The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-02-22

sentiment. lie whirled IN his tracks, and
ran back to where he had left the girls.
He saw EuScnia Claiborne sauntertng
along the street, but Nan was nowhere in
sight. lie had no trouble In pledsins Miss
Claiborne TO secrecy, for she was very
fond OF all sorts OF secrets, and could
Keep them as well as another girl.
Nan, she informed Cephas. had express
cd a determination to visit HIN at his
home. and, In fact, Cephas found the
| there She was sweet as sugar and
was not at all the same Nan who haa
drawn herself up proudly and as good az
| told Cephas that it was nothing to her
that he was going to see Gabriel. No;
| this was another Man. and she had
| troubled look in her eyes that Cephas had
| never seen there before
II came to see IL you were still angry.
Cephas, she said by way of explanation.
Il wasn't very nice to you, was r.
We'll. | hope you don't mind Cephas,'
said the lads mother. IF you do. he'll
keep you guessing. Has he been rude to
you, NAM"
And then 1t was that Cephas heard
praise poured on his name In steady
stream. Cephas rudel Cephas saucy!
A thousand times no! Why, he was the
best the kindest. and the brightest child
in town. Nan was so much in earnest
that Cephas had to blush.
Il didn't know2 said his mother. he
has been going with those larger boys so
much that / was afraid he was getting too
big for HIS breeches.p She loved her son,
but she had no illusions about the nature
Of boys; she knew them well
Are you still angry, Cephas2" Nan
| asked. She appeared very anxious to be
sure on that score.
Moo replied Cephas. somewhat
doubtfully
Yes you are" said Nan, "and I think
1t Is very unkind of you'd am sorry you
misunderstood me; If you only knew how
/ really feel, and how much trouble |
have you would be sorry instead Of
angry"
I'm the one to blame" said cephas
penitently. Gabriel says you dislike
him, and thought he was only guessing.
| But he knew better than did"
Nan caught her breath. Did Gabriel
say dlsliked him."
He didn't say that word" replied Co.
phas. II think he said you detested him.
| and | told him he didn't know what he
was talking about. But he did; he knew
great deal better than did"
But Cephas" cried Nan: what could
have put such an idea in his head?" &c.
phas's mother was now busy about the
| house.
Il didn't know then, but know now"
remarked the boy stolidly.
Don't be unkind, Cephas. IL Won know
me better. you'd be sorry for me. You
and Gabriel are terribly mistaken. I'm
very fond OF you both"
"oh, / don't count In this game" Ce-
phas declared.
"oh, yes. you do" said Nan. You are
one of my dearest friends, and so is Ga
briel"
'All right" said Cephas "If you treat
all your friends as you do Gabriel I'm
very sorry for them"
'"Cephas, II you tell Gabriel what l said
while Eugenia Claiborne was standing
there, all ears, I'll never forgive you."
Nan was at her wits end.
Tell him what" cried Cephas; why.
l wouldn't tell him that, not for the
world. I'll tell him nothing"
please. Cephas," said Nan. 'sTalI
| him" she paused and threw her hair
| away from her pale face--"tell him that
| II he doesn't come home soon, [ shall
die!' Then her face turned from pale to
| red, and she laughed loudly
well. 1 certainly sha'n't tell him
that?' said Cephas.
II didn't think you would" said Nan
| you are a nice little boy and am going
| to kiss you goodbye II you don't have
| something sweet to tell me when Won
come back, I'll think you detest me
wasn't that GabriePs word7 Poor Ca
briel! he's In prison, and here we are iok-
| Ing about him.
I'm not joking about him. exclaimed
Cephas.
Just as much. as am" said Nan: and
then she leaned over and kissed cephas,s
freckled face. leaving 1t very red after
the operation.
cro be continued.)