The daily morning Alaskan., 1901-11-14
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's: The COnQuering Hero
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,ord from service Co her home. as he had lone so faithfully for many Sundays lHclen suddenly exclaimed under her breath. "oh. Albert. here comes Hugh Laddr'
 Did that "oh" indicate q flutter at the ipproach of Ladd. who was stroke of the IIalvord crew and the hero of all the Iirls who knew him and many who did lot?
 Ladd the magnificent passed and bow d fascinatingly.
 Isn't be supcrbg" she said enthusi- lstically. "I hope his crew wins next Wednesday! Father Is going to take mo D sec the race"
 Stcrrin wondered within himself whether 1t prohtcth a man to be rich and rising lawyer rather than the stroke or . varsity crew. But he said:
 I'm sorry can't see the race. ihould like Co see Ladd win. But Two ,ot to gn tn Philadelphia on Wednesday. ind shan't return til'-
 "Rut you've taken seats for the theater. Thursday. Albert" she reminded nm
 "I'u be back Thursday noon. l had not forgotten so much pleasure In store ,or me"
 You're not tired of taking me to the heater. thcnT
 sI'm never tired-of you" he answer 'd earnestly.
 Well. here we are at home" she said wcariedly. What! You cannot dine with us? Very well. Albert. till Thurs fay"
 aShe didn't seem very disappointed, :" ,c unused as he went on his way. Isn't le supcrbr"
 The audience was streaming out of the lheater. Helen and Albert were among 'he first. The comedy had been dull She seemed in haste Co get aw'y. ne felt. also. to his bitterness. that she had found not alone the comedy uninterest. ng. To augment bis discomfort he had mnchcd at the club that day with a friend. who had spoken quite unwittingly of the "stroke Ladd was pulling with Banker Cumforl's daughter" Ladd had gone home with them the evening of the race.
 "It's so close. Helen" Sterrin ventured at length. Don't you think you'd like to Itop at Calyard's for some iccsy
 Al Calyard's all tables but two were occupied. At one of these they sat.
 "There's Hugh Ladj." she whispered. almost at oncc. having ices all by him- sclf in the corner. Think of it! He won the race yesterday. Did you ever see such champion? He tx going to dine with us on Sunday" she said finally.
 Sterrin felt that the aX had fallen. He was not displcaScd when he saw her nearly ready Co leave. He felt for his wallet. and then remembered that he had put it in his outer coat. He stood and reached the pocket. lt was gone-lost or picked. For an instant he thought to ad- unit the mishap. This. it seemed. was the final maladroit shock Co his hopes. Then. desperate. he found inspiration. Taking his handkerchief as though it had been the object of his fumbling search. he suggested Co Helen: Let me ask I.add over here a moment. He looks quite alone"
 If you wish so." she asscntcd. with so little concern that he wondered.
 "I.add." whispered Stcrrin hoarsely as he gave the champion his hand in the most easy maunc-, "l'm in deuce of a fix! I've lost my wallet. said Co Miss Cumford l meant Co Gsk you Co our table. As an enormous favor. will you insist on our coming here? l'll see you later at your hotel, and'-
 Certainly, Mir Stcrrin. I'm at the Bolingbrcke. Meanwhile Tn sit here like glue"
 When they were all at Ladd's table. they had a merry chat Helen laughed lmmodcratcly at Ladd's account of the funny side Of the race. Sterrin sat as cheerful as a man on a pincushion.
 They left Calyard's together. Ladd took care of the walters check and adroitly c,ntrived to chase the clouds from the face of the one who had first served Sterrin. The conquering hero bade them good night as soon as they were outdoors and jumped on an up town car.
 It was 1 o'clock when Sterrin was shown into I.add's room at the Boiling broke. He was all in flustcr and laid bill on the table. mumbling. You've done me n wonderful service. Ladd."
 Nothing. dear fellow" grunted tho champion. Accidents will happen"
 "You'n be very happy, Ladd." Sterrin went on confusedly.
 "Tl do my best. Join nc. What shall It be2 Have high ball. You look tired" He touched the button. Smoker
 "Tm going directly" said Sterrin, as the boy came for the order.
 "Oh, let's smoke and drink and talk. No one can sSep In this weather"
 "Ladd. Ladd. don't make fun of me" said Sterrin. with unaccountable vexa- ton.
 The athlete stared at him. The boy went out.
 Why should make fun of you. Ster rim. my hoyT'
 "Nou-you beat me out"
 What do you mcan-you bet the wrong way:'
 "Vou beat me ont of IIcl-of Helen. :" The words we're uttered la slow agony. "Yon'rc dining with her Sunday. You've .nlkc-, Co her. spoke Co her tonight Shc'g always the same indefinite. sweet woman. Now know why"
 StcrTin sank shamcfacedly into chGi,
 Lets drink to her like men," said I.adj solcmnly.
 Sterrin never knew how he got the drink down. but he did.
 Shes a sweet. indefinite little girl said the champion. staring into his emp ~ glass. Have a smoke, Sterrin. ] dare not. She refused uy proposal yes ,crday after the race. The dinner on Sunday Is a diner d'adicu.
 Sterrin studied him. uubelicving. hold ire the lighted match and his cigar apart Ladd poured himself another drink.
 'Stcrrin. | drink to her md to you. uc. r's happincss'
 When the cards for the Sterrin-Cum' torl wedding were sent out. month lat or. pcorlc said it was time. Nobody Knew what I.add said He was coursine through France on a wheel.-ExchaDSc.