Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-01-31
Uhe Hrgus Daily Short Story
Wolf or Sheep?"-By J. Lud1um Lee.
Copyright, 1907, by C. H. Sutcline)

old and apt TO be easy going as to the
observance of rules. What can | do
for you. Miss Burk hart?"
Il came to pay my rent. Your agent
said if it wasn't paid today he would
dispossess US. You see, we had money
in the bank, but it was tied up and he !
wouldn't wait. He said, 'Them's my
orders Here is the money. Will you
give me a receipt. please:"
Il never authorized any agent to say
that. Miss Burkhart. and l tell you
what | wish you would do. Just put
that money back in that mysterious
pocket of yours and pay the rent when
it is perfectly convenient | promise
that you shall not be bothered by an
insolent collector any more. | will cali
for the rent myself-if l may" lie add
ed, with some hWtation. That col
lectOr of mine needs Il lesson"
1T would be so nice if | could keep
this money to pay the poor tradespeo
pie, if You do not mind. You see. only
part of our money is in that bank. and
the trust company has closed its doors
, too. Mothers pension never comes be-
fore the 18TH" said Lillian by way of
explanation.
Wont you let me drive you home
/ in my sleigh" Payne asked as she
rose to leave The streets are rather
, riotous these days with the bowling
| mob crying for their money" And
without waiting for her answer he put
, on his fur coat that hung on the door.
! You have quite persuaded yourself.
hope, that am not n thief?'' he added.
| "Oh, Mr.. Payne. how can | ever
| apologize sufficiently for my rudeness
! and at the same time thank you for
! your kindness? You know. was
! frightfully hungry. and standing in
line SO long had affected my brain.
fear. | seemed to feel that every one
! who looked at me wanted to steal that
money. And. oh. I'm SO delighted to
have that sleigh ride"'
| He tucked her in the sleigh, and off
they started down the busy streets,
then on to the outskirts of the village,
the longest way home. The ringing
sleigh bells. the clear, cold air and the
glorious sunlight filed them both with
life, and they chatted necessarily for
an hour, when they drove up to the
little cottage. Mrs. Burkhart waved
them u welcome from the window and
met Lillian at the door, beaming with
pleasure. 1t took some time TO tell the
mother how it happened, and the
mother was happy because Lillian
smiled and went about the house with
renewed energies. The landlord was
not such n terror after all.
Mr. Payne called several times that
month, always insisting that the rent
was not yet needed, and his daytime
visits generally meant a sleigh ride
over the hills and back to the open
fire. where they soon grew to be great
contidantS.
1t was the first day of another
month. and Mr.. Payne called that
evening Yes, he had come to collect
the rent this time. he answered as they
drew two easy chairs before the fire.
But mere money won't do he said
slyly as he drew little nearer to her
and took her hand in his. 81 want
you, little girl, TO be my wife. viii
you:' he pleaded.
Are you sure you love me-sure
you want me?' she said, with droop-
ing glance and flushed cheeks
Il am so sure, dear heart. that |
want nothing else in all the world but
you. And I'll try not to be such Il
cross husband as | am landlord.
Say Yes Lillian. and my life shall be
yours to do with as you WILL
YES, surely yes" Lillian murmured
as he drew her lovely head to his
shoulder and kissed the wavy locks
that would slip out Of bondage.