The San Francisco call., 1910-10-30

up among the dim. sun -softened dis
tances beyond the trees-if it should
ppove not TO be the old gentleInan's
house, surely would never mind one
little boys sharing the beauty And
the sunrays dimpling the cool shade
were so alluring, and the soft grass.
all sunny green. so enticing, that
Bobby. seeing no obstacle, roamed
on.
Suddenly he stopped short and gave
a little gasp. The Whispering trees
had drawn him on; the iuttering sun
beams had .lured him, unconseiously.
away from the shady drive. His
sturdy feet sank deep In soft grass.
the rustling leaves above him dropped
quivering shadows on bright flower
heads, noddtng gayiy sweet through
the drowsy summer air. For one
heeting instant Bobby forgot his
quest, and lost himself in the joy of
his surroundingsA Then he ,remem-
bered. and with eager eyes trudged
forward. great rose of ruby red
ness hung like glowing heart on a
tall bush, and as Bobby raised his
head from delicious draught of its
sweetness, he gave a joyous startled
cry-for there t wasi The very thing
Itself! Under low-hanging trees. on
rocky. moss-patched bank 1t gilt
tered. With stumbling steps. he push
ed on, and halted. breathiess, as he
came. face to face with an old man
sitting on garden seat under an
arching tree. 1t needed no second
10 chA
the man he enught With quick
friendliness the old gentleman smiled
and then recognition dawned in his
dark eyes, too. He held out one hand
to Bobby. Why. this is my little
friend. isn't it?' he asked kindly.
Won't you sit DOWN."
But Bobby. after brief, doubtful
smile, turned eagerly toward what
was TO him now of macn more inn
portance than a friendly greeting
that ina glittering treasure there among
cried, isn't it beautiful"
His new friend rose and followed
him, amused, interested, and paused
'oh. the fountain?' he asked. as Bohbv
Yes: it is pretty' yves
.. Why. its the Fountain of Youth, isn't
gaze wandered to the place and resta5
there Among the green stones stool =
chubby cupid with smoothly ro,Indad
limbs. and curly, childish head. At his
1eet bronze water lilies moss groyvn
and darkly green, gave forth from their
flower hearts family thin sprays Of
sparkling water, which flashed up into
tne sunshine, caught the soft light and
petals. And the cupid. with arching
bow and slender arrow, stood in the
midst and drew the bow with baby>
might at the scintillating drops as thev
flashed and fell. Among the wet lilies
and over the mossy stones clamhered
witching roses, delicately pink. lifting
sweet faces to the fine spray from the
fountains dashings. Bobby stood quite
still. his little hand clinging tightly to
that Of the old man, his ewes wide and
dark and his face lighted with happy
assurance. tOht" he breathed joyfully.
And l thought it was SO far away.
And it can MAKE people young?" he
questioned eagerly.
1t has already kept them from grow
Ing old" was the smiling answer.
Tne boy gazed rapturously at the baby
archer and his targets of smiling water
drops. Then he turned to the old man.
But you live right here by it." he said.
and you aren't young. Why do you
ssDo I lcok old?" asked the old man.
smiling: Sometimes 1 feel quite
young"
well, your hairs white" said Bobby.
My white hair, little boy. Is badge"
answered his friend, gravely; "a badge