The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1907-05-23
Wells Romance.
BY ROBERT CARLTON BROWN

Twenty is about the age when ro-
nance most appeals to man.
Wells was 20-and, surely, romance
did appeal to him. He knew somewhat
of this variegated life-he felt that
he was not wholly without experience
and possibly that was why he was
romantic.
But, amy ny, Wells was romantic.
He had romanced through high school
and a year of college with so fair
haired girls of that sublime period
from 16 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
promptly fell in love with it; he knew
no ther line of action, and besides,
during his four long years of expert
ence, he had formed the habit of fall
ing 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 moment he saw the girl cross
ing Van Buren, street he knew that
he loved her. There was a 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 a pitiabe plight.
A huge policeman with a surly
scowl was dragging her roughly by
the arm across the street.
Wells looked at the policeman, then
took a mental survey of himself and
decided not to rush to her assistance
and release her from the cruel grip
of the policeman.
But, nevertheless, that irresistible
passion of young Wells drew him to,
ward 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,
oglng the tender charge. But her
eyes were cast down upon the pave.
ment and she did not see her de-
fender.
What on earth could girl with an
angels face like that be guilty OFF"
queried Wells, as he followed closely
behind them.
Taking her to the station" unused
the ardent swain, puzzling his brain
for a possible 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 a rough, familiar manner. He'll
probably throw her into a cell, too
O, it cant be-she didn't do anything
wrong, I'm sure" Poor Wells shud.
dered at the thought of this new found
princess being cast rudely into cell,
he puzzled his poor head for some
means of liberating her.
At last he thought of a 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 station he made
a sudden resolve to carry out his
plan.
Gathering together his nerve he
stepped up between the officer and
the girl.
Look here, officer he interposed,
touching the man on the sleeve.
This girl is my sister, and if there is
anything wrong I want to know about
It. I'll go her bail. You can't put her
dare you to try-she's my sister, tell
YOU
Wells voice rose his chest swelled,
as he thought of the girls apprecia,
ton 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 sue.
cess, broke out loudly again, cham.
pioning the prisoner
Suddenly the officer interrupted by
grabbing him firmly by the coat collar
and shutting off his breath.
With a curious smile the policeman
dragged the struggling Wells and the
timid looking girl into the building
and before the desk sergeant.
We'll, what's the matter?" asked
the sergeant.
picked up this kid here I think
he's nut Anyway, if he amt, he
was dsturbin' tn peace" answered
the bluecoat.
"Hows that, ofiicer?" continued his
superior.
We'll, it was like this. You see,
we was standin' in front of the steps
Just now, an this kid jumps in be-
tween us an says he's this woman's
brother, an dares me to lock her up,
an"
We'll, 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 a day before the policeman's
wife's face was dismissed from the
mind of the romantic Wells.