The Palatka news. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1907-07-05
Helping Billy Out.

tndt stern is gong 10 StdF you III y
new play" He was shaking both OF
his friends hands after an attempt tC
brush the letters and boxes into q
drawer that only succeeded in scat
tering them about his desk.
YES" said Murry, 1--WE been run.
ming in luck, but l looked you up to
congratulate you. heard this morn.
ing
There's nothing in it-now," Van
North interrupted. 1.-THE date was set
for June, but He waved his hand
over the scattered letters and jewel
ers' boxes.
"Is there any one elseP
mo; made a fool of myself, that is
all. 1t was just a trivial thing, and
was stubborn. Thought I'd wait until
Now I've lost"
Don't say you've lost" retorted Muir
ry, until the girl has married another
fellow. Come, go to lunch with me.
Well talk it over, and possibly 1 can
help you"
Van North shook his head "No,
thanks, old man." he said 81 haven't
| time. There's one chance in hundred
this afternoon, and I'm going to take it.
She won't be at home tonight, and she
sails for Europe tomorrow, 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 almost hopeless, Dick
but I'm going to speak to her when
she goes into store"
Murry had been smiling and thinking
deeply. TITS good plan," he said,
"unless the la1y has heart of stone.
But 1 must go. I'm in 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
outer 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 small, square,
plushed covered box from among the
rest, hesltated 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 Of
a policeman's order to move on, stood
shoulders above the restless crowd and
eagerly scanned every cab that passed.
Suddenly he threw away the cigar he
had just lighted and raised his hand to
his hat, but there was no light of rec
ognition 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 and a dainty
foot was placed upon the step. Then,
clinching his fists, he stepped forward.
"Helen-dear-I want-I must speak
to you," he stammered, although it was
not what he had intended to say.
He received no reply. The young
lady raised her head high and, ignor-
ing him, started across the sidewalk.
No ray Of hope lay beyond the entrance
to the store. Desperately he placed his
hand upon her arm.
"Just moment, Helen. Won't you
give me an opportunity to explain-to
tell you how L regret'-
His Intellectual pleading was inter-
rupted by voice that Kissed into his
ear:
Look here, young feller, wot yer
doln'?" A powerful hand olutched his
shoulder from behind He tried to face
his captor, but the hand slid down and
twisted his arm, and he could not turn.
Lady" the voice continued, "if this
here NUT is insultln' you JUS say the
word an I'll break every bone in his
blame body" A huge, dirty fist was
held threatening before Van North's
eyes, while an arm shot suddenly
around him, plnnlng him, helpless,
against his adversary.
The girl had grown very pale. Don't
dare sir" she exclaimed, her eyes
flashing "He-he is my-leave this
instant, sir, or shall call an officer"
beg pardon, miss. didn't know
him. Thought he was flirting" thG fell
low replied, relaxing his hold, and Van
North turned to see the tough figure,
clad in suit of glarlng plaid swag-
gering up the street.
"Oh, Billy! II was afraid! The
brute" Tears filed the girls eyes,
and she clung nervously to Van North's
hand while he assisted her into the
cab.
"Come, sweetheart" he said, "you
are unnerved You must let me take
you home again. The shopping can
wait-until day after tomorrow"
"Billy-Tm-so-so sorry" she sobbed
softly. And I'm so happy now" she
added, raising her eyes, but Van North
was gazing in astonished silence
through the cab window.
AS they whlrled up the street he had
caught glimpse of glaring plaid
suit in the crowd. The man who wore
1t had lost his slouChing gait and was
swingisg along familiarly. He caught
Van North's eye, raised his cap and
bowed, smiling.
"Dick Murryl By Georger'
"Oh, who Is 1t, dear2" asked the girl,
II couldn't see."
"Thc best fellow In the world" Van
North answered. II will Introduce him
to you some day" JAMES TRUE.