Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1902-10-04
NICODEMUS AND |.
ny MAY c. RINGWALT.

III MAI Z. RlNtTMALT.
"Nicodemus," said Billy coniidentiallv,
as he turned and watched the man who
had passed them, when a fellow walks
that way he is either miserable Or
empty. l know what the first means, old
boy, and you know how the other feels.
Perhaps we can help him"
Nicodemus looked up into Billy's face
with eyes that shone in the sunlight.
While the strangers gait faltered now
and then, there was a feverish haste
ahuast ihthat made it difficult to oyertake
bun but at last he staggered up to q
Window and. chme to a HALT. ~'---a e
WELL if that doesn't beat Old Nick!
An art storei" murmured Billy, changing
his hurried trot to stroll, and finally
sauntcring up to the shabby figure, still
motionless before the window.
Fine work that" said Billy
DO you really think soy" asked the
stranger, looking at him searchingly.
THE perspective is perfect and the
| the atmosphere superb continued Billy,
calling together the only art terms that
| he knew.
| a faint smile llickcred about the cor
ners of the drawn mouth
Il painted it," said he with proud
| simplicity.
You don't say sol" cried Billy. my
Inceting you here is quite a coincidence
as I'm just going into the store to buy it.
I'd like to talk with you little, Mr.
Mr. Norris; that's it, isn't it, said Billy
cheerfully, peering at the name in a
corner of canvas.
Yes, Maurice Norris" said the other
man.
Pm Billy Stafford, You know, and this
is my dearest friend Nicodcmus, your
hand. sir"
And, with cercmonious dignity. he pre-.
scented the ugly mongrel lying Mt hi.
feet.
AS | began to say. Mr.. Norris" wen;
on Billy, II want to have n little talk
with You about art, | admit that
don't paint myself. hut I'm "A con
EoisScur. Let's step insidc--Stop, this is
a particularly busy day OF mine, There,
a restaurant around the corner. and il
you'l lunch with me we can talk while
we eat and save time"
The same afternoon, in the midst of &
downpour, cab drew up in front of a
large house in Brook Square, and big
man and little dog got out and ran
hastily up the broad steps.
Il knew that this was your day al
home Miss Mildred, and the moment that
IT rained Nicodemus and | began to
dress" explained Billy
lour inSinuation is complimentary t.
my other friends" she cried gayly. drop
ping her work and coming to meet them
with real pleasure in her expressive face
but Ill forgive you this once How did
you know that was just beginning to be
lonely?"
we always know that people are
lonely when they haven't LIS with them, "
said by; then, as he settled himself
contcntedly in the armchair that seemed
to have been waiting for him. he an
nounCed; I've had such beautiful day. .
What have YOU been doiug?"
Lying replied Billy, with a seraphic
smile
"oh, l supposed that You meant some
thing newt
They were all new lies. / always i'm,
provise. Please remember now that I'm
an art @onnoisseur."
! And Billy rolled out the word with 1
superb satisfaction.
MI Stafford why you're color.
blind"
And the girl laughed mcrrily.
! An immense advantage in estimating
the present school, replied Billy sol
emmy. But, Miss Mildred. I've found n
lew bit for your collection. and | rather
think that II will outrank the last that
brought You. What evening can |
bring il for iuspectiomg'
stop talking nonsense, if YOU can. and
tell me who you meant cried Mildred.
We'll, Nicodemus and have unearthed