The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1908-12-09
The
RUBY RING

lung en- the well, fdTker uippcu
down into the water 1t was too
rrecious to turn out--and ~ was only
d moment before h held In his hand
u gold ring.
1t was furnished to be sure, but II
was strangely familiar. For an in
slant he doubted his own eyes, but
after he had looked at the setting,
which held a peculiarly shaped ruby
ard several tiny peals, and glanced
at the inscription inside, he knew
'ithout a doubt that It was the ring
be had given to Ruth Lorton three
ears ago.
She had lost it while away on her
featiou which she had spent at this
game farmhouse was the rea-
sCoa why Parker had decided to
come mere. Ea:ly one mornins Ruth
had gone down stairs and when she
returned TO her room only few mo-
uent5 later the ring. which had been
lying en- her bureau was not to be
found anywhere.
When she had told Parker this
7ror he had unconseiously shown a
Title doubt in his ms nner. Ruth
had resented this and a quarrel had
arisen which had resulted in the
e. easement being broken.
You said YOU was goin' fishin
with ne today, piped boys voice
as Parker prepared to make himself
comfortable on the shady side OF the
piazza A boy about ten years old
ives Looping up the steps His shock
OF tow-colored hair and the numerous
4 cckles which often go with It were
toopec by a wiue-brimmed straw hat
Well, Bob, don't believe Wen 80
sh 5 morning. It's most too ate now
Wen start early some other morn
Ing What do you say?"
Al right" Bob assented, but he
acted little disappointed Were
g7ln to have another boarder next
week, he said rather Unexpectedly,
after a short pause.
She's dandy" went on the boy.
She's good, too-Mias Lorton is"
Parker stared at him. Miss Lor-
ton" he repeated. What day is
She com.ng?" ne asked, turning the
r.ng over and over in his hand.
Monday" answered Bob, she"
But he did not finish his sentence.
he turned suddenly and almost ran
into the house
Parker could hardly wait for Mon
Gay to come. He was sitting on the
piazza when she came, She paled
slightly at the first sight Of him, but
r. turned his bow coolly as she passed
into the house
For three days Parker found II
impossible to speak to Ruth alone.
He was confident that IL he could
have talk with her and show her
the ruby ring everything would be as
1t had been three years ago. His
thoughts were Uninterrupted by the APP
pearanee of Bob.
II want stammered the boy.
standing first on one leg and then
the otter He evidently had some
thing on his mind which he wanted
to tell Parker. but did not know
how TO begin.
What is 1t Bob?" asked Parker,
with a encouragiE. smile.
You've given me a knife and
fshin pole. and | don't know what.
and I'm goiO' to tel you some
thin"
All right" said Parker kindly.
m waiting"
You. know that ring you got out
Of the well t'other mornln' and"
Yes yes, broke in Parker
You held 1t In your hand as though
you thought a lot OF tt wanted to
ten YOU then. but ! couldn't. And
when she come sec you two WASH I
Lond friends, and so I'm goin' 10 tell
you about It. throwed it into the
weu.
You threw II into the we'll" re-
peatel Parker. astounded. What
fore"
I'm going to tell YOU the truth
took the ring of Miss LOTIONS bu-
reau, cause twas awful shining and
Pretty was only hid then. When
| see every body huntin for # | got
scared ann fbrowed ~ in the wclE
I've been awful sorry I done Il e"
. B1b.seyes. were fixed on the floor OF
tie piazza. aud Parker was confident
: ttat lpe was very near tears
~ Bob. yot re made lot Of trou-
bic he said after while. But
you're brict 10 tell now. n you'll
go to Mss Io-ton and tell her. maybe
things will be all right"
/ III isn't necessary" said a voice
right behind them. Looking up.
Parker saw Ruth smiling with the
( cid lovelight in her eyes. Bob went
/ away softly and left the two alone.
He vas only a little child then. I"
said RGtn. We mustn't blame
him.
No. indeed We mustn't. returned
Parker feryentTy. "Bob's all right
After a moment he added. will you
fcrgive me Ruth. for acting as though
] doubted your"
There's nothing to forgive r.
Ronald. vas as much to b-ane a.
you"