The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-19
THE HEEL OF 4 WOMAN'S ROOT.
Outline OF q Romance Suggested by .
Stranger with . Purple Nose.


When he first appeared in front of the
Office boy at the entrance to THE Suns
editorial rooms, nothing less than an inter.
view with the editor-in-chief would satisfy
him. The boy threw a tired glance at the
strangers purple nose, stubbled chin and
faded coat and persuaded him TO COM
municate his errand to an ordinary re-
porter.
Pulling a parcel from one OF his coat
pockets, he began to free this from its
coverings of tissue paper. Finally the last
sheet Of paper fell to the floor The man
raised trembling hand, between the thumb
and sorefinger Of which he held part Of the
heel Of woman's shoe.
"French, you see" he began hoarseiy.
Rather dainty. don't you think' There Is
story in it. III sell ii at double space
rat es."
what is it?" de manded the reporter.
what are the facts?'
There ain t any," replied the stranger.
AThat's the beauty Of the story. Nothing
at all to hamper you-just bring your i'm
agnation to bear on this little object. and
then make up your own story. That
what You newspaper fellows like best,
amt it?'
Il giess it is not in our line" said the
reporter. Better go somewhere else"
He turned to leave but was grabbed
by the arm and held back.
Don't go yet, young man, cried the
stranger, eagerly. you are missing the
chance OF your lifetime just think what
lot of romance lies hidden in this thing
here.
-I'll tell YOU how found it, There was
n rush Of young women to the soda fountain
in the corner drug store. | watched the
little darlings They fought like wildcats
to get served first That's in the nature
Of the sex
lying on the floor"
"Well?" said the reporter.
We'll, repeated the stranger, reproach-
fully. Il took you for philosopher when
| first set eyes on you and for something
Of poet besides. But, OF course. if am
mistaken~--'
Cant you give me the Eist of your tale,
if you have any?" the reporter asked
II have heard of men who could give
you complete description OF an animal
after just seeing piece Of bone that had
belonged 10 it," unused the stranger.
Couldn't you tell by this what the nature
may be Of the charming creature who
dropped it, BY the bye, she must be limp
ing now. poor thing Well, you need not
print that if you don't want to-
Really, don't sec any story" said the
reporter.
Its French" the stranger went on,
growing more and more dreamiy enthus-
iastic. "It's Of the extreme kind-so high.
so high she must be conuettish as kitten.
Much worn. toO-a little poverty, a little
improvidence, and much e yety Of heart.
Its worn on the outside You can bet
she has n charming, slightly undulating
walk. No slovenly sliding or stepping
high for hers.
"Then it's 80 very narrow. That means
she is single, or married 10 n fool. Also.
she is little fool herself, but sweet. The
base of the heel was once wider"
pot" the reporter said, Get out OF
here
OF he went. The stranger looked after
him for while Then he began slowly
TO wrap up the heel again. picking one
piece of paper after another from the floor
for the purpose.
"Too bad" he confided to the Office boy.
as he replaced tho complete parcel in his
pocket. The press is going down, degen-
erating-t think this one Of the best stories
offered them for long while"