The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1901-05-23
r UDGE HOLLISTER looked up
with a frown of ANNOYANCE when

with frown of annoyance when
O. his study door opened uncere-
moniously and some papers on
mis- desk blew out of place. But his
face relaxed little when he saw that
1t was only Lalite.
"Father! she exclaimed in an anx-
ious voice, what do you think has
happened? I've lost my watch"
"Ah" said the Judge quietly. "Have
you, my dear? What sort of watch
was itT'
Lalite turned on him with a ripple of
laughter.
"Why. father" she said, "you ought
to know. You gave II to me yourself
for my birthday"
ITO be sure, to be sure, so 1 did" an
swered the Judge smiling. II had for
gotten about that. You see. you took
me somewhat by surprise"
IL did rush in rather like a whirl-
wind in petticoats, didn't II" confessed
Lalite penitently. please forgive me,
but l was so worried that l couldn I
think of anything else but getting
here. What shall do about 1t,
Daddy?"
How did 1t happen:' asked the
Judge.
II was out walking" she said, with
Howard Washburn, and when we left
the house I wore my watch on this
chain over my jacket. 1t was tucked
in here. We went into florists to get
some violets, and when we came out l
thought we'd better be turning toward
home, and started to see what time it
was. But the watch was gone and the
chain was broken, like this. Howard
went back into the shop, and asked the
man who waited ON us whether 1t had
dropped In there, but he said they
hadn't seen it, was awfully fond of
that little watch, father" the girl
finished almost tearfully.
Lets see,' said the Judge, drawing
a sheet of paper toward him. "It was
d small, plain gold one, wasn't it, La
lte?"
with my monogram on it,"
with your monogram on IT, And
old diary"
The methodical man hunted out his
book of the previous year. He never
forgot the'date of his daughters birth
day. 1t was day of double memories
to him. 1t had given him Lalite and
breath.
Here it is" he read in murmur.
February second, Gave Lalite her
watch?' January 30-2Sth, 9th. 2Gth.
How thoughtless of me, Lalite! I did
not keep the number. after all. Never
mind; 1t was Tiffany watch and the
monogram ought to be sufficient to
trace 1t. Now, Lalite, in case it's been
lost We'll advertise II, and in case it's
been stolen We'll quietly notify the po-
lice bureau to send word to all the
pawnshops and the big jewelers."
He wrote few lines quickly, inter-
rupting himself TO ask, mo other
marks of identification about 1t any
where, were there, dnughter?"
The girl flushed deeply, and went
around behind his chair to look over
his shoulder.
"There was the monogram and the
make and the plain gold case" she re-
peated with some embarrassment.
Yes. yes, I've put those down al
ready" he said q little testify.
What else could there be, father?"
asked Lallte.
"Oh, dents or scratches or other
marks" lie answered carelessly.
Lalite laughed aloud, almost witA re-
lief, 1t seemed.
Daddy, dear" she said, II haven't
bitten or scratched or bumped my
things since ] was baby. No. the lit
tie watch has no sears on il. At least"
she added. wistfully sit didn't have
any when 1t was last IN my hands"
There, there" said the Judge, pat
ting her face gently II hope you'll
get 1t back again all safe and sound
I'll send these messages Off right away
and then"
81 forgot" said Lnlite as he reached
fol the bell. Howard Is down stairs
to rec whether there is anything he
can do about 1t. He'll send these for
me. Do let him! For he feels almost
as sorry as do. father"
"Oh. does he?" said the Judge.
Yes. indeed" answered Lalite. "You
see, II he hadn't asked me to go walk
Ing, and II hadn't gone. and II he
hadn't Insisted upon getting me those
yiolets, and II ! hadn't worn my
watch"
"Well?" said the Judge as she paused
Cor breath.
1t would never have happened" /"
finished Lalite with feminine logic.
80 It's really all his fault
She dropped love pat on the bald
spot atop Of her fathers head and
whisked out of the room.
For three days afterward Lalite was
ON tip-toe with nervous expectancy.
she yibrated between the windows
ana the stairs. She watched the street
lntenfly' and jumped at each ring OF
tne door bell. She refused to leave the
house for any lcng.h Of time.
"lf some one brings hack MY watch q
nne said. u want 10 see him ,avseIfv