The Press., 1910-03-09
Number
 3O6 ffe -S;oDed a CbrEd and Lof1 E1Ss OsOn Wor1bIess
 Life. By EUNIcE UNDERWOOD Copyright. l9OY. by American Press
By EUNIcE UNDERWOOD

EGSOFL. MFS. ETdu4Otu OESWf a EOu8 breath as she descended the% hotel steps. Her physician had certainly been right when he recommended a change of climate. Already she began to feel the influence of the lnildf air and 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 l will play. This after noon we'll go down on the beach"
 The street was very quiet-an ; Oc-' casional dray with it's load of trunks. and baggage and here and there a group of pleasure seekers on their way to the plaza or the beach: overhead few buzzards circled about. and from the direction of the plaza came a 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 his customer smilingly refused the change he offered. *s G=
 Through the openings tn the. trees they could see the white sails of pleas uFe boats on the hay and beyond these the green shore of PrOmOntOry point. Near the extreme end of the point rose the tall white buildings of the state peuitentiary. Mrs, Bradford shivPred little as she saw them. The grim buildings seemed out of place in this quiet winter resort.
 It was not far to the plaza. but when they reached it they found that most of the sPttees were already occupied. They walked down one lOf the side paths and came back hy the fountain. As they did so Mildred turned, sud- denly.
 "There's q seat that's most all emp ty," she whispered eagerly.
 It was little of the path and half hidden by the low branches of a74tve oak As they approached Mrs. Brad ford noticed that its only Mc1lpant was a tall young man whose face look ed strangely white and eager. He watched them curiOMsly as they sat down. and his lips parted iII friendly. smile. Then. as though conscious of ImprOpriety. he got up and began to walk back and forth unpaSily. For a time Airs. 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. es:Ge
 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 as though it carried a heavy weight. At first she thought be was lame, but even while she was com passiOpating hiW be raised his head with z quick, startled movement. and for a time the IaMeness disappeared and the walk was extended to the end of the path.
 Then bis head once more sank upon his breast. the short turns were re- sumed. and The left foot again began its weary. dragging motion. Appar- entity he was conscious of his weak ness. for several times she saw him recover himself impatiently and glance sharply around.
 Overhead the nOcking birds were calling to each other. and something in their notes seemed to arouse him from his reverie. Presently he stop ped beneath the tree and glanced up with a rapt expression on bis face. Mrs. Bradford saw 1t. and her eyes softeued.
 ''You like the birdsy'' she said pleas antly.
 ''I-used to- he replied hesitatmgly. Then, noticing lhe surprise in her. face. he added apOiogerically: ''l haven't seen any before for most ten years. They seem sort of Strangey' He stood Stiil for moment with the color deepening on his saiIOw ( heeks; then he sIOuehed forward and threw himself Op the grass at The foot of the5 tree. Mrs, Bradford gaZed at hinIcuri- ouSly for a moment and then returned to her book
 Out In thP path Mildred was play ing with her ball. At length it struck limb and bounded toward the young man. He picked 1t up eagerly and half rose to his feet: put. seeing the fright ened look on her face. he tossed 1t back and resumed his slouching position on the grass. ..,..,s. .as :.
 After awhile the lMll again rolled to his feet. lniS time ne aid not 0ffer to return 1t. Az Mildred approached he looked up, with a smile. ~3 f1
 ''The covers coming off your ball." he said pleasantly. If you'll let noe I'll fix 1t. know how"
 ''But mamma said I'd have to take 1t to a shoemaker" she answered dOubtfully. ''I4eather's awful hard to sew.''
 'No If you have things to work with." he said quietly. See here. Taking small package from his pock, ct. he opened 1t and showed her sew eral curious needles and some course. shining thread.
 ''They gave them to me when left the-the place where learned my trade" he said in a low voice. Fl don't suppose shall ever use them. My folks will not let me do that. But shall always keep them near me. Some time ] may need advice. and this little package will be able to tell me 2 great many things-a great many sad things which you will never under stand. little one" he dded.gentiy.
 Mildred gazed at him wonderingly. but as she saw the skilled fingers draw the leather over the ball and fasten 1t securely in place her look of wonder changed to one of pleasure.
 ''Pm ever so much obliged.'' she said gratefully. .l'd hate awfuIly to iCse the ball. Grandpa gave it to me-" She