The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-12-23
MISS KINGLAkE's
EXPERIENCE
CONTINUED from Page iio

You believe the baby Would hA'
thatg" she asked.
Dorothea dropped her hand into he'
pocket. In an instant fifty cents In
silver was slipped into the small palm
@You take It," she said "Thatll just
pay for it,
why" exclaimed the boy, his eyes
growing rounder as he gazed al her
YOU must be Santa Claus daughter.
"oh. no." Dorothea rejoined. Il may
be in disguise, but I'm not that"
The child studied her, speechless
with amaxement.
where are they to be sent"
Il want 'em myself" the boy an
swered quickly.
what Is your name and address,?
she inquired.
George Dewey Bowker, number
thousand 'leven. Foundry Street." he
replied, naming thoroughfare in a
poor and outlying part of the town.
VERY well. Mr.. George Dewey Bow
ker, answered Dorothea gleefuily, I'VE
shall see"
As he turned she slipped the coliec-
ton of pennies. five-cent pieces and
dimes he had given her back into his
pocket.
The morning wore on. The time
seemed endless. Dorothea was in ex-
cellent training. Much riding and
golfing had put her in perfect condi-
ton. Still the constant standing was
wearying: the constant turmoil a
great strain. As the moments dragged
she saw that the girls became paler,
more nervous and more irritable. Miss
McCloskey's voice sounded even with
greater bitterness. The directions Of
the manager were given with even
greater harshness. The light glared;
the voices rose and fell: the heat in
creased She, who had never had such
thing in her life, detected the be-
ginning Of a headache--felt her eyes
aching. her temples throbbing. She
was hungry, too, and strange faint
ness was coming over her. What the
time was she did not know. She had
given up counting.
"Oh," murmured Number 105 as she
and Dorothea stood for moment to-
gether.
What is it?"
my head is swimming the girl
confided. Tive got to CO." she went ON
plaintively, as she staggered toward
the head of the department.
He frowned down on her.
Please. sir" she said. don't feel
well. I'd like to get home"
IF you leave now, he replied abrupt
ly you leave for good"
Number 105, as Dorothea saw. drew
back as If she had been struck. AS
the dignitary moved away the middle
aged fioor-walker drew near
Here" he said in low tone to the
sufferer, you go and lay down lnthe
cloak-room. I won't say anything.
Only show up here every half hour so
you won't be missed"
Dorothea directed a grateful glance
at the man.
Come" she said to Number 105.
Amt Mr.. Wilbur considerate! stan-
mered the girl. AN with all his bein'
here ten years they'd turn him off IL
they knew. Discipline must be kept
up, they say. Him with mortgage
on his little home"
Almost supporting her, Dorothea
helped her. the other showing the way
Into dark clothes-hung cellar they
came. The girl threw herself wearily
on the floor.
But" cried Dorothea, horrifed,
you can't lie there"
Let me be-" answered Pearl Clark
wearily as she closed her eyes. Al
little cash girl stole up and looked on
fer a moment. She stripped off her
apron and thrust it under the head Of
the recumbent figure.
Il got another" she explained.
"What is P5ur neme?" Dorothea
asked quickly
Linda Kraszewski."
Bless you child" said Dorothea.
Selling her and kissing her.
Whats that for?' demanded the
urchin, standing off defiantly.
Because you are good to her"
"G'way,' the otner answered: "stop
kiddin' me-"
Back into the pandemonlum Of the
store Dorothea hurried.
absent without permission" growl- |
ed the manager, who observed her hur-
rying up.
T" she began. trembling in spite
Of herself.
No excuses" he ordered perempto-
rily. You know the fine"
Hot with suppressed fury, DoFothea
Lok her place behind the counter. Her
mouth was firmly set now Her eyes
tairly blazed. She was seeing behind
the scenes of life as she had never had
seen before. The seamy side of the
world which had always presented
Itself to her as a glittering, luxurious
spectacle was very different from what
'he had supposed. A strange mixture
'i1e was finding Of good and bad. Of