''Not at all mother" was Ned'sI
cheerful reply; and so he set out, inn
mediately after his appetite was salts.
fed. for the long tramp across the city
Though cheerful before his mother
Ned's thoughts were far from pleasant
as he walked on through the almost
deserted streets. Now and then fine
carriages dashed past him, and he
longed to be like the occupants
wealthy.
II he only had money enough to live
In a big house as Mr.. Bowes did, OF
like Charles folks, he'd ride in a car
riage. too, and-but this Improbable
reverie was cut short by his arriya
at Mrs. Coles. He delivered the work
and turned again toward home.
Two figures passed before him out OF
a brilliantly lighted billiard room and
separated on the corner.
Good night, Charlie. Guess you can
get home all right" Ned heard Milton
Hartley's voice say. THE air VIII DC
your head good. TWAS COMPOUNDED hot
in there, that's a fact"
won't you come little way with
fellow?" said the other, leaning IN
steadily against the lamp-post. THAT
stuff | had made me terribly dizzy"
"oh. that'n be all right in few min
utes. / must be off. Good night"
"Seoundrell" exclaimed Ned, as
Hartley turned the corner. Then he
stepped forward and grasped Charles
arm. "Come on home, Page. III hell
you"
as that you, steele?" said Charlie.
thickly. LET go of my arm. can get
along without your help. Let go, !
say
He wrenched away from Ned ano
staggered half across the street, but
slipped, and fell all in heap, too con
fused for a moment TO move. A car
rage turned the corner, and had Ned
not pulled him back in the nick 0.
time. In all probability the foolish fel
low would have been killed.
Ii was all done in a flash--the fab
the rush Of hoofs, Ned's plucky action
then Ned Steele found himself lying
on the edge of the sidewalk, feeling
| little faint and with a badly-wrencheo
ankle. Mr. Bowes was bending owe,
him, and Charlie Page sat on the curb
stone beside him, now thoroughly so
! bered.
Help me into the carriage with him
Charlie" said Mr.. Bowes, huskily
Had il not been for him l probably
should have run over and killed my owr
nephew"
In his uncle's library. with Nee
stretched on the sofa beside him.. Char
lie made clean breast of the affair
and was freely forgiven. And Ned
after some urging, explained his owl
conduct toward his former schoolfel
dow
why, did you think that / had an!
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