The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-06
THE EVENING STORY
The Best Man

warm ana too glorious to spend in
vlsiCng round of stuffy offices. He
would make holiday OF It, and let
business wait until tomorrow
An inspiration seized him. and after
some search through the various COM
partments of his leather wallet, he
drew out dingy visiting caro-.
I'm, he unused. That's funny
was sure had his address. Richard
Mallonsy.' that's all it says, though.
that's sure"
He put the card back thouehtfully.
It was something about Washing
ton." he reflected
But the something" had eluded him
impishly. He drew a map out of his
pocket and studied 1t carefully, With
an air of triumph he at length pounced
upon the words mount Vernon" He
Should he consult a telephone direc-
tory? What was the use? It would
be more fun to give Dick a surprise.
Dick was just the kind of fellow to
enjoy the unexpected. On the way
pleasant "reminiscences OF college days,
when he and Dick had been such jolly
good chums. Was it possible a whole
ten years had gone since they had
seen each other?
But Dicks all right he solilo-
quized.
TITS great thing to be sure of a
welcome. He'll be Just as glad to
see me as will -"
Mount Vermont" shouted the con-
ductor, and Amidon got off hurriedly.
"Can you tell me where Mr.. Richard
Malloney lives?" he asked the first
person he happened to run into at the
station. Before the person addressed
had time to reply. six-year-old boy
at can"
rs that so?" returned Amidon gen.
tally. well. suppose you show me
then. Will your
to lead the way Importantly. When
he came to the end Of the station plat
form he stopped beside a shining au-
tomobile.
Get in." he said to Amidon hospit-
ably
Amidon hesitated.
Why thank you, young man." he
replied. You are very kind. but If
you'll just be good enough to tell me
where Mr.. Malloney lives. I'll walk
there"
"But we're going right there" per-
sisted Amidon's personal CONDUCTOR.
Mr.. Richard Malloney is my father.
I'm Richard Malioney, Jr.. you know
In spite Of his amazement Amidon
was alert enough to be conscious Of
the chauffeur's silent chuckling. Rich
ard Malloney, Jr., was proving a most
Unexpectedly sprightly pilot. 1t might
be we'll, before committing ones self
t,
a few definite questions. So Amrdon
addressed the amusing chauffeur.
II arrived from town on this last
train he stated. "Can you tell me If
Mr.. Malloney is at homer
Very sorry, SIR" returned the chat
feur cfvilly. Hes Just started in town
himself"
'And-Mrs Malloney?'
"She went with him, SIR"
Amfdon reflected a moment.
10 r.
loney, Jr.
Amidon's face lighted instantly. Bar
bara-that was Dicks sister, OF course.
He remembered-but this was no time
for "reminiscences.
els she. indeed?" he exclaimed jov-
tally '"Then / will run out" and he
jumped in beside Richard.
Lets see." he unused, hardly con-
scious that he spoke. chow old must
"About thirty" Richard suggested.
Amiddn glanced at the chauffeur.
He was quite sure he was chuckling
again.
"It doesn't seem possible"
"She's grown up awful fast" Rich
ard commented. "She was only just
girl when she went away to school.
but now she does her hair up and
stays up evenings. wish was thir-
| ty."
This yearning was accompanied by
very genuine sigh, but Amidon had
quite forgotten to listen to the child's
prattle. His own thoughts were more
absorbing.
Had he or had he not met Dicks
sister? So many fellows at college had
sisters! If so, what had she looked
like? She must have been very young
and to think Of Dicks being married
and never letting him know! More than
that, to think OF there being Rich-
a ~ Ma1Ionav Ir
"Here we are!" exclaimed the boy,
land there's Barbara on the porch.
Hoo-oo!"
Barbara came to the top Of the steps
looking at Amidon curiously.
AS for Amidon. he was seized with a
panic of misgivings. Surely, II he had
ever in his life seen that girl. no mat
ter how many years ago, he would new
er have forgotten her.
But he must say something, for
Young Richard had already climbed out
Of the machine and announced: Here's
| a man to SEQ you, Barbara"-an intro
duction that certainly needed elucidat-
| ing.
Il am John Amidon.' he stated simp-
,v standing below her. with hat In
hand. sYour brother and were friends
| at college. hoped to find him here .
To his establishment. Barbara burst
| out laughing. revealing two very neau-
| fifrl dinDl68 III uSI SiO"AA9 SAASS@S. 80 -
rarnvered herself with evident e1ort.
1T beg your pardon. Mr.. Amidon.
There must be some mistake. You see.
this is NV only brother" she said as
she lifted Richard, Jr. off his feet al. and
then let him DOW sdaa aguin tickied that
young mans fancy. ,,.,,~
wen. It couldn't have been your
father!' ventured Amidon.
At the absurdity OF this suggestion
BARBARA and John both laughed neart-
he Then barbara had an idea
ny. x1y.v ~ course. you mean Cousin
TicE. Are you a Harvard mani?
John nodded :" 49, he informed her;
Glow stupid Of me not TO nave
thought Of that at once!' Barn ses