Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-01-02

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grandly from the elevator, rather re-
>sentful of the elevator boys patroniz-
ing pat on the head Men who came
downtown on business should not be
patted- on the head even If their moth
ers do possess foolish ideas that curlS
are cute. Men on business bent always
act Importantly and should be treated
with Difference.
The pat had the effect of stiffening
Thomas Henderson Howie's small
backbone to an unusual degree of ram
rod stiffness, and it was very POM
pous siX-year-old who entered Dorring-
tons office.
Tim Darlington looked up from
pile of papers with genial smile.
welcome to our city, Mr.. Thomas
Henderson HOWE" he cried. "And
what good fortune brings you to the
office? Surely YOU are not about to be
sued for breach of promise? l am
afraid of that little Houston girl, or
perhaps 1t is the embezzlement of pre-
serves again.
Its letter." explained Tommy
stiffiy. as he delivered the square
white envelope into Tins trembling
| hands. II will be going now" he add
| ed as he turned away Tim raised his
hand.
wait moment. please, he asked.
| There may be an answer"
Tommy climbed into the biggest
| chair and settled himself with quaint.
old fashioned gravity, while Dorring-
ton opened and read the note. Twice
the words had scared themselves into
his BRAIN
1t was a cold, almost curt note in
| which Jessie HOWE acknowledged the
honor he had done her in Offering to
make her his wife. an honor she de
clined, regretting that there had been
anything in their friendship to lead
him to believe that the friendship
might grow to greater intimacy.
Darlington smiled bitterly as he read
the last few lines. Surely he had had
every reason to hope for a favorable
answer to his letter. Jessie had beer
tenderness itself. With a sigh ht
thrust the letter into his pocket anG
turned to his small visitor.
~ regret, Thomas Henderson HOWE.
he said in the playful banter that hat
been suggested by the child's quain
dignity-"I regret that my pleasurabl,
anticipations of wild dissipation IL
soda water and candy in celebration
of an important event have been dash
ed to earth. But man turns to drinl
both TO express his joys and drown hi
sorrows. Therefore | pray you to de
scend with me to the drug store on tn
ground floor and assist me in the lat
ter ceremony. They have hot choco
late with whipped cream"
mo, thank you" said Tommy polite
ly. II don't want any soda"
Perhaps you prefer the stronge
4 tipple of beef tea?" suggested Dorring
Z ton. 1T is a cup that cheers withou
inebriety and can be rendered quit
I palatable If you use enough celery sal
] to disguise the flavor of the beef eS
I tract. Shall we gog'
II don't want to go with you," sal
Tommy. stolidly. Il don't like 20
{ any more. You make Jessie cry"
THAT" said Tom, lis what they ca
an inversion of facts. Your sister ha
made me cry"
'rm glad of it," said Tommy cruelty
"You made her cry lots"
You are sure?" asked Dorringto
Z quickly. 'She was crying over m
( ! letter?'
Z Lots" declared Tommy with
sweeping gesture that suggested
Z very flood of tears II went to be
! room to get her to sew the tail on N
Z dog again. She was crying awful.
! and she was kissing your letter an
Z saying things"
3l sDorringtOn moved closer to the DO.
4 you don't remember what she salt
! do your he pleaded gently. See
4 you can't think. Tommy. boy. Try har,
! laddie."
III Thomas Henderson HOWE knitte
! his brows thoughtfully and assiste
4 the mental process by solemnly wril
! Cling his right foot.
I'll 1T was something about a mea
. sacrifice" he said at last. Sacrifices