Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-20

nified. young. wrapped in costly furs.
everything about her showing the per-
son who never lacked money or leisure;
the other. stout. jolly. elderly, comfort
able-a kindly and well to do woman.
The two had travelled miles and miles
side by side with not a word passed
between them.
Now both sat with eyes fixed on the
forlorn bit of humanity in front of
them. Suddenly the younger woman
opened her travelling bag and took
from it a soft gray shawl. 1t was at
least two yards long and half as wide
Folding 1t together. she touched the
little waif. saying in a low tone.
ISLAND up. my dear" The child obey
ed wonderingly. and this woman in
the costly furs placed the folded shawl
around the small shoulders, crossed it
in front and. bringing the ends to the
back. pinned them securely.
ut is yours to keep" she whispered
"a Christmas present" Then, turn
ing TO the woman at her side. she said
alphabetically. Il really did not need
: it NJ .Tself." There was a blink of tears
in her eyes.
well, now" the older woman ex-
claimed in admiration. you just set
me 10 thinkin'. I'm really ashamed
that didn't think of doing something
myself Here. I've got two pairs of
mitteus for my grandson-just about
her slze-in my hand bag, and he can't
wear out more than one pair this win
ter Besides. l can knit another. It's
nothing at all to knit mittens." She
was blsily undra wing the strings of an
enormous silk bag, but her glasses were
blurred. and her fingers were clumsy
with haste.
whats your name. little girl? Ka-
tie? Well. hold out your hands. Katie.
My. Aren't they good fit. There's an-
other Christmas present to keep. And
here's q frosted cake. Just eat it right
now. Is atie. Your grandma won't need
it. vita all those you've got in your
bundle"
The child again obeyed. She did not
say, "1hank you Possibly she did
not kncW how. but she seemed to glow
all over. and her eyes returned thanks
even if her timid lips did not.
I'm proud TO know you. my dear"
EOilN IOl9 WOhiuu Sehtn
now to the young lady, for she had
been saying to herself all the while:
You're the right sort. can see that"
"And l am proud TO know you" the
other res pended. almost shyly offering
her hand. which was quickly buried in
a big. wa:m grasp. I'VE all long TO be
of servi.e at Christmas time, you
know"
At that instant the man of the over
coat sauatered in to resume his seat.
He gave low whistle of surprise at
the happy little traveller next the win
dow. glanced at the two women and
comprehended the situation. His right
hand made quick dive into his trou-
sers pocket as if to get some money.
In another instant he withdrew it and
reached up to the rack overhead and
lifted down a large paper bundle. TAX
ing the bGndle across the aisle to an
empty seat. he opened 1t and took out
Il smaller package from among many
others. Untying this package. he
brought to light haXen haired doll
dressed in the latest style and respleDl
dent in a large picture hat. This he
placed in the little girls arms. saying.
From my little daughter. who would
rather you should have it," Then he
lifted bis hat courteously to the wom-
en-. took his overcoat on his arm and
strobe OF to find a seat elsewhere.
Rich little Katie