The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-09
A BACHELORS UNDOING.
py STELLA CARTER MITCHELL.

HY STELLA fCAEGIEfN (Copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub
 fishing Company
 He paced up and down the platform. glancing impatiently at his watch ev- cry few minutes.
 ''Ah, here you are at last" and the prettiest girl he ever saw rushed up and thrust a heavy bundle into his arms. W
 There is only time, to say, I'm glad to see you,'" as she raised on tiptoe and gave him a feeting kiss, then hur- ried away.
 He stupidly watched her join the rush for the ferry and she was lost m the crowd before he came to his senses. Then he thought of the package and ran wildly after her. and was Just m time to see the Christopher Street boat glide from the dock.
 Amid the crowd on deck, he caught glimpse of futtering veil ana mauiy waved the bundle over his head.
 He fancied she waved her hand lh response, when there was a sudden up heayal and the bundle came 10 iite. A kick in the chest and a dig in the eye notified him that the thing possessou vigorous legs and arms -
 His knees felt weak and he returned to the waiting room and helpiessly sat down.
 Could he ba a victim to a new meth od of disposing of superhuous chii. dren? But of course 1t is mistake. he thought, and no doubt she Will re- turn by the next boat
 Meanwhile the child. now very wioe awake. was returning his criticai ssare -yith interest. He seems satisfied. or she?" He wondered which
 The roguish eyes and ruddy curis might belong to either and the blue reefer and Tam O'Shanter cap failed to enlighten him.
 "Papa, kiss Fwancis,
 "A how" he decided, as he obeyed the command given with the air or general, and received a very wet KISS in return.
 with an artful side glance and De, witching display of dimples, calculated to beeuile him. while two fat little hands rummaged his pockets.
 He could no longer doubt. After nve years abroad in search of knowieoge he had returned to his native land 10 stumble upon a scientific truth.
 If coquetry and a tendency for iuves- tiration were not born in woman. she developed these traits at an early age
 One little kiss from pretty woman had turned the head of this sensiple' staid old bachelor. He went off into sentimental frances from which he was awakened by plaintive sob.
 The last pocket had been emptied: The child's eyes filled with tears ana her lips trembled.
 "No tandy! No tandy!" she walled. responsibility.
 His heart sank. Plainly it was candy she expected, candy she wanted anu candy she was going to have.
 hn1n even a candy stand, or the usual boy with his Bananas. apples. oranges. candy and chewing gum."
 Sobs were audible and tears were falling fast. A storm was imminent, when his eyes fell upon blessed pen ny slot machine.
 The first piece of Huyler's chocolate arrested the sobs, the click of the sec ond penny stayed the tears and brought smiles. and the next, a clap of the hands and a gleeful cry of "Annuzzer! Annuzzer!"
 When the machine had swallowed the last penny they retreated to the bench again, the man vowing to him. self that hereafter he shouldH receive change in pennies with cheerfulness.
 Trains and ferries came and went. He anxiously kept a keen watch on all the people passing, but she for whom he waited came not.
 The stock of chocolates was rapidly diminishing. leaving unmistakable traces on hands and face, to say noth-