The Press., 1910-12-21

ing. Noon time found her at her own gate tugging the heavy basket con- taining the still active Ephraim. Her sister drew forward rocking chair in the porch and Louise fell into it's comfortable embrace.
 'sWhat is in the basketY' asked Amy. ''Ephraim."
 '4TeIl me about it-do," crowed Amy. Louise told her. q can't find per son who will make way with that cat for love or money, and believe Mrs. Beemer knew 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. "We 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 I 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 flew up. and with a spiteful hiss Ephraim dash ed out and scrambled up the black walnut tree over their astonished heads.
 'oThat impish Tommy Latimer must have united the cords" said Louise eo~uy I1uN orro1fner xuifh Billy over the basket-and gave them 50 cents too"
 Amy had picked up large stone and weighed it in her hand. T believe could hit that cat,'' she said viciously. eff can 1t will stun him-perhaps kill him." She shuddered slightly, aimed the missile carefully at the crouching Nphraim, 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.
 ''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- dignant countenance of MT. Rupert Ames. That young gentleman clutch ed one shoulder as If in pain.
 Over his head Ephraim crouched, splitting angrily 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 sec"
 "You must be very fond of him." ob- servd MT. Ames, drawing near to them. ''Im very sorry. l 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. 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 you"
 When Louis returned with the To- ton they told the story of Ephrailn and the slain broilers. Twill you kill the eat, Rupert?" thee pleaded tear fully.
 MT. Ames shook his head "I couldn't,' he said regretfully. You see, I'm superstitious, too, am," he l asserted in the face of their incredu- lous looks. II know if I killed that I cat and every one of his nine lives were extinguished-wh I'd never have a chance Of marrying Amy after ahg'
 Louise smiled, and the swift color came to AIny's cheeks. That was all settled six months ago." she said cold ly. "I'm going to be m independent business woman and
 Every good" said MT. Ames crisply T must be running along, now. My motors down the road piece-had 2 breakdown, you know, and just thought I'd drop in and see you. Hope you get the best of Ephraim."
 Louise disappeared into the house and Amy's face lost its color. 'TheI you won't kill EphraimY' she faltered
 "I cannot, Amy, but I'll tell you how you can get rid of him, Just marry 1 me and give up this notion of poultry raising. Louise is dying to get back tC town, and want you-I need you. Lel Ephraim shift for himself"
 "You merely happened in here, YoU had a breakdown" said Amy severely
 My resolution not to see you broke down." confessed Rupert, drawing heI into his arms. For my part. it's grea good luck not to kill cat, eh, Eph raimT'
 But the cat. taking advantage O1 lovers meeting was merely a pale gray streak headed fer the welcoming arms of the Widow Reamer