The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-04-17
THE EVENING STOR Y
Helping Billy Out.
(By James True.)

desk. He had read the note several
times, and now, with an impetuouS
movement, he broke the string around
the package and gazed sullenly at it's
contents; a bundle of familiar letters,
held together by bit of blue ribbon,
and several jewelers. boxes. He did
not hear the repeated raps on the
door of his private office, and when
the door opened suddenly he sprang to
his feet.
why. Dick.' he exclaimed. after
I'm glad to see you. Come in and let
me Congratulate you. I've heard OF
your great success. and they tell me
that Stern is going to star you IN
his friends hands after an attempt to
brush the letters and boxes into
drawer, that only succeeded in scat
tering them about his desk.
Yes said Murry, I've been run n
congratulate you. 1 heard this morn
7There's nothing in it--now," Van
North interrupted. The date was SCI
for June, but He waved his
jewelers. boxes.
''Is there any one else?"
mo; I made fool of myself. that
is all 1t was just trivial thing, and
I was stubborn. Thought I'd wait I'M
til-now I've lost
Don't say you've lost" retorted
hurry, until the girl has married an
other fellow. Come, go to lunch with
me; We'll talk 1T over, ana possibly l
can help YOU
thanks, old man. he said Il maven
time. There's one chance in a nun
take it, She won't be at home to-
night, and she sails for Europe tomor-
row: but she's coming down town IN
half an hour. Goes shopping every
Tuesday and drives down twenty
third street about 2 o'clock. It's al
most hopeless, Dick, but I'm gong TO
speak to her when she goes into
store.''
hurry had been smiling and thinking
deeply. Its a good PLAN" he said,
unless the lady has heart or STONE
But must go; I'm IN a hurry. Good-by;
I'll see you later.
Van North watched the tall, muscular
figure of the young actor until he had
passed the long row of desks in the out
er office and had disappeared in the
street Then Billy closed his door and
began pacing the floor, his head bowed
dejectedly. Presently he paused at the
desk selected a small, square, plush
covered box from among the rest, heS1-
tated and placed it in his pocket. Then,
glancing at his watch, he hurried from
his office.
He walked quickly to the corner OF
Twenty third street, and, needless or
shoulders above the restless crowd and
eagerly scanned every cab that passed.
Suddenly he threw away the cigar ne
had just lighted and raised his hand TO
his hat; but there was no light OF re-
cognition in the eyes that glanced at
him for an instant, wavered and then
found something of deep interest in the
opposite direction. He paused when
the cab door swung back ana dainty
foot was placed upon the step; then,
II. =, c+n
'tHelen-dear-I want must speak
to YOU" he stammered, although 1T was
not what he had intended to say.
He received no reply. The young lady
raised her head high. and, ignoring him,
started across the sidewalk No ray or
hope lay beyond the entrance to the
store Desperately he placed his hand
upon her arm.
give me an opportunity to explafn-to
tell you how I regret|
His Intellectual pleading was inter
reputed by a voice that Kissed into his
ear:
Look here, young Teller. Wot yer
doin'?" A powerful hand c1utched his
shoulder from behind. He tried to face
his cantor. but the hand slid down and
twisted his arm, and he could not turn.
Lady" the voice continued, eff this
here NUT Is insultin' you, JUS say the
word, and I'll break every bone In MS
held threateningly before Van North's
eyes, while an arm shot suddenly
around him, pinning him, helpless,
against his adversary.
The girl had grown very pale
Don't dare, sir.'' she exclaimed. her
ewes flashing. "He-he is my-leave
this instant, sir; or I shall call an Of
hcer.'
"Beg pardon, miss; I didn't know
him. Thought he was flirting. the
o.
Van North turned to see the tough
figure, clad in a suit of glazing plaid,
staggering up the street.
"Oh, Billy II was afraid. The
brute!" Tears filed the girls eyes, and
she chung nervously to Van North's
hand while he assisted ner INTO the
scome, sweetheart" he said, you
are unnerved; you must let me take
you home again. The shopping can
sobbed softly. land I'm so happy
now" she added, raising her eyes; but
Van North was gazing in astonished 81
Ience through the cab window.
AS they whirled up the street he had
caught a glimpse of glazing. plaid
suit in the crowd. The man who wore
It had lost his slouching gait. and was
swinging along familiarly. He caught
Van North's eye, raised his cap and
bowed. smiling.
ssDick hurry! By George!'
ooh, who Is it, dear?" asked the |
girl "I couldn't see.''
"The best fellow in the world Van
North answered. ST will introduce him
20 you some day."-(Copyrighted 1907, |
BY f. c. Parcells.)
No Use
The coroner of a certain town in
central Pennsylvania was once called
,pon 70 hold an inoueSf over fha re-