The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-04-28
HELPING BILLY OUT.
By Names .True.

-h.
 Copyrighted, 1907. by E. c. ParcelIs.
 For'f several Thours Billy Van North had been contemplating blue envei- ope, addressed in a delicate hand; also a neatly wrapped package on his desk. He had read the note several times. and now. with an impetuous movement, he broke the string around the pack age and gazed sulIenly at it's contents; bundle of familiar letters, held together by bit of blue ribbon, and several Jewellers boxes. He did not hear the repeated raps on the door of his private office, and when the door opened suddenly he sprang to his feet.
 Why. Dickr' he exclaimed, after a moment of hesitancy. Dick Murry. I'm glad to see you. Come in and let me congratulate you. I've heard of your great success, and they tell me that Stern is going to star you in a new play" He was shaking both of his friepd's hands after an attempt to brush the letters and boxes into a drawer. that only succeeded in scatter ing them about his desk.
 Yes" said Murry. I've been run ming in luck; but I looked you up to congratulate you. I heard this morn ing"
 "There's nothing in it-now." Van North interrupted. The date was set for June, but" He waved his hand over the scattered letters and jewellers boxes.
 'Is there any one elseT
 NO; I made fool of myself, that Is all. It was just trivial thing, and was stubborn. Thought I'd walt until-- now I've lost"
 Don't say you've lost" retorted Mur- ry. until the girl has married another fellow. Come. go to lunch with me; we'll talk 1t over. and possibly I can help you"
 Van North shook his head. ''No, thanks. old man." he said. q haven't time. There's one chance in hundred this afternoon, and I'm going to take 1t. She won't be at home tonight. and she sails for Europe tomorrow; but she's coming down town in half an hour. Goes shopping every Tues day, and drives down Twenty third street about two o'clock. It's almost Dick. but I'm going to speak to her when she goes into a store.v
 Murry had been smiling and thinking deeply. It's a good plan." he said, unless the lady has a heart of stone But I must go; I'm in hurry. Good by; I'll see you later"
 Van North watched the tall, muscular figure of the young actor until he had passed the long row of desks in the outer office and disappeared In the street. Then Billy closed his door and began pacing the floor. his head bowed dejecte tedly, Presently he paused at the desk, selected small. square, plush covered box from among the rest hesitated and placed 1t in his pocket Then. glancing at his watch, he hurried from hs office.
 He walked quickly to the corner of Twenty third street, and needless of a policeman's order to move on, stood shoulders above the restless crowd and eagerly scanned every cab that passed. Suddenly he threw away the cigar he had just lighted and raised his hand to his hat; but there was no light of recog- milton in the eyes that glanced at him for an instant, wavered and then found something of deep interest in, the op- posite direction. He paused when the cab door swung back and dainty foot was placed upon the step; then. elem ching his fists, he stepped Forward
 "Helen-dear-1 want-I must rDeak to you" he stammered, although 1t was