Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-02-18
DAILY SHORT STORY
FARRAR, THE WAIF.

Fresh AIR i una nome III the l4lliS IL
Iage where he spent his Summers Far
rar had evinced a decided interest in
the movement
Heretofore he had labeled children
Of the fresh air fund variety and 9th
erwise-as unmitigated little nuisances
whose chief aim in life was TO annoy
their elders and bring peoples hearts
into their mouths by falling into the
river or crossing the street in front OF
speeding automobile.
He had even complained TO the town
authorities - before Miss Curtis took
charge. of course-of the noise created
by tie fifty or more Youngsters who
resided few doors below his place,
and lie had suggested that the home
be removed TO the woods outside the
town.
But. with the advent Of Miss Curtis,
Farrar's attitude underwent Il sudden
end thorough change. Prom the mo-
mcnt he laid eyes on her young, ear
nest face and looked into her clear
gray eyes-aH this was ut the post
office while lie was apOlOgizing for
humping uncevcnoniOusly against her
-Farrar thanked his stars that the
ION II diEillOi ltitN AltiNA mo- -''''NAAN-@ ~
his suggestions concerning the re-
moval Of the home.
II was because of Miss Curtis that
the youngsters of the home held fire.
quent and boisteroUs picnicS in Far
rar's pine grove; it was because OF her
that they often rode-a dozen ut Il time
in his automobile and picked his
gOosebcrrics and cuTrants unmoleSted.
Certain it was that the fresh air
colony ruled Farrar. who explained his
change of heart by stating that he had
discovered that they were interesting
little brutes" 1t is extremely doubtful.
however. if this interest in itself woHld
have been sufficient to induce him TO
drive his automobile to the village post
office with Il dozen unkempt urchinS
clinging precariOusly TO the mid
guards. His interest in the little
brutes" was aided and allotted by
frank smile from 4 pair Of clear gray
eyes that greeted him when he re-
turned his screeching load to the home.
Instead of cursing the noisy brood
Mt the home he smiled indulgently at
their vocal eXertiOns, for that noise
was intimately connected with Miss
Curtis. and Miss Curtis. all uncon-
sciously on her part. had entered into
the plfe in Farrar's dreams reserved
for the one woman in the world.
Farrar walked down the street to-
ward the home in the red glow of an
August evening, a huge basket of cur
rants in one hand and a bundle of cast
off but still useful clothing begged
personally from young matrOnS Of his
acquaintance in the other. Behind
him strobe his solemn faced gardener
similarly accoutered and evidently of the
opinion that the boss was out of his
head.
on the veranda of the home Farrar
dismissed the gardener and, entering
the house. found Miss Curtis in her
cool little office
I've foraged more or less success
fully for the clothes you wanted for
your charges" he said, depoSiting his
load. and l brought you all the cur
rants that are ripe. You can use them,
I SUPPOSE"
You're more than kind" she said
gratefully You have given me the
first ray of light in a long. wearing
day. Sometimes l think they're very
ungrateful little beasts. and I'm almost
tempted to give up this work"
Do he said eagerly.
She smiled YEARLY.
If it wasn't for the question OF
bread and butter involved''-
Try something else" FaTrar inter
rupted.
I'm certainly open to suggestions"
she said. with sigh
hn
you're admirably adapted to. 1 know q
waif that has some sterling qualities
and many faults. I'd like to see him
under proper care. If the faults were
corrected and the sterling qualities de
veloped, think he might make quite n
man. l wish you'd take him and exper-
iment with him"
And starve in the meantime?" she
asked
"Oh. no" he said The waif is not
like these here He has plenty of mon
cy in trust Tor him. and part of it
could lee set aside for his education.
What he needs is n personal interest
taken IN him. He's q friendless sort Of
chap. ThA's why l call him a waif."
Tell me more about this" she urged.
What could 10 for himF'
Nou could make a man Of him, I'm
convinced" lie said.
Where are his reIativesF' she asked.
in Eeaven-I hope" said he.
Poor chap. and he's all alOneE
ABSOLUTELY"
And you think could get position
as sort Of soveruess 10 him.
No he said fatty: Il don't"
She lifted her brows
Il think you could make a man of
him as-his Wife said he
She looked 1T him in amazement.
Then she noticed that his eyes sought
hers eagerly and that his hand. lying
on her desk. tremIled.
Hes a lazy rascal waif.1 said he
halyinsly. but with some one TO care
for him 20 might be different
Miss Curtis rose. The gray eyes seem