The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-04
THE ADVERTISERS
 DAILY SHORT STORY

ugly and that his green eyes mako ms shudder. I wish I had half dollar to take . cab"
 But she had not the half dollar and struggled up the steps bravely. She was a shrewd bargalner and was going to the best cuyto store in the city. She was sure she might get as much as $lo fer the thing. maybe more. She would go down take possession. In her heart she dad not bslieve in the ghost. The adventure had sest. however.
 But Arabelle proposed and could not of the train station onto the pavement a hurrytng man tostled her and sfe stag gered with her burden. There was 2 sharp crack against the nearest post and Cousin Susan's idol lay fin several frag. ments. A crowd at once gathered and there was much laughter at the rolling head with its horrible green glass eyes. Suddenly . hand grasped 1t. long brown hand that drew 1t away. Arabelie "Thst is mine! Give 1t to me-"
 She was ciinstng to chevy arm that tried in vain to shake her on.
 You shall not have it. It is mine''
 Suddenly a strong blow threw the man backwards. Arabelle sprang for the idols head and saved 1t further humiliation. A voice said:
 "Yes." she gasped, and Cousin Susan's idol. Isn't 1t a shameT'
 The tall. fair EnglishmaH was mortified.
 Here boys pick ss,. UP the ne parts nieos fa gether. But what were you doing with 1t out on the street?''
 Ere she replied: a stout te sS1s gentleman with sold spectacle: eiH PosssHS o seS noate Ara belle at the Engiishman. "ft's . horrid old thing"
 "Perhaps," said the stout gentleman. "the young lady wia sei, even yen the nieces p ss $
 Lionel Carr looked at the man and thea at the hideous face of the idol He looked from one to the other and light came on to his countenance. the light 0' "Keep ke tns head, Arab.lle.' he said cold ly and to the man; i've will not sell"
 Arabelle saw him gather up the pieces then he called cab. ..,a ,.r..,v
 This was L4onel in a new phase. but Arabelle loved cabs and she jumped in gayiy. Lionel placed the head in her XHNov explain." he said. "and I shall have several thinks to tell you after that"
 Arabelle related her project of the ghost hunt with gusto. Lionel was relieved;
 s'That is a great lark" he said kindfy. 'sbut I must go with you. You can not s But Arabeile was never foolish.
 You know that is impossible she said, coldly.
 "Oh, no. not if we just quietly slip away this afternoon and are married. It has to be-you say things are at a crtsas. Now consent-and I'll tell you two large and blooming reasons why-after you nave said yes."
 Her curiosity got the better of her in half an hour. Anyhow she had always meant to marry Lionel. He suited her; 1t was a half-hour more ere he allowed her to question him.
 But the two things. Aonel9
 "One is that am called home to Eng, land. My uncle has left me some money.
 "Oh-oh' And the other"
 '"The other? Well, little girl. you oo not have to go ghost-hnnting or worry over your .trousseau money. The eyes Of that blamed old idol are about the finest emeralds I ever saw and are worth pretty penny But VIC will not anquife about that until after this other nttle matter is attended to--and then wen m wade The Naples as a very nveiy place in which to spend honeymoon.