The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-08-15
Helping Billy Out:

CoulaiItIllS DunQle OF Iamlllaf letters
There was rap at the door
"Why, Dick" he exclaimed after
moment of hesitancy. "Dick hurry,
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 a
new play" He was shaking both of
his friends hands after an attempt to
brush the letters and boxes into a
drawer that only succeeded in scat
tering them about his desk.
Eyes" said hurry, 1--WE been run
ming in luck, but 1 looked you up to
congratulate you. 1 heard this morn
ing
There's nothing in it-now," Van
North interrupted. "The date was set
for June, BUT He waved his hand
over the scattered letters and jewel
ers' boxes
"Is there any one else?"
"No; made a fool of myself, that is
all. 1t was just trivial thing, and l
was stubborn. Thought ia 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 l can
help YOU
Van North shook his head. mo,
thanks, old man. he said Il 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 a store.'
Murry had been smiling and thinking
deeply. cts good plan.7 he said,
unless the lady has a heart of stone.
But must go. I'm in a hurry Good.
, ny. II see you later.
Van North watched the tall, muscular
i 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 a small, square
Pushed covered box from among the
rest, hesitated and placed it in his
pocket Then, glancing at his watch
he hurried from his Office.
He walked quickly to the corner Cd
Twenty-third street and, needless Q:
policeman's order to move ON, stooi
shoulders above the restless crowd anC
eagerly scanned every cab that PASSED
Suddenly he threw away the cigar be
had just lighted and raised his hand tt
his hat, but there was no light of rec
ognition in the eyes that glanced al
him for an instant, wa<ered and Their
found something Of deep interest in the
opposite direction. He paused when
the cab door swung back and dainty
foot was placed upon the STEP Then
clinching his fists, he stepped forward
"Helen-dear-I WANT 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.
Gust moment. Helen. Won't VOC
give me an opportunity to explain-tc
tell you how regret
His Intellectual pleading was inter.
rupted by voice that Kissed into his
ear:
look here. young Teller, wot vel
dofn'?" A powerful hand clutched 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 insultin' you JUS say the
word an III 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, pinning him, helpless
against his adversary
The girl had grown very pale. DOM
dare, sir!" she exclaimed, her eyes
flashing "He-he is myAeave this
instant, sir, or shall call an officer"
! "Beg pardon, miss. didn't know
him. Thought he was flirting" the fel
low replied, relaxing his hold, and Var
North turned to see the tough figure
clad in a suit of glazing plaid swag
gertng 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 her into the
cab.
Come, sweetheart" he said. ayuu
are unnerved. You must bet me take
you home again The shopping car
wait-until day after tomorrow"
"Billy-I'm-so-so sorry" she snbbet
softly. "And I'm SO happy now" sht
added, raising her eyes, but Van NortI
IL Ill