Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1908-07-02

n0Sl SoLoIaAt uSoOS1dlOu WHICH ell.
deared Peters to the major portion of
the family. 1t might have been his big,
handsome self, his wholesome good ma
ture, coupled with a logged patience
in waiting for Kate. that was subtly
bringing the girl to q realization Of his
enduring devotion. This change of es-
cort, therefore, on the day of all days
for an outing naturally aroused curl
osity.
Rates days were passed in a big
department store. Many persons stop
ped at her counter and made pur-
chases. Some were fine people. and
from snatches Of their conversation she
cleaned mental visions Of their luxuri-
u mode of living. Frequently she
looked out GENEROUSLY on to their beau
tiful plane of life.
She often wondered how people get
rich.
But today she vas for once to be "a
real swell lady," as Susie Mullins had
expressed it.
Nov, look a-here, yez two" inter-
rupted Hates mother, coming to the
girls assistance at the breakfast table.
"Kate's goin' to Coney wild Susie Null
Inns an two rale gintlemen as has axed
the gir-ruls, an thin as has autimo-
heels too. Shure, If she wants to be
a-goin' wild quality instid av the loikes
av Mike Peters-an' I'm sayin' nothin'
again Mike, ayther. God bless him
why can't she?"
The question at issue seemed con-
vincingly answered with a strong in
timation that no further discussion
was desired. The meal was finished
peacefully, but not without some in
ward resentment on the part Of Hates
father over the seemingly unwarranted
~sidetracking of Peters.
Later a gay little automobile party
sped swiftly through the city streets,
across the river, over vast stretches of
lowlands and on to the fantastic wood
en- city by the sea.
1t was a still gayer little party as it
INDUCED in the pleasures and revels OF
the place. The light heartedness of
youth made the day one Of %irresponsi-
bflities and freedom, and the %cloudless
sky and the life giving sea breezes
were in accord with the blissful mood
and high spirits Of the merrymakers.
Not even a passing thought was Civ
en- to the unconventional circum-
stances Of their meeting.
Paul Ricard, chauffeur for an uptown
garage, made some purchases Of Kate
one day.
"She is very pretty" said Ricard to
himself as he noticed her delicate fea-
lures, crowned by auburn hair.
When she looked up to more clearly
catch the address he was giving for
the delivery of his purchases he saw
that her eyes We're Of a deep blue, and
there vas a hidden laugh in them.
He smiled at her boldly with his great
brown eyes.
The little flush, scarcely %perceptible
and the slight parting Of the lips tele.
graphed to Ricard his victory.
He found other occasions upon which
to visit the store, never forgetting tc
pass Hates way. An acquaintance fol.
lowed, into which Susie Mullins was
introduced, and the Fourth of July trip
was planned.
may invite my friend Mathot?" he
asked.
"sure!" chimed the girls unhesitat
ingly.
by the 1attering attentions of Ricard
He was tall and handsome, 1.-the, dark
and had winning features.
Mike Peters became merely an occa.
sional thought.
1t was evening at Coney Island. The
little party had dined Oh the balcony
Of a big hotel. The quieting influence
Of twilight had hushed their irrespon.
sible chatter, and they sat dreamily
watching the shifting scene before
them.
The ocean sighed and broke softly
on the gray sandy beach.
In the distance the lighthouses flash.
ed their warnings to ships plying theil
lonely ways yer the dark waters.
Away off at the horizon the big moor
overwhelmingly, so it seemed. fol
a continuous performer-then, reassur
ed by the long silvery reflection upor
the waves. rose bravely to the occa
sion.
Kate was as if charmed.
Ricard sat complacently smoking. his
eyes feasting on the changing beaut!
Of the girls face.
Susie and Mathot strolled away.
Then the witch Of fire appeared.
Little lines Of white light shone out
moving indefinitely about like illumi
mated snakes. They reached upward
outward and encircling; they outlined
buildings; they crept high. leaving no
BILE towers; they wrought stirring EN-
blems commemorative Of the day; they
lighted the highways; they pointed t.
the sc%intillating places for the night.
revels, and they traced great pier
stretching far into the sea.
Coney was depicted in exquisite sill
houette.
Suddenly the air was filled with fam
buoyant glory.
Myriads Of explosives shot skywart
up. up, swiftly at first, with kissing
sounds. High in the heavens they fal