The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-12-12
TIE EVENING STOR r
Bert's Rescue.
By James Conley.)

Come on Bert urged Charlie. The
ice is bully just now. Come on ahead.
| Don't rub it in" pleaded Bert Bent
| ham. This is my punishment for seek
ing to astonish the natives with a froch
coat and silk hat. The train was sc
late that no one beheld my glory. ane
as my trunk will not be here until to-
morrow, I'm afraid that I shall have &c
| go without skating
But we're the same size insisted
| Charlie Put on some of my buds.
Bentham WINGED. 1t was his quarre
with nature that she had made him but
| two inches taller than five feet his
| little cousin was only thirteen yet, ana
as he said Bert could wear his things
For a moment pride fought with desire
and desire won. He had always been
| passionately fond of the ice, and 1t had
Decn couple of years since he had en-
| joyed an opportunity of skating. This
| chance was too good to be lost. It was
| beautiful night and the probabilities
were that no one would recognize him.
He could slip into the crowd and quick
ly lose himself
Proceed he said with mock tragedy.
I shall enjoy my second childhood
rather earlier than most men, that is
ALL
Half an hour later they were on the
river. Already crowd had assembled
for the moon was full and the ice per-
feet glare. Charles simple My cousin
PRODUCTION and presently Bert was
skimming over the ice with an easy
swing that betokened the experienced
skater.
He shot straight up the river, speed
ing almost with no thought Of anything
save the enjoyment of the Swimming
motion and it was half an hour before
he realized how far he had gone
Skating back against the wind was
slower process and by the time he
~1.-l hA
was crowded. He hunted up Charlie
and then contented himself with short
er fights though he kept away from the
most crowded part of the ice. He hau
been skating in artificial Kinks for so
long that the broad stretch of CLASSY
ice Fascinated him and he had no use
for the parties of skaters that chung In
groups.
He had just wheeled for trip up the
river when a tiny form shot past him
and almost unconsciously he gave
chase. Apparently she was mere child;
but her strong, graceful strokes carried
her along with a speed that tested ms
own qualities and he skated after her.
sluiceway from the cotton mill emptied
into the stream and for space the ice
was thin. Bert had kept away from
this side of the river after the dtscoV-
cry, but now he was so intent upon his
chase that he did not realize that the
child was bearing dangerously IN to
ward shore until she gave a little cry
as he felt the ice crack under her feet.
Instead of keeping ahead she SEEM
ed paralyzed with fright and dug her
skate into the ice to stop herself. He
the strain of her weight continued and
with a sudden swerve he dashed In tow
ard her.
He was powerfully built for his size
and 1t was an easy matter to catch
the child up in his arms and carry her
out of the danger zone. AS they swept
along he could feel the ice give under
him and the oninous craclxle seemed to
follow him. Then the noise stopped as
he shot out into the firm ice, and he
ceased skating, coming gradually to
halt.
''That was a risky thing to do" he
feet. Don't you know about the
Il should have remembered" she
said. as she chung trembling to him,
but I heard one of the boys coming
after me and 1 wanted to beat him.
forgot all about the danger"
Il guess that's the last time you'll
forget this season" he said. r.
was awfully good of you to act SO
quickly. Who are you?" she added, as
he changed position SO that the moon
I'm Charlie Bentham's cousin" he
explained.
"Oh, yes" she smiled. Il remem-
Der Mrs. Bentham telling US that
Charlie had a little cousin coming to
awfully- grateful to you"
She stood on tiptoc and kissed him
squarely on the lips. For moment
Bert was too astonished to speak.
Then he sped after her.
Cant I skate with you?" he asked.
Lets skate up as far as the railroad
bridge"
Come ahead" she called. as she
put out her hand. Bert grasped it
AID they glided of. For a few min
together perfectly as though
through long practice and they were
almost at the bridge.
You are newcomer in AIaridale ?"
he asked, breaking the silence. II
don't think remember you"
I'VE moved here two years ago.
she explained
That's it, he declared. II pride
myself on my memory for faces.
have not been able to get UP here for
Kept me pretty close to town.
Your business? ?" she echoed, los
ng her stride and stopping. "Why,
Mrs. Bentham said you were the same
age as Charliei"
That's Ned Collins" he explained.
'Ned's coming down for the Christ
mas holidays. I'm Bert Bentham."
but" she began, with a glance
1t his clothes.
IT see." he laughed. You thought I !
vas a boy because 1 was wearing one |
II Charles suits. You see, 1 got a |
FOOLISH Idea that 1t would be funny to |
,one down all logged out When |
Charlie said skating I realized that a |
rock coat was scarcely a skating cos
ume, SO l put on one Of his suits. |
yuess I look pretty much like Charlie. /
rhqt's the worst OF being so short"
And you let me kiss you she re-
1roa ched-
That's all right. he smiled. 'I've
lad little girls kiss me before, you
lnow."
But I'm not" she began. Bert
tarted.