The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-07-05
The Daily
Short Story
HENRY's PROTECTOR

IL seemed shame to take O
watch from such a mild hammered
young chap. Business Is business,
though, and the watch was a valu-
able one, so put the ticker in my
side pocket and forgot it. The
crowd waiting at the scenic railway
entrance was so great that I was
sure had been unobserved.
In rushed q train of the little
cars; out scrambled the pleasure
seekers. Pushed forward, jumped
into front seat. Someone clamb-
cred in beside me, and my anticipa-
lions of pleasureable 8 minutes
rose when I observed my seatmate
"Wh-why, you're not Henry"
she softly exclaimed as the train
got under way. She was pretty.
Eyes, I am" l reassuringly re-
piled.
But you're not my Henry" she
objected. We had started down the
first incline, and she brushed the
stray wisps of brown hair from her
face with a small hand.
But I'm perfectly willing to
serve" l urged.
Even though l make living by
picking up trifles here and there,
try to remain chivalrous.
My well-meant offer of protection
was completely ignored.
ut was so like Henry" the girl
sighed. ito let me get away from
him like this. He can't take care of
himself, to say nothing Of taking
care of me. It's wonder somebody
hasn't kidnapped him long ago"
"If were horrid kidnaper,"
ventured, II should not take Henry.
I think I could find someone much
more attractive"
you mean you'd like to steal me,
I suppose" the girl flashed back.
Ear be 1t from me to deny your
inference" | replied.
We were going down a long,
steep grade, and l thought my COM
panion leaned toward me just per-
ceptibly. AS we slowed up on an
other incline, she looked at me
through narrower lids for a mo-
ment.
WELL" you can't nave me-" she
announced positively. "You have q
way about you Of taking what you
want. and girls like a man who
knows what he wants and gets it,
but I'm a little afraid of you. Henry
may be slow, but he's good to me,
and I'm sure he'll never be rash
enough to get into trouble"
l protested. "You yourself" I ar
gued. "enjoy the spice Of adventure.
You like the novel. the unexpected,
the unconventional
The girl looked at me doubt
fully. "Well?" she questioned.
"You are having good time
right now" said. This incident
will stand big in your memory like
a spreading shade tree on a July
day"
"You will cultivate this recollec-
ton as the I green oasis In the
midst Of Henry's mild common
places" said earnestly. Aren't
you just little afraid Of Henry"
Thus had the charm OF a soft
cheek and a. bright eye and a
rounded arm made me turn pros
elytor. leaned nearer as we
swept down the steepest incline yet.
What you say may be true"
the girl said softly. Sometimes
sometimes I think"
Tell me-" I suggested. l was
willing to aid.
mo. no, I cannot" she replied
with little start. Henry needs
me, and l must not leave him.
What would he do If he didn't
have me to take care of nim?"
But think Of YOURSELF" urged
warmly. The end Of the course
was in sight.
tits no use" she said with calm
finality. "Goodby now, and please
go away when the car stops"
| obeyed mechanically, as the girl
hurried to meet the youth who had
been left behind.
Henry may get the girl" I re-
fiected with rising spirits, "but
there's some consolation in. having
Henry's watch"
AS moved away into the
crowd I felt In my pocket for the