The Democratic advocate., 1907-06-14
WELLS ROMANCE.
BY ROBERT CARLTON BROWN.

Twenty is about the age when romance
most appeals to man.
Wells was 20-and, surely, romance
did appeal to him. He knew somewhat
of this variagated life-he felt that he was
not wholly without experience-and posi-
bly, that was why he was romantic.
But, anyway, Wells was romantic. He
had romanced through high school and a
year Of college with so fair haired girls of
that sublime period-from 6 to 20. Love
meant great deal to him, and he meant
never to be without it. 1t was all in ALL
and daily he worshipped at the shrine of
Venus, and usually it was some new Venus
Whenever Wells saw a face a little more
attractive than the last, he promptly fell
in love with it; he knew no other line of
action, and besides, during his four long
years of experience, he mad formed the
habit of falling in love at first sight and
falling out of love ON second sight.
Probably all these peculiarities of Wells
were responsible for the fact that the mo-
ment he saw the girl crossing Van Buren
street he knew that he loved her. There
was something in his heart that told him
SO, and he dared not deny it-for the heart
was paramount with Wells.
1t was love at first sight on his part;
prompted by pity, probably, for surely she
was in pitiable plight
A huge policeman with surly scowl
was dragging her roughly by the arm
across the street.
Wells looked at the policeman, then
took mental survey of himself and de-
cided not to rush to her assistance and re-
lease her from the cruel grip of the police
man.
But, nevertheless, that irresistible pas
sion of young Wells drew him toward her.
He must do something for her. AS the
policeman passed with his fair captive he
doubled up his fist and stood in a menacing
attitude, ogling the tender charge. But
her eyes were cast down upn the pavement
and she did not see her defender.
"What on earth could a girl with an
angel face like that be guilty off, luer-
led Wells, as he followed closely behind
them
''Taking her to the station mused the
ardent swain, puzzling his brain for pos
sible means of liberating the prisoner.
''She couldn't have done anything. It's
criminal to have that big, rough policeman
holding onto her arm in such rough, fa-
miliar manner. He'll probably throw her
into a cell, too, it can't be-she didn't
do anything wrong, I'm sure p Poor
Wells shuddered at the thought of this
new found princess being cast rudely into
a cell. He puzzled his poor head for
some means of liberating her.
At last he thought of scheme, eagerly
he worked it out in his mind, and as the
policeman with his fair prisoner paused at
the steps of the Harrison street police sta
ton he made sudden resolve to carry out
his plan.
Gathering together his nerve he stepped
up between the officer and the girl.
"Look here, officer he iuterposed,
touching the man on the sleeve. "This
girl is my sister, and if there is anything
wrong | want to know about it. I'll go
her bail. You can't put her in cell,
that's all there is to it. | dare you to
try-she's my sister, tell you p
Wells voice rose, his chest swelled as
he thought of the girls appreciation of his
efforts in her behalf.
The policeman looked blankly at him,
then his brows contracted into a puzzled
expression.
Wells, giddy with his apparent success,
broke out loudly again, championing the
prisoner.
Suddenly the officer interrupted by
grabbing him firmly by the coat collar and
shutting off his breath.
With curious smile the policeman
dragged the struggling Wells and the timid
looking girl into the building and before
the desk sergeant
"Wel, what's the matter p asked the
sergeant.
''Picked up this kid here. 1 think he's
a nut, Anyway, if he amt, he was
disturbin' tn peace answered the blue
coat.
elbows that, officer?'' continued his
superior.
''Well, it was like this. You see, we
was standin' in front of the steps just now,
an this kid jumps in between us an says
he's this woman's brother, an dares me
to lock her up, an"
"Well, maybe he is her BROTHER
broke in the desk sergeant.
"Tain't likely" grinned the burly
bluecoat.
"Why-why ?" broke in Wells, impa-
tiently.
because she's my wife," grinned the
officer.
The case was dismissed, but it was many
day before the policeman wife's face
was dismissed from the mind of the ro-