River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1906-04-19
FLO'S YOUNG
MAN
(copyright, 1906, by Joseph B Boules.l
BY j. j. BELL
{ Author Of Wee Maccreeecr."o

aloud: II thought you were going TO
play football this afternoon"
Il changed my mind" returned the
boy, who stood looking down upon her.
"Of course, if you don't want me, Flo, III
clear out"
"Oh, you can stay if you like. don't
mind" she said, after moments hesl-
tation.
Thank you" said Jimmy, with graft
tude out of all proportion to her un-
gracious concession. He seated himself
beside her, and an awkward silence
followed.
Flo shook back her dark hair, and
drew her short skirt over her trim
ankles. while she wished for the thou
sandth time that she were 10 and the
possessor Of unlimited hairpins and
long dresses. At 16 Flo felt she had
scaled the heights and sounded the
depths of human JOY and sorrow-so far,
at least. as love was concerned. Cecil
Herrick was doubtless responsible for
this. though it is possible that any other
equally good-looking young man OF 20,
had he paid the same attention to the
girl during the past month as Herrlck
had done, would have awakened sim
liar sensation in her breast.
Flo had given her heart to Herrick
for ever and ever, and she believed that
Herrick's was hers for the same in
definite period. Still, at the present
moment, she was not a little annoyed
with him for not keeping his appoint
ment at the accustomed trysting-p place.
But something, she argued, must have
delayed him. AS for Jimmy, the boy at
her side, it was simply disgusting Of
him turning up when he was not
wanted
Jimmy, aged 10, of the hard muscles
and the soft heart, lay looking blankly
across the heather. and wondering what
on earth he could say to Flo. He re-
membered the afternoon month ago
when he and she had rested in the same
nook. She had been very kind to him
! then. By chance he had touched her
| hand as it plucked idly at the heather,
| and-oh the wonderful experience! 1t
had slipped into his and lain there for
the rest of the afternoon. But that was
before Herrick came.
81 met that chap Herrick as l was
coming along" said Jimmy, presently.
He asked me to-er-say goodby to
you for him"
"What?'' cried Flo, startled in spite
of herself.
Hes going to town with the four
0SnInoIy train Won know
HAS he had bad news, Jimmy?' she
asked, anxiously, after pause.
He didn't say. Didn't look like it,
anyway. He said he was tired of Dove
dale"
Flo WINGED, grew pale, and finally
blushed OF course, there must be some
mistake. Perhaps-perhaps Jimmy was
only teasing her.
81 suppose Mr.. Herrick will be back
tomorrow. she said, complacently.
II saw all his luggage on the way to
the station, said Jimmy. now too mis-
cradle to look at his companion. I'm
sorry told you," he blurted out.
mfr. Herrick seems rude said Flo,
calmly, "but there's sure to be good
reason for his going. What's the time,
Jimmy?"
He extracted his silver watch. an ath-
letic prize won during his last term at
school. Ten minutes to four"
Il didn't think it was so late" said
Flo, somewhat shakily.
fWould you have liked" began
Jimmy.
ooh. it can't be helped" she inter-
rupted, bravely.
The boy took courage and glanced at
her. Her face frightened him. A lump
came into his throat. Flo" he said.
jumping up, 81 can catch him if run.
He can get the next train at
$50. Will you wait, FLOP,
She nodded without looking at him.
A minute later she saw that he had
reached the yellow road and was run
ming swiftly in the direction of the vii
lage. Flo assured herself that her great
est triumph was at hand. She turned
and stretched herself on the heather,
hid her face in her arms. and waited.
Jimmy dashed into the village station
just as the train drew up. There were
few people on the platform and his keen
eye Immediately caught sight of Her
rick.
''Hullo Jimmy said the young man,
easily, as the boys eager fingers
grasped his arm.
"Mr. Herrick, gasped Jimmy,
there's another train in an hour and a
half ! wish you'd watt
Sorry, old man, but must be in town
in time to dine with fellow / haven't
| seen for ages. I've just wired him. But
you'll come and see me when you're in
| town, Jimmy
"Flo-" began Jimmy. nervously.
whats that?" asked the other
sharply.
''Flo-I think Flo would like to see
you, Mr.. Herrick."
The young mans face flushed holly
| but he smiled. DO you think so, Jim
my?"
please don't go with this train, . said
! the boy.
But / must, old man. There's the
signal down. I'd better get inside, Bye.
| bye. Jimmy.
mir. Herrick." stammered the boy. in
desperation. Flo wants to see you-she
didn't say so-but know she does"
Little boys should mind their own
business even when little girls get fool
ish ideas into their heads sneered Mr.