Bisbee daily review., 1910-11-11

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 "I couldn't kill no cat. miss." said Peter apoiogeticaliy. when Louise had told her story. They tell me 1t brings bad luck. Yust now I can't afford no bad times. Maybe the Eyetaiians in the Holies might
 Louise sczght the Italian settlement in the Hollow. Pietro Rcncagiia averred that Ephraim possessed the evil eye and crossed his brown fingers shudderingly. Even the rattling crisp ness of greenbacks failed to break his resolution.
 Old Abraham Johnson's black face expressed mingled greed and alarm when approached by Louise and her funereal train. He ga1ed longingiy at the money and then clutched the VOC doc charm that hung about his throat.
 "I hate to dis'pint yo'. Miss Louey, honey, but it am pow'ful bad luck to kill cat. De bery debbirs in dat NEphraim. Folks say he's de recar- nival ob ole Eph Beemer. hisself! I need de money right bad, too, miss tank you, honey"
 These were examples of the various interviews that Louise held that morn ing. Noon time found her at her own gate tugging the heavy basket con taining the still active Ephraim. Her sister drew forward a rocking chair in the porch and Louise fell into it's comfortable embrace.
 What is in the basket?" asked Amy.
 "Ephraim.'
 "Tell me about it--do,- crowed Amy
 Louise told her. 'I can't find a per son who will make way with that cat for love or money, and I believe Mrs. Beemer knew I couldn't-she gave Ephraim into my hands almost too willingly" she ended plaintively. 'I didn't realize that intelligent people could be so silly and superstitious."
 We must dispose of the cat our selves, then" said Amy firmly. I've are not superstitious."
 "No, 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 au be fools"
 At that instant the basket containing the doomed cat swaycd violently on the grass where Louise had dropped her burden; then the cover flew up. 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. Il saw him quarreiing with Billy over the basket-and gave them J0 cents too"
 Amy had picked up a large stone and weighed it in her hand. 'I believe l 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 groap. After that, silence.
 "I believe I killed him." moaned Amy.
 You certainly came very near it.. said an exasperated masculine voice, and the sisters turned to view the in dlgnant countenance of Mr. Rupert Ames. That young gentleman clutch ed one shoulder as if in pain.
 Over his head Ephraim crouehed. splitting sngrily and sharpening his claws on the rough branch to which he clung.
 Did I strike you, Rupert?" demand ed Amy penitently. "I was trying to hit the cat, you see"
 You must be very fond of him." ob- seryd MT. Ames. drawing near to them.
 I'm very sorry. l hope you are not please. Louise" Amy let her hand rest in Rupert's close clasp longer than he had dared hope. We hardly ex- pected to see you" she added pointed ly.
 'I felt that you needed me-" lied Mir Ames cheerfully. My inner conscious ness told me you were in trouble of some sort and required masculine as sistance. What can I do for your"
 When Louis returned with the To- ton they told the story of Ephraim and the slain broIlers. twill you Kill the eat, Rupert?" they pleaded tear fully.
 Mfr. Ames shook his head "I couldn't he said regretfully. You see. I'm superstitious, too, I am," he asserted in the face of their incredu- Ious looks. 'I know if I killed that cat and every one of his nine lives were extinguished-why, I'd never have chance of marrying Amy after aIir
 Louise smiled, and the swift color came to Amy's checks. That was all settled six months ago. she said cold lS. I'm going to be m independent bulsness woman and'-
 "yery good" said Mfr. Ames cr;sply. T must be running along. now. My motors down the road a piece-had a breakdown. you know, and just thought I'd drop in and see you Hope yoc get the best of Epbraim"
 Louise disappeared into the house.