Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-10-17

Ephraim into my hands almost too
willingly" she ended plaintively. 81
didn't realize that intelligent people
could be so silly and superstitious."
I'VE must dispose of the cat our
selves, then" said Amy firmly. I'VE
are not superstitious."
mo, we are not. but it's horrible to
kill anything like that, you know. I'll
go out this afternoon and see If can't
find some boy who will do it. They
can't all be fools"
At that instant the basket containing
the doomed cat swayed violently on
the grass where Louise had dropped
her burden: then the cover few up.
and with Spiteful hiss Ephraim dash
ed out and scrambled up the black
walnut tree over their astonished
heads.
THAT impish Tommy Latimer must
have united the. cords" said Louise
bitterly. ~ saw him quarreling with
Billy over the basket-and gave them
30 cents too
Amy had picked up a large stone and
weighed 1t in her hand. 81 believe /
could hit that cat" she said viciously.
'If can It will stun him-perhaps kill
him" She shuddered slightly. aimed
the missile carefully at the crouching
Ephraim, threw the stone and turned
her back. Louise had closed her eyes
tightly.
They heard the stone crash through
the branches and then there followed
slight groan. After that, silence.
81 believe / killed him." moaned
Amy.
You certainly came very near it."
said an exasperated masculine voice,
and the sisters turned TO view the In
dignant countenance Of Mr.. Rupert
Ames. That young gentleman clutch
ed one shoulder as II in pain
Over his head Ephraim croucAed,
splitting angrily and sharpening his
claws on the rough branch TO which
he chung.
ibid strike you, Rupert" demand
ed Amy penitently. II was trying to
hit the cat. you see"
"You must be very fond of him." OBJ
servd Mr.. Ames. drawing near to them.
I'm very sorry. hope you are not
badly hurt Fetch the witch hazel.
please, Louise" Amy let her hand
rest in Rupert's close clasp longer than
he had dared hope. I'VE hardly ex-
pected to see you" she added pointed
~.
81 felt that you needed me-" lied Mr..
Ames cheerfully. my inner conscious
ness told me you were in trouble Of
some sort and required masculine as
sistance. What can 1 do for you"
When Louis returned with the To-
t1on they told the story of Ephraim
and the slain broilers. "Will you kill
the cat, Rupert?" they pleaded tear
fully.
Mr.. Ames shook bis head. 81
couldn't" he said regretfully. "You
see. I'm superstitious, too. / am" he
| asserted In the face of their incredu-
Ious looks. II know if 1 killed that
cat and every one of his nine lives
were extinguished-why. I'd never
have a chance of marrying Amy after
| allp'
Louise smiled, and the swift color
came to Amy's cheeks. THAT was all
settled six months ago" she said cold
| Iy. I'm going to be nm independent
business woman and
VERY coed" said Mr. Ames crisply.
IT must be running along. now. My
motors down the road a piece-hll n
breakdown. you know, and Just
thought Ia drop in and see you. Hope
| you get the best Of Ephraim."
Louise disappeared into the house.
and Amy's face lost its color. "Ther
you won't kill Ephraimf" she faltered
| 81 cannot. Amy. but I'll tell you how
| you can get rid Of him. lust marry
me ana give up this notion OF poultry
raising. Louioc l.: dying to get back t.
| town. and want you-I need you. Let
Ephraim shift for himself"
"You merely happened in here. You
had a breakdown" snid Amy severely
MY resolution not 10 see you broke
down" confessed Rupert. drawing hei
into his arms For my part. it's great
good luck not TO Kill q cat, ell, Eph
raim?"
But the cat, taking advantage Of
lovers meeting. was merely n pale gray
streak headed for the welcoming arms
Of the Widow Beemer.