Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-04-29
Number
500
ne Saved a Child and Lost
His OtOn WorIbIsSF
Life.
BY EUNICE UNDERWOOD
Copyright. lSOy. by American Press
Association
BY HUNlcE UNDERWOOD


The morning was very pleasant. but
so fur all the mornings had been pleas
ant al this delightful out of the way
resort Mrs Bradford drew long
breath as she descended the hotel
steps. Her physician Ind certainly
been right when he recommended
change of climate. Already she began
TO feel the influence of the mild air
aud the long days spent out OF doors
As she reached the sidewalk she paused
with a questioning smile.
where to, Mildred?" she asked.
The little girl who was skipping
along by her side looked up brightly.
The plaza. Of course. mamma. You
can read. and will play. This after
noon well 70 down on the beach"
The street was very quiet-an oc-
caslonal dray with Its load OF trunks
and baggage and here and there
group of pleasure seekers on their way
to the plaza or the beach; overhead
the direction Of the plaza came
slight breeze which was laden with
perfume of orange blossoms and the
saltiness OF the bay which glistened
beyond the trees.
As they reached the corner a keen
newsboy darted across the street, and
his shrewd face broadened into grin
when bis customer smillngy refused
) tbs. change he offered.
Through the openings In the trees
they could see the white sails Of pleas
ure bonts on the bay and beyond these
the green shore of Promontory point.
Near the extreme end OF the point rose
the tall white buildings Of the state
penitentiary Mrs. Bradford shlvered
d little as she saw them. The grim
buildings seemed out Of place In this
quiet winter resort.
II was not far to the plaza, but when
they reached It they found that most
of the settees were already occupied.
They walked down one Of the side
paths and came back by the fountain.
As they did 80 Mildred turned sud
denly.
There's seat that's most all emp
IT," she whispered eagerly
1t was little on the path and half
hidden by the low branches of live
oak Az they approached Mrs. Brad
ford noticed that It's only occupant
was u tall young man whose face look
ed strangely white aud eager. lie
watched them curiOusly as they sat
down. and bis lips parted IN friendly
smile. Then. rs though conscious OF
improperly. he got up and begun to
walk buck and forth uneasly. For q
time Mrs. Bradford scarcely noticed
him. then something peculiar about
his step caused her TO raise her eyes
from the book she was reading. The
young man seemed TO have forgotten
their presence and was walking back
and forth with bowed head. Every
few seconds he wheeled sharply and
retraced his steps.
Mrs Bradford noticed with curious
wonder that he always wheeled at eX-
actly the same points Then she saw
that his left foot dragged behind the
other MS though 1t carried heavy
weight. AT first she thought he was
lame, but even while she was COM
passionating him he raised his head
with a quick. startled movement, and
for time the lameness disappeared
and the walk was extended to the
end OF the path.
Then his head once more sank upon
his breast, the short turns were re-
sumed. and the left foot again began
its weary. dragging motion. Appar
emily he was conscious OF his weak
ness. for several times she saw him
recover himself impatieDtly and glance
sharply around.
Overhead the knocking birds were
calling TO each other. and something
In their notes seemed to arouse him
from his reverle. Presently he stop
ped beneath the tree and glanced up
with rapt expression on his face.
Mrs. Bradford saw 1t. and her eyes
softened
you like the blrdsY she said pleas
antly.
fused TO-" he replied hesItatlngly
Then, noticing the surprise III her
face. he added alphabetically: Il
haven't seen any before for most ten
years. They seem sort OF strange"
He stood still for a moment with the
color deepening on his sallow cheeks;
then he slouched forward and threw
himself on the grass at the foot Of the
tree. Mrs, Bradford gazed at him curl
ously for q moment and then returned
TO her book.
Out In the path Mildred was play
ing with her ball. At length II struck
a limb and bounded toward the young
man. He picked II mp eagerly and half
rose to his feet; but. seeing the fright.
ened look on her face, he tossed 1t back
and resumed his slouchlng position on
the grass.
After awhile the ball again rolled TO
his feet. This time he did not OFFER
to return II. Az Mildred approached
he looked up. with a smile.
''The covers coming on your ball."
he said pleasantly. III you'll let me
i'll fx IT, know how"
But mamma said ia have to take
II to a shoemaker" she answered
doubtfully. "Leatber's awful hard 10
sew"
"Not II you have things to work