Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-11

the attraction generalized Ella, evad-
ing the personal equation.
Il hadn't thought much about 1t, to
tell the truth Till saw you Scui.iea up
comfortably. here in the shade. I think
III follow yonr lead. Miss Mardeli.'
wherenpon. without so much as adding
| "hy your leave" the newcomer dis
posed himself indolently ON the yelvety
turf beside her.
Ella .frowned, but her companion was
oblivious.
Made good score today, Miss Mar
den 2.
Fair" replied Ella listlessly, until
lost my ball" Then. with a sudden
animation, II suppose it would be ask
ing too much of you. Mr.. lBrayton. to
hunt a bit for it:''
Mr.. Brayton rose CALAMITY.
.Most certainly not" he assured her.
"yvhere did you lose itg9
With n vague gesture Ella indicated
the woods back of them. and Brayton
started forth good naturedly
..There," breatEcd Ella, at last pull
ing off the torturing boot. What re-
! lief! Now I'll investigate"
| She thrust her hand into the Loot.
drawing it out again Immediately with
little Cry of pain. She had cut her
| finger somehow, and it was bleeding.
| A familiar whistle caused her to look
F. up Lyndon West was coming toward
her rapidly. There was no time to
mead matters. Ella wrapped her hand
! kerchief hastily around her wounded
finger and thrust the offending boot
beneath her skirt
! well, here | am again. sang out
Lyndon. 'Eeen lonelyT' ~
Haven't had chance" laughed
| Ella. Everybody that's passed felt
called upon to sit down and keep me
| company
/ Il don't WONDER" was Lyndon
frankly admirinG comment.
Not one of them,'' announced Ella
condemningly, had the sense to see
that l wanted 10 be by myself-to rest
You are either exceptionally percep
tive. Mr.. West, or exceptionally cal
lous.''
West. who had thrown himself wea
rily down on the grass, looked up in
| time TO catch the mischief in Elias
sparkling eyes
Il ain exceptionally perceptive." hi
affirmed laughingly. Il knew yor
didn't want me to stay" .4ss
.'But you are quite sure l am GLAD
you are back" she leased.
Whatever Lyndon had in mind to re
ply was not spoken.
Jump he shouted excitedly. "A
balls coming
Ella grasped his hand and sprang VI
just as a swiftly driven bali brushed
by her skirt Then, still holding Lyn
don's hand, she hoped on one foot t.
u nearby stump.
1T struck YOU gasped Lyndon
.'You are hurt. Where?"
Ella, convulsed. raised her handker
chief to her face.
1T is your bandit is bleeding" h
exclaimed. Let me see it! though
it was your foot" $50
At this dramatic moment Stearns ap
peared s7ith glass of water.
I'm sorry | was so long, Miss Maj
den," he began alphabetically,
West snatched the glass from him.
{. you We're miraculously quick" h
said gratefully. Here, Miss Marden,
. ne began. drink this"
But Ella. who was apparently sob
bing, could not be induced to lift he
face from her handkerchief.
: "Just leave her to me, Stearns.
urged West She'll be all right in
few minutes. And thanks ever s
much. old man."
Stearns, utterly flabbergasted, bu
well aware that he was quite de troI
walked slowly off.
Hot upon the heels of his involur
tary retreat Brayton doomed into view
Here's the ball, Miss Marden," b
. ! called VIGOROUSLY.
WHO cares about the ball?'' snappe
Lyndon. Go find the one who sent
if you want TO make yourself usefulr'
'Well, what's the matter with you T?
demanded the angered Brayton-
At this climax Ella lifted her fac,
1t was certainly whether wit
: weeping Lyndon West was a bit