Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1904-12-08
A MODERN
TALUS ~ n
By MRS. J. r. MURRAY

r HE girls had come in from their
suburban home for days shop
Ding in the great city, and having satls-
factorily finished their errands, found
themselves with an hour of leisure on
their hands before train time. Their
names were Alice Burton and Helen
Gray, aged, respectively, 16 and IL, and
they were full of Astounding spirits, and
one of them at least was characterized
by all the thoughtlessness of youth.
The brother of Alice accompanied them.
As they were leaving one of the great
department stores they paused to admire
a wonderful display of fine brasses re-
Gently imported The merchants were
advertising their wares in many ways,
and had procured the services OF the
Modern Talus, the Man Of Brass" as
being particularly representative. The
brass man was seated upon a platform
In front of the store. He was young
fellow of about 20, and was entirely COW
cred with material closely resembling
brass. His motions were slow and me-
chanical, as he initiated the movements
of a figure run by machinery. 1t was
really wonderful; not an eyelid Quiy-
ered.
"How does he manage it," exclaimed
Alice
Il don't believe he's real," said Helen.
"I'll bet you a pound of candy that
can make him laugh" said Alice, in a
spirit of mischief.
ooh, DON'T" Helen demonstrated
"Somebody will see YOU"
Nobody in this crowd knows me, and,
besides, I'll be very careful. I'm simply
dying to try it."
II think we had better 60 on. What
would your mother think, and Tom?" pru-
dent Helen said, warningly.
ooh. Tom! He never wants me to
do anything. See he's looking at us
now, so here goes" and thereupon Alice
made face of the most hideous and
laughter-inspiring kind.
The brass man was firm; the mechan-
Teal movement continued: not mus
Gle Of his face twitched
"Now We must go on" Helen urged,
annoyed and worried, and earnestly
wishing she had not come to town with
thoughtless Alice.
Gust once more!" and again Alice
contorted hef features in hideous
grimace. Tie effect was the same, so
she hurried On to join her friend who
had already started.
mot a soul saw me, and you see it
didn't make bit of difference; besides,
It was such fun" remarked Alice, laugh
Ing gleefully.
''I'm afraid don't see anything very
funny about it, and we must hurry on
home" Helen replied.
The girls reached their homes in
safety, and possibly the incident would
have passed from their minds had not
Alice on the following afternoon received
q missive that set her heart beating
wildly. It was written on very cloud"
stationery, in "fourishy" hand, and
ran thus:
IF the pretty young lady who so
kindly noticed tho young gent who was
representing the Modern Talus" on
State street, Thursday afternoon, at
about two p. M, will kindly appoint a
meeting anywhere, and at any time,
the young gent will endeavor to con-
vince her that he has not at least heart
OF brass nor eyes Of brass. He ad-
mired the dear young miss greatly, and
only the exigencies of business pre-
vented him from responding to her evil
dent encouragement. Indeed, he would
have lost his job if he had given way
to the mirth her ex seedingly amusing
grtmaces caused him. However, he
will explain all when he sees her.
Address Mr.. Ralph Montmorency
Percy, General Delivery, Chicago, ILL.,"
A sickening feeling came over Alice,
her head swan. What should she do?
The first thing to do was to see Helen
"Oh! that had listened to her good
advice" she walled.
Helen received her news gravely. full,
realizing that this bright and lovable
girl needed a lesson, but she did not SAY
nor act II told you &c." She listened
to the torrent OF Idle regrets" TO,
awhile, and then said: The stranees
part of the whole thing. and the par,
that worries me most, is how he fount
out your address. Burn this note righ
now, and keep in de middle oh de road:
be sure to go In before dark, and be very
very careful-and I'll stand by you, oil
girl. II you are naughty" ,.
Then Alice sobbed her heart out IL