, 1901-10-22
Pair Of Earrings.
BY MATTE CHH.DS

Copyright, 1901. by Daily Story Pub. Coz
she was alone-a tiny atom from the
mass OF humanity that frolicked with
the breakers a quarter of a mile away
and the t~enantless doll carriage. the
DOLL lying with soiled and crumpled
frock on the shining sand, the bright
blue tin pail splitting its contents of
shovel and shells, as we'll as her posi-
ton on ALI %fours." were silent but
eloquent witnesses that a catastrophe
~ overtaken the little maiden.
Jack Williams sauntered from the
shelter of the boardwalk to the scene.
Lost anything. sis?"
The blue-gray eyes glanced shyly up
at him and fell. Yes. sir and the
childish voice was charged with tears.
Jack stopped down beside her.
What did you lose, dear?" and the
voice and look contrasted strangely
with the rough, wea~ther-beaten coun-
tenance.
"A carving" n the tears watered
the red cheeks.
Il don't think young ladies ought to
wear earrings until they are too big to
play in the dirt; do you?"
The brown head dropped. 1T wasn't
mine was the response in a low voice.
while the slender little fingers played
nervously with each other. 1t was
my mammals! IL jus ooh it a little
while to put on my doll an"
"Oh. yes; and naughty. careless Miss
Dollie went n lost it. But how did
she manage to lose 1t in this pile of
sand?"
II played she was dead, an l put
her down the deep hole. an covered
her up. an when l took her up again
1t was gone"
"Oh, yes. Now I understand. The
grave robbers have taken 1t. l should
mt wonder II the glow worms stole it
to make their light with"
He stopped at sight OF me pathetic
little face.
VIVA kind Of an earring was it,
dear?"
1T was a pretty di'mon' one"
Then l am sure l can find It," he
said cheerfully, reaching for the tiny
shovel. Il am used to looking for dia-
monds."
Its got a little screw to 1t to make
it stay in." the little maiden volun-
teered after watching the search for
the lost gem a few moments.
Jack paused in the act Of drawing a
shovelful of sand from the pile and
looked at the child curiosly.
Where's your mothers other ear
ring?" he said abruptly.
She amt got no more like it now;
but she's goin' to get mother one some
day, so she can wear en-" was the re-
ply In a confidential voice.
Look here!" He thrust his hand
into his breast pocket and produced a
tiny leather case. His hand trembled
slightly as he opened it. II don't sup
pose your mothers earring looks any
think like this one?"
A pure white diamond of unusual
size cleaned on the satin lining Of the
case.
That's it," the child exclaimed JOY
fully, putting out her hand to take it.
Jack silently closed and returned the
case to his pocket and returned to his
task Of acknowledging with an n
ergy and eagerness he had never felt
until then. Presently he took from
the damp sand the object Of his search.
He looked at 1t long and carefully,
then held it out to the child and asked:
Whose earring Is this?"
That's it, tool" she exclaimed; then
looked up at him with a puzzled ex-
preston.
All right! Now let's sit down here
a little while and rest and talk"
The child picked up her neglected
doll and went and sat down beside
him so close that the brown head
pressed against his arm. He put his
hand under the little chin and looked