The Washington herald., 1909-08-08

wouldn't Ike TO so into partnership
would you2 I've got enough provisions for
week, and the ground re1t amt due
for two. Who knows bat we might make
Il go?"
Partners, That would be fine. Is
there a chance Of Uyln'?''
II we can get back the trade there's a
fine chance. I've got a little kitchen IN the
basement across the street. You could do
the cooNin' and I'd do the sellin'. It's
an a!l-night joint. you know"
He drew his chair nearer and began an
explanation Of the work. the outlay. the
chance Of return. Suddenly he STOPPED.
You don't even know my name; it's BIZ
Cushler. and any Of the grocers can tell
you I'm all right" His eyes rested on
her admiringly. and es fer you. your
looks is recommendation enough fer me.
I wish you'd call it a 60"
Without your even knowing my
name?'
I'm within"
Well. I'm not. ITS Rowe-Myrtls
Rowe Ny folks live near Griggston."
Not ole man Rowe that married the
wildly Simpson,"
She nodded. her lips parted in excite
ment
I used TO know her. 7 boarded with
her. l guess she drove you from home
about the most naggin woman I ever
see"
The girl did not deny or affirm his sur
mise It's better fer me TO be here.
she said simply. and If our business
succeeds III bring my little sister. too"
Yer sister. little tOw-head girl with
big blue eyesT'
Her own filled with tears. yes.
they're about as blue as any ever seen.
DO you know her?"
I seen her onct in Griggston when
your Pa was courtin' the WILDLY. Wen
have her here in a month. Don't ven
worry. Rowe & Cushler' sounds an
right don't it?'
feeble stream OF customers was he
ginning and with a shake Of his hand
the girl withdrew III begin In the
mornin', and you'd better throw awav
{ that coiIee- II amt so very good for the
business, she laughed.
Once in her chamber. Myrtle stood %
the window looking thoughtfulIy down
into the streets below. On every side the
city. houses. and stores sparkling with
lights. with here and there shadow
churches or empty school houses among
the trees, stretched away over the prairie.
Cars whirred and banged as they
cracked by below the fat carrying pleas
ure-seekers for evening rides. while cleo
trio signs flashed their messages with
automatic and cheerful persistence. as
the girl. her head on one firm white arm.
watched from the soft dusk OF her high
window the pulse of human life as il
throbbed below.
With a duh pain she looked al the
lights IN the distance where the trees
grew thick and thought of her life at
Mrs. Meeker's. She wondered If the Eng
lishman was there still. The memory OF
his kindness warmed her heart She
looked at the stores. the schools and the
library with eager plans for little Ruth.
shrinking. perhaps al that very hour.
from her stepmothers adrloniti0ns. And
then far below. with a laugh low and
triumphant, the girl from her window
saw the red lights of a wagon. adding
their cheer 10 the innumerable lights OF
the town. She thought Of the man with
gentle laughter. OF his clumsy efforts, his
tired. strained face. of his despair. which
she hoped 10 turn to happiness and sue
cess. The hopes for her own future and
for Ruth's UncOnsciOusly wove themselves
about this pathetic figure, including him.
too. IN all her vague dreams.
We'll, she murmered at last silently.
Il guess / can go 10 bed tonight and
rest. for I almost believe I've done what
! set out TO do. At least It begins 10
look that-a-way TO me-
tCguvrirhfl