The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-09-13
DAILY SHORT
STORY
"A HERo's REWARD

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Bert is really a good sort of
! chap, Gene, and you had better
consider carefully before answering
him tomorrow. He may not ask
you again.
The girl blushed and looked at
her brother, only to be met by a
pair of appealing ray eyes which
looked deep into her own as IL to
read the answer concealed in their
depths. The boy and girl were
standing on the veranda of their
summer home, with the sea stretch
ing far out to the horizon directly
in front of them. The boys appear
for his chum had reached home,
and he had expressed just what the
girl feared most. That Hughes
would really think she did not care
for him and would not repeat his
proposal
81 shall do as think best in the
matter" the girl replied. land. as
1t does not concern you, please do
not bring up the subject again If
Mr.. Hughes informs you of all that
transpires between us, will not,
so there"
Thus expressing herself, she turn
ed on her heel and entered the
house. A low whistle escaped her
brother as she disappeared, and
placing a huge pillow in a more
comfortable position on the settee
he lit his pipe and began to muse.
at h N usC 20
done quickly, for If she only knew
it, Bert's getting tired of being re.
pulsed at every move. Gene will
finish the bungled job by another
| outburst"
That afternoon the two boys
We're riding down the road. IRE
member" the girls brother said,
IF you bungle the job now be re-
fusing to do your share at the last
minute, it all up. She's sore"
At the bathing hour the next
morning no signs of reconcilia-
ton were visible. Norris ard
Hughes were lying on the sand
and talking seriously Gene knew
it was of her and wished them
anywhere but there. Norris got
up and walked to the water and
out past the breakers to the calm
deep. He swan steadily and she
watched him until he had gone
several hundred yards past the life
line. Suddenly he threw UP his
arms and uttered cry. He sank,
but reappeared again and strug-
gled for the shore.
Gene ran frantically to and fro
on the beach and then plunged into
the water with the intention Of
| swimming to him and rendering
him assistance. The folly of her
act did not appeal to her until
Hughes ran over the breakers and
| commanded her to return.
When Hughes go, near the lad,
Norris looked at him and said:
Don't be frightened, old pal, but
| our little racket has turned to
reality. | can float but not use my
arms or legs. See if you can get
me inY'
He was finally brought to shore
and after an hours work he again
felt natural. Hughes himself was
done out and retired for a rest, but
all he could do was lie in his room
and again picture the girl rushing
to her brothers aid. "If she had
drowned" he thought. what would
| have done? II | ever try to win
bride by such fool trick again
I'll miss my guess"
An hour later Bert was on the
beach. A walk along the shore to
the rocks brought him to Gene, who
was sitting idly on the large bowl
ders making pencil sketch. She
| looked UP startled at his : appear
ance and made an attempt to hide
the sketch book.
Let me see it, Gene, please" he
said, but she shook her head and
! placed it further out of his reach.
A struggle ensued for possession,
and the leaf dropped to the stand.
Looking at the picture Bert uttered
a cry of delight. Beneath the sketch
she had written the title, "A Hero's
Reward"
Another glance at the sketch and
4, tn, y ic