The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-12-03
"when she's caught with the goods"

=
right. I've known girls to do just what
you say. It's touch of their feminine
timidity that causes them to do II. OF
course, as a matter of fact, they don't
need to make any explanation, one way
or the other, when they introduce a
chance acquaintance.
I'm glad to see we agree so thor
oughly," said the man. Cotton turned,
for he did not like the tone.
The flirt," Cotton muttered, and
dropped book from the desk with a
loud noise.
II had the desired effect, for the man
Strengthened up. His cigar was burned
out. and he remarked to the girl: "If
you'll excuse me I'll get fresh cigar
know the kind want, but I've for.
gotten the name, SO ] cannot order
from the waiter You don't mind be-
ing alone minute, do your"
Certainly not" she said.
II shouldn't think she would"
thought Cotton, as he watched her COM
panion go out of the room.
Five. 10 minutes. passed. and he did
not return. Cotton stole a look at the
girl. She was sitting alone at tie Ia
BILE. looking about her nervously. for
the room was now filled almost entire
ly with thirsty men. Fifteen minutes
passed. and two large specimens OF the
west entered, portly and red faced as
the indirect result of fortunate mining
speculations. They approached her ia
Bile, the only one with vacant chairs.
Her nervousness increased. She looked
embarrassed and very lonely. Should
he or should he not? Cotton debated.
Wasn't the game worth, the candle,
anyway-or rather the snuffer? Just
time she glanced at him again. The
westerners were almost there. He de-
cided.
Pardon me-" he said, "but when
girl is forced to wait alone in place
where it is not wholly pleasant to be
without an escort"
You have good ears" she interrupt
ed coolly.
Then you acknowledge that they
haven't deceived me-" he replied, sit
ting down, for the westerners had
turned away.
They have not the girl said. but
the conversation you took the liberty
of overhearing, like the chair you are
sitting in, was not meant for you"
True" returned Cotton, nor was
the chair reserved for those broad, de-
parting backs from Colorado, IL mis-
toke not.
Thank you for that" said the girl,
softening a bit II should thank you
for that. But you have done your duty
now-they are gone
"Oh, no. my duty is not done-they,
may retuunl" said Cotton.
But so may my escort" the girl said
hurriedly.
"a touch of feminine timidity,"
two agree so we'll" he added, mock
ingly.
The girl acknowledged the touch by
shifting ground. But | haven't time
to find out If you are presentable," she
said.
My ancestors came over in the
Mayhower," Cotton answered meekly.
"Oh, everybody's did that" said SHE.
Your point" laughed Cotton. But
my name is Standish. That should
pass me-"
Il can hardly believe you," the girl
retorted. you would never need a
John Alden"
Then they both laughed. And from
a mutual laugh there is no return.
Presently the student came back,
and started to ask pardon for his de-
lay. The girl interrupted. Let me
introduce to you" she said, pausing TO
watch Colton's face, my friend Mr..
Standish, whom | met last summer in
the White Mountains. Isn't it too bad
that he's got to run right away TO
make horrid call? Mr.. Addington,
Mr.. Standish."
Cotton braced to the shock, and
said blandly: Il am delighted to meet
you, Mr.. Addington. l wish you had
been with us last summer at the Craw-
ford House."
"The Crawford House." exclaimed
Addington. Il though Miss Bates al
ways went to Bethlehem.
Cotton backed off and gathered up
his letter. Perhaps it was Bethle-
hem" he said, looking straight into the
girls face. "One meets so many girls
in a summer it is hard to keep them
differentiated"
Then he went on his way.
Not long after he might have been
seen in his lonely room writing to his
college chum on the unholy joy of hav-
ing the last word.-New York Times.
snakelike Lizard.