The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-03-27
THE man WITH THE BAG
For the Sunday Eagle:

FOR tne Sunuay EaSle.
Smithford sat in the big armchair and
gazed refiectively through the smoke Of
bis pipe at the photograph on the man
tie He could see it clearly IN the light
OF the April evening-the face rather thin
and long, the curly hair and the eyes
that looked back straight into his.
AS he drew long breath he smiled to
think how much this photograph of his
chun's sister had become a part of his
thoughts; how often he kept glancing to-
ward it at all times of day or late at
night when he came in from some party
or college function.
There were other photographs around
some on the dresser some on the stand,
others on the wall and even on the man
tie. girls in cap and gown, girls in even
ing dress. girls in shirt waists, girls in
draped shawls of lace. Some of these
were his own particular property, for
smithford was popular man in college
and had quite his share of friends among
both the goods and the town girls.
For this very reason, he often smiled
at his interest in the pictured face OF
g girl he had never seen. Her brother
Ridgeway, had often spoken of her but
Smithford had never questioned him He
knew she was younger than his friend,
that her name was Joan and that she
had been obliged to give up her plans for
a college course because of trouble with
her eyes. She lived with an aunt in their
suburban home, she and her brother being
orphans. Farther than this STnithfcrd
knew little, but nevertheless he had
,s,~l ~
the simple white gown. He had never
met her, however. for he and Ridgeway
had not known each other until their
Junior year in college. since they had
been in different schools of the univer-
sity- Ridgewood had invited his room
mate to spend the Easter vacation with
him, but much to Smithfords disap-
pointment went he found that in all prob
ability, he could not accept the invitation
owing TO business in the city Too bad it
was too. for these four days would likely
be most delightful and he would see Joan.
besides.
Just then Ridgeway entered. Here
alone, old fellow he said; I've a letter
from Sis and it's sure too bad you can't
go home with me. They're having all
kinds of excitement out there with burg
lars and broad daylight robberies and
guess the little girls glad I'm coming
home to help protect them. I didn't tell
her l had asked you. for when you said
you couldn't come. I knew 1t would dis
appoint her. so l didn't mention It, You'll
sure come in the SUMNER
Yes answered Smithford slowly, land
I'd like to see your sister"
I told her what a swell you are, she said
you wouldn't look at her. 1 joshed her
good; told her she's catch you the first
time you met. BY the way, let me take
one of those photos Of you home. She's
not seen your photo and will be inter
ested"
While Ridgeway was packing his suit
case next day. Smithford threw a photo
into his suit case. For your sister" he
said. laughing; see, I've signed my
name"
All right I'll see that she gets it,"
laughed Ridgeway, and If you get that
business done. run out Saturday night.
1t won't be any trouble to us-just wire
and I'll meet you"
ITS awfully doubtful" answered Smith
ford, but If 1 can make it, you'll see
me"
About noon Saturday S1nithford rushed
up TO his room and began to hunt for his
suit case. His business was done and a
look at the girl on the mantle had de-
cided him as to where he would spend
Sunday Catch me on first sight" he
unused; ''al right, little girl, I'm willing.
Where's that suit case? Could Mrs
Brown have put it into the trunk room?''
a hasty inquiry brought to light that
Smithfords classmate. Jones, had come
that morning and borrowed the suit case
with that happy free will characteristic
OF the college man. Mrs. Brown offered
a small black bag which the fastidious
Smithford accepted with reluctance but
as the next best thing. He reached the
station, sent his telegram and was soon
speeding along towards Elmhurst. the
suburb where Ridgeway lived.
Late Saturday afternoon RIdgeway was
preparing 10 go to fetch his aunt who
had spent the day with sick friend
Joan stood at the gate watching with ten
6erness this big brother with whom ev-
cry minute was a pleasure and whom she
saw so seldom now
III be back in an hour. Jo.'' he said
You aren't afraid. oh. yes 1 forgot to
tell you-theres a picture of Smithford
In my grip. He sent it TO you. It's with
my watch and other things. You can
amuse yourself looking at him
'Oh. George. you didn't leave your
watch up there. Think of that burglar
He comes any time, they say. and is
awfully bold. He carries a little black
bak and looks like gentleman
Well, I think you needn't worry and
Ridgeway rode away.
Joan sat down on the porch. Smithfords
picture, So she would really see this
wonder about whom her brother and
come Of her girl friends were so enthu-
siastic Well, she's wait just a little be- /
fore she looked at the picture; IT would /
be all the nicer for the delay. This girl Of |
eighteen had many romantic notions. fos (
tered by her somewhat solitary life and /.
the companionship of her own thoughts /
Formerly she had been a great reader, I.
but weak eyes had removed that pleas I.
TIRE and day dreams took its place
Yet she was n careful girl and as she
sat there. she thought OF the fancy poul- /.
Try in the barnyard and walked away to .
feed them. still dreaming of Smithford 5
picture and the pleasure in store for her. .
When she returned to the front Of the .
house, there. at the open door. stood p
stranger With a small black bag in his F
hand. Joan stopped suddenly The
burglar she thought; hes ransacked ,
the house and doesn't dare to run" and .
her ready mind formed a plan to rescue .
her treasures. II possible.
The stranger raised his hat and a6-