The Ketchikan miner., 1908-10-03
The White Elephant.
By CLARISSA MACKIE.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
 Literary Press.
oooooooooooeooooo


 ssssseseesssss
 Marian Standish found it in the park one bright June morning. Of course 1t was not the sort of elephant that ambles dustily along in the circus pro- cession. On the contrary, 1t was carved from a bit of ivory with some needlelike tools and girdled about with narrow band of gold terminal. ing in q small ring.
 "A fob charm, and wish I could keep it." she exclaimed covetously as she examined the delicate workman ship of the toy. which was no larger than the end of her thumb She looked about as she continued her stroll down the green arbored path. Save for the usual aggregation of nursemaids and their young charges the park seemed deserted at this point.
 Far away on a distant intersecting path mans tall figure appeared for an instant and then vanished among the trees Miss Standish breathed a sigh of relief as she slipped the ivory elephant into her pocketbOok.
 "I will watch the papers. and If 1t is advertised of course 1 shall return it. I suppose I ought to advertise 1t my self. We'll, will, and in the mean time will enjoy Its possession. It is the dearest thingy
 The next morning Miss Standish scanned the papers with interest. The first one she threw aside with satisfac- tion, the second with elation, but the third sheet contained the dreaded in- quiry:
 Lost in Central park on the morning of June 15 small ivory elephant fob charm. Initials U. M. B." on gold band. Finder will please communicate with J. M. Beck with, Block Building. City. and receive liberal reward.
 The white elephant stood meekly on her dressing table. Marian picked 1t up and examined it curiously. Three tiny initials which had escaped her attention the day before were scratch ed upon the gold band. She also dis covered that the eyes were emerald sparks and the miniature tusks were tipped with gold.
 You are too pretty to hang on a mans watch fob," she sighed discon- tentedly. There was a slight rattle as she laid 1t down, and she lifted 1t again and shook 1t briskly. There was something inside that clicked, and the knowledge that the bit of carving was not only hollow, but was evidently the receptacle of some delightful mys- tery was an added vexatiOn now that she must loose 1t.
 There was something vaguely fh miliar about the name of Beckwithr It seemed to conjure up visions of East Indian islands, palm fringed shores the smell of wild Jasmine and the fragrance of cassia and other spices, yet she had never been there, but she had read-where was 1t?
 Marian Standish was the soul of hon. esty, but she could not resist the temp tation to retain possession of the charm for another day. So she con- scientiously cut out the advertisement and tucked 1t away in her writing desk. assuring herself that she would communicate with the owner that very evening.
 She attached the charm to her own small watch fob and, thrusting the gold timepiece in her belt, set out for her morning walk, accompanied by that prize winning bulldog. Pedro, who was as hideous as his mistress was beautiful.
 In due course of time they reached the park and eventually entered the same arboreal path where she had found the white elephant. Walking slowly toward her was very tall young man. who was studying the ground attentively as he advanced.
 Marian blushed guiltily. and her hand flew to the white charm swing ing conspicuously against the black of her skirt and it seemed that the stran- ger saw 1t, too, for. with a quick glance at her and beyond. his good looking face frightened with sudden interest. He removed his hat and paused
 "I beg your pardon, madam, but he was beginning when her chilling glance stopped the words on his lips.
 "Sirv' said Miss Standish haughtily. and she swept past him, dragging the leashed Pedro, who sneered contemp- tuously at the presumptuous youth.
 "I brought it on myself" Marian chided herself as she crossed the park toward home. of had not kept the charm I could not have worn 1t and he would not have seen it and spoken. Of course he had right to under the circumstances. Without doubt he Is J. M. Beckwith.' for he was searching the path in the very spot where l found 1t. He probably values 1t high ly. fancy he picked 1t up in India or China, and-where have l seen his face before, and his name-it is very fa- miliar. How very brown he was to the very finger tips and he was well bred. too, and yet 1 treated him as though he were a cad! l will send 1t to him tonight"
 But she didn't Three days passed, and the little white elephant still swung at her belt. Three days she had walked in the park, and three times she had met the tall brown young man. who passed her with haughtiness equal to