The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-17
Miss LL'iggs' Prize Story
By LESLIE W. oUIRK

Miss Wigs copied it in her best hand-
writing and, inclosing the dollar demands
ed as one of the conditions of the contest.
mailed it to the magazine. Then she told
Cordelia what she had done and even read
her the first draft of the story.
When she had finished, Cordelia shook
her head. II am sorry, dear Miss Wigs"
she said gently, "but am afraid the story
will hardly suit them Then. with all
the kindness she could command, she ex-
planned to the woman the needs OF the
magazine. 1t used little else than love
stories, she said, and for that reason the
editors would scarcely take the trouble
to examine manuscripts of another char
acter.
But why not try again?' she fin
ished brightly. "Our subscription has
expired, and you can send in our re-
newal with the story. Please do, Miss
Wiggs.''
So Miss Wigs did try again. Some
how as she sat in the darkened parlor
plot came to her, an idea for love
story, unique, clever, interesting. She
told it to@Cordelia, and the girl clapped
her hands joyously.
"Oh, it's ever so good, Miss Wiggs"
she said. And when the story was writ
ten and read to her she gave 1t exactly
the same praise. And now the story
| had won the prize.
The back door opened softly, and Cor
della entered the house. 1t was some
before she discovered Miss Wigs in the
parlor. AS the girl entered the room
the woman looked up with smile light
ing her thin face.
See, Cordelia,'' she said, with child
ish glee. Il won the price,
Cordelia did not smile. Drawing q
| chair close to Miss Wigs, she opened
the magazine in her hand
II am going to read you a story she
said slowly, that was printed several
| years ago.
| Miss Wigs smiled at the girl lovingly
as she listened to the first few words.
Then the smile gave way to look Of
| wonderment that in turn changed to ono
Of pain. When the story was ended.
she looked up at the girl with tears in
her eyes.
Don't you think, Cordelia''-she began
brokenly.
| Cordelia sprang to her side and placed
an arm caressingly around the woman.
Dear Miss Wiggs," she said quickly.
perhaps it was merely a coincidence
or it may be you once read this story
and then forgot it till it came back to
your memory, apparently an original
idea
They sat silently in the little parlor till
twilight fell. Miss Wigs bravely kept
back the tears, but the hand that Cor
della trmebled constantly.
The postman's step sounded on the front
porch, and Miss Wigs opened the door
for him. He handed her a blue envelop.
MY story of the first settlers she
explained to Cordelia. noting the name
of the Story Magazine on the envelop
She tore it open and slipped out the
manuscript. A slittle note came with it
!; Read it, Cordelia,' she said. MY eyes
are not very clear to-day
: 1.-THE editors of The Story Magazine
read Cordelia, return the inclosed man
uscript with much regret. Well writer
+ and readable as it is, the plot is some
what hackneyed, and for that reason the
+ story is returned
: With a sudden suspicion Cordelis
= turned to the manuscript.
oh Miss Wiggs,'' she cried. 'it wa!
, your story of the old settlers that VOL
the prize after all. They have returned
: your love story"
Miss Wigs smiled through her tears
, "Cordelia,:' she said, I'VE won't hav
+ Ito write that letter returning the cheel
=, to the publishers tomorrow morning. w
/. will take a little outing instead