Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-10-11
DAILY SHORT STORIES

owed by the curious Billy and trailed
by the remaining Latimers. they sought
Peter Swanson. the blacksmith.
| Il couldn't kill no cat. MISS" snid
Peter alphabetically, when louise had
told her story. They tell me It brings
bad luck. Yust now 1 can't afford no
bad times. Maybe the Eyetallans I'm
the Holler might som
Louise sought the Italian settlement
in the Hollow. Pietro Roncaglia
arerred that Ephraim possessed the,
evil eye and crossed his brown llngers
shudderingly. Even the rafting crisp
ness OF greenbacks failed TO break his
resolution.
Old Abraham Johnson's black face
expressed mingled greed and alarm
when approached by louise md her
funercsli train He gazcd longingly at
the money and then clutched the VOC.
doc charm that hung about his throat.
81 hate to dis'pint yo'. Miss Loucy.
honey, but II am pow'ful bud luck to
kin a cat. De berry debbil's In dat
Ephraim. Folks say he's dc rccar-
nival oh ole Eph Beemer. hisself.
need de money right bad, too. hiss
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.
tanning the still active Ephraim. Her
sister drew forward rocking chair
In the porch and Louise fell into its
comfortable embrace.
what Is In the basket? 2" asked Amy.
''Ephraim.
Tell me about lido" crowed Amy.
Louise told her. IL can't find Il per-
son who will make way with that cnt
for love or money. and believe Mrs.
Beemer knew 1 couldn't-shc gave
Ephraim into my hands almost too
willingly" she ended plaintively. II
didn't realize that Intelligent people
could be SO silly and superstitoR."e
I'VE must dispose OF the eat our
selves. then" said Amy firmly. I'VE
are not supcrstitious.
No. we are not. but It's horrible 10
l:ill anything like that. you know. III
go out this afternoon and see If can't
nnd some boy who will do It, They
can't all be fools"
the doomed cat swayed violently on
the grass where Louise had dropped
her burden; then the cover few UP.
and with II spiteful hiss Ephraim dash
ell out and scrambled M the blacl;
walnut tree over their astonished
heads. i1''i
THAT impish Tommy I.atlmer must
have united the cords" said Louise
bitterly. 81 saw him quarreling with
Billy over the basket--and gave them
30 cents too" 'i ih
Amy had picked up a large stone and
weighed IL I'm her hand ~ believe
| could hit that cat" she said Ficiously.
IF can IL 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 groan. After that, silence.
81 believe / 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 Mr.. Rupert
Ames. That young gentleman clutch
cd one shoulder as IL I'm pain.
Over his head Ephraim crOuched,
splitting angrily and sharpening his
claws on the rough branch TO which
he chung.
did / strike you, Rupertf" demand
ed Amy penitently. IL was trying TO
hit the cat. you see"
you must be very fond Of him." OBJ
servd Mr. Ames, drawing near TO them.
I'm very sorry. 1 hope you are not
badly hurt. Fetch the witch hazel,
please. Louise" Amy let her hand
rest i'm Ruperts close clasp longer than
he had dared hope. eve hardly cx-
pected to see YOU" she added pointed
ly.
II felt that you needed me-" lied Mr..
Ames cbeerfully. MY inner conscious
ness told me you were I'm trouble Of
some sort and required masculine as.
sistance. what can do for ycuF"
When Louis returned with the 10
ton they told the story Of Ephraim
and the slain brollers. "Win sou XII
thr cat. Rupert" they pleaded tear
fully
Mr.. Ames shook his head. Il
couldn't" he said regretfully you
zee. I'm suptrsiiiious. too. am" be
asserted I'm the face OF their incredu.
l5us looks. II know If Killed that
cat and every one Of his nine lives
were extinguishe1--wh why. I'd never
have a chance Of marrying Amy after
an"
Louise smiled. and the swift color
came 90 Amy's checks THAT was All
settled SIX months ago. she said cold
iy I'm going 10 bc mn independent
business woman and
VERY good" said Mr.. Amos orleuIv