The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1904-12-08

with indec;sicn. Il almost wish I
hadn't told you. father" said she. Be
fore that l had my mind made up to
send him away. Now l don't know
what l shall do. And he's so master
full that if l show the slightest hest
tation he's sure to make me do as he
wants. Won't you stay and help me?'
Her father did not answer. He was
standing at the end Of the porch watch
ing some one down the road. Lois went
to his side and with hand on his
shoulder followed his gaze.
wonder what that chaps up tor he
remarked.
Hes too far away to make out who
be u.s." she replied indiffcrently.
The unknown had halted and taken
stand beside the road with his back
toward them. Something in the field
had attracted his attention.
Lets see what he is looking at"
said Southley. as he handed Lois pair
of field glasses and took another pair
for himself.
Without stopping to wonder how
they happened to be so ready at hand.
the girl received the binoculars and
leveled them toward the figure on the
road. Judging from his dress the nan
was young and prosperous, for his
white flannels were Of jaunty cut, and
a gay ribbon encircled his stiff straw
hat. Subsequent developments made
the resplendent freshness Of his CO.'S
tune all the more noticeable.
On the other side of the ditch bound
Ing the highway was muddy little
pond, in the center of which they now
remarked box floating smat!.
frightened kitten. Tie little thing
foundered st the edge Of its frail sup
port as though debating whether to re-
main and starve or trust itself to the
dark water. Lois even fancied she
could hear its appealing cries, and with
an exclamation Of pity she made to-
ward the steps.
Wait" said her father, putting out
OBTAINING hand. He's going to look
after it. Besides, it can't fall off. It's
ted
Il don't see how you can tell,' said
Lois. your glasses must be better
than mine''
In spite Of the muddy water and its
unknown depth, the young man seem
ed to be resolved upon rescue. He
started to roll UP his immaculate trou
sers, then. apparently realizing the fu-
tility of such precuution. threw off his
coat and waded in. 1t was evident
that if necessary he meant to swim.
But he was spared that sacrifice. When
he reached the marooned kitten the
water was barely above his knees. lis
regarding the ungrateful little beasts
outrageous spittings and clawings, he
picked it up, box and all, and started
back to shore.
oh" cried Lois, with long breath,
isn't he dear! don't believe there's
another man in the place who would
go to all that trouble for poor little
kitten. wonder who he is. Won't you
go out and thank him. father? Perhaps
LAC hlllSA ID OAC VI L OOSAC De-
Il am sure he would appreciate
thanks from you more" replied South
ley. land when he comes this way
you'd better do it yourself. He de-
serves all the nice things you can say
to him.
"Why. what do you meany' inquired
| Lois. slancing up quickly at the signif-
icant note in his voice.
'Where are your eyes. daughter?
There, he's facing us, with his hat off.
Now you must recognize him
/ The youth with the kitten on his arm
had reached dry soil, where he stood
ruefully inspecting his mud soaked
i clothing. After a moments media ton.
however, he put ON his coat and con-
tinued his progress toward them, still
bearing the kitten.
Lois took one long look, then lowered
her glasses to hide a burning face
against her fathers coat
as he still coming?' she at length
whispered
'Certainly,' said southley. "You
didn't think he'd miss his appointment
! just because his clothes We're mussed,
did you!'
Lois forsook his encircling arm and
began to settle her hair with deft pats.
Il think" said she-"I think No l
/ don't think any more; know. Father.
l shan't need your help. I'd rather
thank him myself"
"All right, child" replied the old gen.
tleman, turning to enter the house. Il
never believed it wise for parents to
NEEDLE in such affairs as these
/ Writc for The Banners AHYerfiSiro Rafes