The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-04
aQUESTloNS" AND
 THE ANSWER.
By Ed.a Kerr,

Copyrighted. 1907 by P. c. Eastment.
 Robert Henry Cuthbert Peabody climbed soiemnly into the blue plush chair and surveyed the fast-flling car. Down at the far end was a man with a red fez upon his head. and for the space of full minute R. H. c. P. regarded this strange creature there, of the incoming passengers.
 Whats that man wearing monk ey hat for, Uncle Harry?" he demand cd. Harry Blake scowled at his neph- CIV and whispered that the man came from a country where all wore stmi- far hats
 Are they all monkeys?" loudly re- demanded the youngster. Half q dozen persons Uttered and the Turkish trav- eler rose and went forward to the smoker. Blake coaxed the boy to look out of the window and devoutly prayed that this occupation would hold his attention until their train should pull out and the roar of the wheels drown the incessant stream of questions.
 He was more than ever glad of his strategy when Mabel Manley entered the car and took a seat diagonally across from them. It is unpleasant to be in the same parlor car with & young woman who. but the night before. de- clared matrimony to be out of the question and after having worn ones engagement ring for more than two months.
 Blake. anticipating trouble. wonder cd if he would not be able to effect an exchange into another car, but the tmpossibility of leaving Questions" (which was R. H. c. P's. shorter name) alone. prevented the carrying out of that plan.
 He was just congratulating him. self that they would at least be under way before Questions made the dis covsry of Miss Manley's presence, tton from the window and sank back into his seat
 They're beating us." he walled, pointing to a departing local train on an adjoining track They're starting first and it's not fair"
 The tears began to flow at the, treachery of the other train that dared to precede the one he honored with his patronage. but they quickly dried to comfort him, forgetting the scene of the night before.
 There's Miss Mabel" cried the tor ment. Why ain't you talking to her. Uncle Harry?"
 She doesn't want to be talked to-" he whispered.
 But you're always talking to her." he insisted. Why don't you do it now?"
 She wants to be alone" explained Blake. but Questions wriggled from his chair
 She don't"' contradicted the youth She's calling me-"
 He sprang across the isle and into the girls lap. For moment he nest led against her shoulder but 1t was the Hull of a false peace. demanded.
 Hush. dear" whispered the blush ing girl. You mustn't ask such ques- tions."
 But you are?" he insisted. "whv don't you want him to sit by you and hold your hand like you alweys do:'
 If you say such things I shall have to put you down." she admonished, as several of the passengers began to laugh.
 But you do," persisted the little fend. And you kiss him too! If you ain't mad why don't you kiss him7"
 Blake reached across the aisle and caught his nephew in a stern grip
 You keep on talking and I'll spank you." he hissed through his half clenched teeth. Now, don't let me Hcdr Il WOTu out UT you.
 T only get spanked when I tell lies" replied Questions. T wasn't tell ing lies. It's true, you do kiss her"
 Blake caught his nephew's arm in grip of steel and shook him roughly. Questions began to cry.
 You hurt?" he walled. want mamma. I hate you" He rose in his wrath and began to pound Blake with his chubby fists. Within himself Blake swore fervently that never agaip would he chaperone a child, even to oblige the best sister that ever lived Questions. tiring of his ocupation. abandoned the pummeling and began to cry again. The train was in motion now and the roar of the movement fl led the car. but Questions walls rose superior to the noises. Mabel stood it as long as she could ther she crossed the aisle.
 If you will let .me have the child perhaps I could quiet him." she sug.