Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-06-19
D1ILY STORY
HELPING BILLY OUT,


There was rap at the door.
"Why, Dick he exclaimed after a |
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 q
drawer that only succeeded in scat
tering them about his desk
YES" said hurry, I've been run.
ming in luck, but | looked you up TO
congratulate you. l 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.
us there any one else?"
mo; made fool of myself. that is
all 1t was just a trivial thing, and 1
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.
Wen 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 Il 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 anG
drives down Twenty third street about
o'clock. It's almost hopeless, Dick,
but I'm going 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 of stone.
But l must 80. I'm in hurry. Good
by. III 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 Il small. square,
pushed covered box from among the
rest, hesitated and placed it in his
pocket. Then, CHANGING at his watch,
he hurried from his office
He walked quickly to the corner of
Twenty-third street and. Needless of
n 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, bus 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
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 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 a moment, Helen. Won't you
give me an opportunity to explain-tO
tell you how l regret
His Intellectual pleading was inter.
rupted by a voice that Kissed into his
ear:
Look here, young Teller, wot yel
doin':" 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 I'll break every bone in his
blaine body" y huge. dirty fist wa!
held threatening before Van North.
eyes, while an arm shot suddenly
around him. pinning him, helpless
against his adversary
The girl had grown very pale. Don
dare. sir.' she exclaimed, her eye'
flashing. "He-he is my-leave thi
instant. sir, or l shall call an officer"
Beg pardon. miss l didn't know
him. Thought he was flirting" the fe!
low replied, relaxing his hold. and Vai
North turned to see the tough figure
clad in suit of glaring plaid, swag
gering up the street
''Oh. Billy! II was afraid! TIL
brute" Tears filed the girls eyes
and she chung nervOusly TO Van North
hand while he assisted her into tn
cab.
Come. sweetheart" he said. ''yo
are unnerved. You must let me tax
you home again. The shopping ca,
wait-until day after tomorrow"
''Billy-Im-so- sorry" she sobbe
softly "And I'm so happy now" 9h
added. raising her eyes, but Van Mort
was gazing in astonished Silenc
through the cab window.
As they whirled up the street he ha