The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-01-07
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The COnQuGring Hero ;
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"Isn't he superbv' she said enthusi- ,stlcally. "I hope his crew wins next Wednesday. Father Is going to take me Io see the race" M ,,, Stcrrin wondered within himseii rhcthcr it pro6tcth man to be rich ana \ rising lawyer rather than the stroke or | varsity crew. But he said;
 "Tm sorry l cant see the race. ,hould like Co see Ladd win. But Two tot Co go Co Philadelphia on Wednesday md I shon't return till'-
 'Rut you've taken seats for the theater' Thursday. Albert" she reminded him.
 "In be back Thursday noon. l had not forgottcn so much pleasure i- Stors Cor me-"
 "You're not tired of taking me 10 n .hcatcr. thcn|
 "Tm never tircd-of you" he answer d earnestly. ,,
 "Wcn. here we are at home," she said wcaricdly. What You cannot dine with us? Very well. Albert. tih Thurs lay"
 aShc didn't seem very disappointed" :" ae muscd as he went on his way. Isn't hc supcrb"
 Tho audience was streaming out Of the thcgtcr Helen and Albert were among thc first The comedy had been dull She seemed m haste Co get away. he felt. also. Co his bitterness, that she had Couud not alone thc comedy uninterest, Mg. To augment his discomfort he had lunchcd ot thc club that day with a friend. who had spoken quite unwitungly af the "strohc Ladd was pulling with Banker Cumfords daughter Ladd had gone home with them the evening of the race.
 "It's SO close. Helen" Sterrin yentured ,t length. Don't you think you'd like 10 ltop at Calyard'5 for some iccsy'
 Al Edwards on tables but two were ,ccrpicd. Al one of these they sat.
 "Vhcrc's Hugh Ladl." she whispered. Ilmost at once. "having ices all by him. tcif in the corner. Think of it. He won the race yesterday. Did you ever sec such a champion? He is going to dine with us on Sunday" she said finally.
 Sterrin fclt that the ax had fallen. He was not disp'cascd when he saw her nearly ready Co leave. He felt for bis wallet. and then remembered that he had put it iu his outer coat. He stood and reached the pocket. It was conc-lost or picked, For nn instant hc thought Co ad' mit the mishap This. it seemed. was tho final maladroit shocl; Co his hopes. Then. desperate. he found inspiration.
 Taking his handkerchief as though Il had been tlc object of his fumbing search. he suggested Co Helen: Let me ask Ladl over here moment. He looks quite alone"
 "If you wish so." she asscntcd, wir- SO Hftlc concern that he wondered.
 "Iadl." whispered Stcrrin h.lrsely as he gave the champion hie hrld in thc most caey manner "I'm in a deuce of a fy. Tyo lo,' my wallet. ] said to Miss Cumf1rd | meant Co ask you tn our table. As au enormous favor, will you insist on our coming here? ll sec you later a' your hotel ani"-
 "Ccr'aluly. Mir. Stcrrin I'm at the Bo'iuchrskc. Meanwhile ill sit hero ikc glue"
 When they were an at Iadds tablc, thoy had a merry chat. Helen laughed mmodcratcly at Ladl's account of tha funny side of Che race. Stcrrin sat a' cheerful as a man on pincushion.
 They left Calyard's together. Ladt took care of the walters check and ndroitly csn.rivcd Co chase the clouds from the face of Che one who had first served Stcrrin. The conqucring herd ladc them good night as soon as they were outdoors and jumped on an up town car.
 It was o'clock when Stcrrin was shown into Lodl's room at the Boiling broke. He was an in a ilustcr and laid a bin on the table. mumhlins. You've dons u'c a wonderful service, L0dd."
 "Nothinc. dear fslloN," grunted the champion. Accidents will happen"
 "You'u bc very happy, Ladd,' Sterrin went on coufuscdly.
 "I'll do my best. Join me. What shah it te? Have a high ball. You look tired He touched the button. Smoker
 "Im going directly" said Stcrrin. aS the boy came for the order.
 "Oh. let's smoke and drink and talk No one can sleep in this weather"
 "Ladd. Ioll. don't make fun of me- said Stcrrin. with unaccountable vexa' tion.
 The athlete stared at him. The boy went out
 "Why should make fun of you, Ster rin. my boyT
 "Nou-you beat me out"
 "What do you mcan-you bet the wrong wayE
 "Nou beat me out of Hel-ot Helen. ' The words were uttered in slow agony, You're dining with her Sunday. You've talked to her. spoke to her tonight She's always the same Indefinite. sweet woman. Now know why"
 Sterrin sank shamefacedly into a chair
 Lets drink to her like men," said Ladd s0lemnly.
 Sterrin never knew how he got the lrinl, down. but he did.
 "Shc's sweet. indefinite little girl, said the champion, staring into his emp 'y glass. "Havc a smoke Stcrrin. lare not. She refused my proposal yes terday after the race. The dinner on Sunday is a diner d'adieu'"
 Sterrln studied him. unbclieving. hold ing the lighted match and his cigar apart Ladd poured himself another drink.
 "Stcrrin drink to her and to you Here's happiness"
 When the cards for the SterrinCum' lord wedding were sent out. month lat CT, people said it was time. Nobody knew what Ladd said. He was courSins through France on a wheel.-Exchange.