The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1905-04-12
FAR r. AR, + z
THE WAIF

copyright, 1904, by Richard B. Shelton.l
Farrar had never before numbered
philanthropy among his sins, but since
Miss Curtis had taken charge of the
Fresh Air Fund home in the little vii
lage where he spent his summers Far
rar had evinced 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 the fifty or more youngsters who
resided a few doors below his place,
and he had suggested that the home
be removed to the woods outside the
town 3n iSsfa8 at
But, with the advent Of Miss Curtis,
Farrar's attitude underwent sudden
and thorough change. From the mo
ment he laid eyes on her young, ear
nest face and looked into her clear
gray eyes-all this was at the post
office while he was apologizing for
humping unceremoniously against her
-Farrar thanked his stars that the
town authorities had not listened to
his suggestions concerning the re-
moval Of the home.
1t was because of Miss Curtis that
the youngsters OF the home held fire.
quent and boisterous picnics in Far
rar's pine grove; 1t was because of her
that they often rode-a dozen at a time
lin his automobile and picked his
gooseberries and currants unmolested.
Certain 1t 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 would
have been sufficient to induce him to
drive his automobile to the village post
office with dozen unkempt urchins
clinging precariously to the mid
guards. H,s interest in ''the little
brutes" was aided and abetted by
frank smile from pair of clear gray
eyes that greeted him when he re-
turned his screeching load TO the home.
Instead of cursing the noisy brood
at the home he smiled indulgents 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 place In Farrars 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, 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. tet
On the veranda OF the home Farrar
dismissed the gardener and, entering
the house, found Miss Curtis in her
cool little office.
1--WE foraged more or less success
fully for the clothes you wanted for
your charges" he said, depositing his
load. "and | brought you all the cur
rants that are ripe. You can use them,
| supposer
You're more than kind" she said
gratefully. You have given me the
first ray OF light In a long, wearing
day. Sometimes think they're very
ungrateful blsle beasts, and I'm almost
tempted 70 give up this work"
DO" be said eagerly.
She smiled YEARLY.
III u wasp'f Tor the question OF
bread and butter inyolyed"-
Try something else" FaTar inter
rupted.
I'm certainly open 70 suggestions"
she said, With d Sigh
well said he, y know a place
you're Admirably adapted 10. know
NaH inNi hne some stoiilng qualities
hpl many faults. 10 llkp b SEQ hlm
under prop0 care II fho fanlfs wore
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b'Nn' 4 Nl.N you'd inho hlm an1 0Spa
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'pN non le $40 rms nalf d not
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