The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-14

therefore said. 4 nave come 10 meet
little Dunnys sister"
Mr.. Craig?" she repeated in aston
ishment that was not unmixed with
distrust and repuIsiob- "Oh, of course
We had to meet at Iast-sometime-
naturally"
She had not intended 20 say just
that. and was Therefore. confused and
81 at ease. as soon as the words were
spoken.
I'm afraid you didn't care 70 meet
me-very much" said the man, smil-
ins; IN a way that revealed a manner
OF pain and self-abasement. Il done
believe I've made a great many
friends who would spread kindly
stories OF my character. wish you
would get an opinion from Dummy. He
geemE TO like me-a little -
But Dummy had run 70 Mrs Hank
to give her a kiss, an Eence 10 his
donkey 10 give him g
lin sure he would" said Sylvia.
as a comprehension OF betterment in
Craig was swiftly vouchsafed 10 her
intItiOns. He must have had a very
nice time al MilIsite. ] am sure
Il think he did-except for the
fearful thing that happened yesterday
morning" said the man
She saw him turn suddenly pale.
she noted the beads OF perspiration
instantly appearing on his brow. and
the shaking or his hands. A vague
alarm made her heartbeat quicken
painfully. His aspect gave her a
fright she could not endure.
What was it?" she asked him. fear
accident. possibly involving Jerry Kirk
or Allan Kennedy.
"He-took a ride down the hill-in
the hume." said Craig in obvious
horror Of the episode Us it rose IN
his memory.
An6 palsied BY the ordeal OF living
anew the fear and semi-insanity that
had claimed him the previous morn
ing. he told her the story OF Dunnys
accident and Jerrys tremendous hero
Ism.
lie quite broke down. The fright
ssHed face or the girl before him, the
strain and intensity Of feeling that he
underwent anew, and the weakening
reaction Of his nerves. left the man
undone- exhausted-a pitiable spec
Iacle in the tumult Of his suddenly
liberated affections for his kind ana
for Dummy and Jerry. in particular
If Jerry hadn't saved him
shouldn't have wanted to live" ne
added 10 the narrative brokenly. I'D
.iaye flung myself IN the hume Ike
man gone insane.
II couldn't get along without him
now / want to have some one 20
Ike me-sOme one 20 think I'm hui
man Dummy and ] are kind Of chums.
] want you 90 let me see him often
/ wish you could Ike me a little
yourself I'm going TO see that Jer-
y Is his guardian-he deserves II all
and mOre-but pIeass. Mss Weaver.
give a cross old man 2 H-tIe chance.
Sylvia offered hin Ier hand In her
trusting way. 50 lie little Duany's
You Western men are all the same
at heart" she said. I'D Ike 10 be
a friend"
"God-bless you" he said ic q falter-
ing voice. II don't deserve IL. / don't
Il know I don't-but / can change.
] Ike that little boy. j ike every
man and every dog he likes. And
Jerry and I are pards again-sni
more
We're Ike pair or boys-and lit
tie Dummy Weaver did II all. I want
TO see him Often-him and you can
1 come pretty nearly as often az
Jerry does from the work."
4 wish you would. answered Sylvia
IN the frank. straightforward way
that reminded him so constantly or
her little brother. Il am sure that
Dummy would miss you very much
II you should leave Us out"
Dummy himself came running IN, all
childish delight and excitement over
coming home
INK he called. "Oh. INK, come
out and see my donkey and the calf
I got him to call me INK for
short" explained the man with half
apologize smile, as Dummy clUtched
tho two bony fingers that he loved.
1T sort OF gives me a chance with
his 'Tids' aRd Jacks and 'Jerrys.' %
-'Td like TO go along said Sylvia
After you've seen tn, donkey, I'd Ike
you to see my little garden"
Out into sunshine and comfort. went
the three; and burro and blossoms and
numerous wonders all came duly in
for admiration.
Then finally Craig was obliged 20
think OF departing and leaving the
two here together. He took little
Dummy IN his hungering arms and
held him IN passionate affection 70
his heart
"Good-by," said the little fellow,
kissing the stern old face in his quaint
sweet way. "Good-by, INK And
don't forget 10 come back pretty
soon"
Sylvia said. wait a minute" and
running TO her hower-bed she pluck
ed a beautiful pansy, with leaf 10
bear Il company.
This she pinned to their visitor s
coat as she prettily confirmed little
Cunny's invitation for him TO come
again without delay.
-by-Uncle Asa" she said al
the end. BE sure 20 come whenever
you can"
The man made no attemr . an
swer. He could not SPEAK; 1t his
lips we're trembling. and Sylvia under
stood. He FASTENED away, only turn
ing 20 raise his hat and to smile when
he came TO the turn Of the road.