The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-06-02
FLO'S YOUNG MAN.
By j. ]. BELL, Author Of "Wee Macgregor."

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
Hcrrick.
"Hullo. Jimmy" said the young man,
easily. as the boys eager fingers grasp
ed his arm.
INF. Herrick," gasped Jimmy, there's
another train in an hour and a half.
wish you'd wait"
Sorry, old man, but must be in
town in time to dine with fellow 1
haven't seen for ages. I've just wired
him. But you'll come and see me when
you're in town. Jimmy"
Clio" began Jimmy, nervously.
Whats that?' asked the other.
sharply.
"F'lo-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 insidel
Bye-bye. Jimmy"
"Mr. Herrick," stammercd the boy, In
desperation, "F'lo 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..
Herrick.
But" began the boy. striving with
his temper.
mo, no It's very hattering, of course,
but l must decline. quietly, Jimmy,
Miss Flo is too serious for my taste.
Her company was jolly enough for a
week or two. but, I have had enough
Run away and comfort her yourself, old
man.
"You-you-
The guard blew his whistle.
Get down, Jimmy" said Herrick, i'm
patiently. holding out his hand. But
the boy sprang upon the platform.
Mr. Herrick, you mustn't go. YOU
you'll break her"
Hoo-oo-oo! screamed the engine, and
the train slid back couple OF feet,
and shuddered.
shut up, you young idiot" cried Her
rick. flying into rage.
Are you coming back?" demanded
Jimmy
mo, certainly not"
Jimmy's left arm bent and straight
ened and Herrick went down like
nine-ptn on the floor.
A moment later Jimmy stood on the
dignant observations of an elderly por-
ter who had nervousy cursed to see
the boys flying leap from the moving
train.
Flo heard footsteps approaching, but
she lay still. Her breath came and went
more rapidly than was natural, and she
knew her cheeks were growing warm.
She decided to feign sleep II only to
show Cecil that his coming was not
really expected. The soft cracking OF
heather sounded nearer, and she shut
her eyes tightly, and TIED to command
her breath.
The footsteps slowed and stopped,
no. said Jimmy, softly.
She shivered, but pretended not to
hear.
He repeated her name: so. controlling
herself she sat up and stared at him,
as II suddenly reused from slumber.
I'm awfully sorry, Flo" said the
boy, humbly.
II was afraid you would be too late"
she returned coolly, yet feverishly
clinEing to the last straw.
II wasn't too late" he said, a little
indignant at the insinuation against
his running powers
The girl said nothing as she looked
straight in front of her.
II saw Herrick. but he wouldn't
wait" said Jimmy, nervously. seating
himself at little distance.
Something serious must have called
him to town." said Flo, in her most
lady-like voice.
Eyes; he's going to dine with man.
said the boy sarcastic, for the first time
in his life.
"oh! And did he say anything?" she
asked. unable to repress the question
longer.
I'll can't remember. Anyhow, he
refused to come back, and-I-I bled
his nose. Flo"
you what? oh, you-you-" She
turned away, and hid her face in her
hands.
II don't care. He's cad!" muttered
the boy rebelliously. Then he whis-