Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-11-15

told her story. They tell ME it brings
bad luck. Yust now / can't AFFORD mo-
bad times. Maybe the Eyetalians In
the Holler might
Louise sought the Italian settlements
I'm the Hollow. pietro Roncaglia
averred that Ephraim possessed the
evil eve and crossed his brown fingers
shudderlngly. Even the rafting crisp
ness of greenbacks failed 10 break his
resolution.
old Abraham Iohnsons black face
expressed mingled greed aIi alarm
when approached by Louise and her
funeral train. He gazed lopgingly at
the money and then clutcheJ the VOC
doc charm that hung about alS throat.
IL hate to dis'pint yo. Mss Louey.
honey, but It am pow'ful bad luck TO
xiii a cat. De berry debblrs In dat
EphraIm. Folks say he's de recar-
nival ob ole Eph Beemer. hisself.
need de money right bad. too, miss
tank you, honey.
These were examples Of the various
interviews that Louise held that morn
Ing. Noon time found her al 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 It's
comfortable embrace.
sWhat is In the basket" asked Amy.
"Ephraim."
"rell ME about lido" crowed Amy.
Louise told her IL cant find per-
sou who will make way with that cat
for love or money. and believe Mrs.
Beemer knew couldn't-she gave
Ephraip into my hands almost TOO
willingly" she ended plalntively. Il
didn't realize that intelligent people
could be so silly and superstitious."
I'VE must dispose of the cat cur
selves. then" said Amy firmly. I'VE
are not superstitious."
NO. we are not. but IT'S horrible to
kill anything like that. you know. I'll
90 ont this afternoon and see IL emit
fina some boy who WIFI DO it. They
can't all he 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 u spi,eful hiss Ephraim dash
ed out and scrambled up the black
walnut tree over their astonished
heads.
That impish Tommy I.atimer must
have united the cords said louise
bitterly. Il saw him quarreling with
Billy over the basket-and gave them
30 cents too"
Amy bad picked up large stone ana
weighed II IN her hand. Il believe |
could hit that cat" she said viciously-
''If | can il win stun him-perhaps kill
him. She shuddered slightly. aimed
the missile carefully at the crouching
Ephraim, threw the stone aud turned
her back. Louise had closed her eyes
tightly.
They heard the stone crash through
the branches ard then there followed
a slight groan.' After that. silence.
II believe killed him." moaned
Amy.
You certainly came very near II"
said an exasperated masculine voice,
and the sisters turned to view the In
dignsnt countenance OF Mr.. Rupert
Ames. That young gentleman clutch
ed one shoulder as II In pain.
Over his head Ephraim crouched.
spittine angrIIy and sharpening his
claws on the rough branch TO which
he chung.
did l strike you. Rupert:' demand
ed Amy penitently. Il was trying to
hit the cat sou. See"
You must be very fond Of him." OBJ
seryd. Mr.. Ames. rawing near 10 them
I'm very sorry. Il 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 lad dared hope I'VE hardly ex-
pected to see you" she added pointed
~
Il felt that you needed me-" lied Mr..
Au,cs cheerfuily '.My inner conscious
ness told me you. we're in trouble OF
some sort and required masculine as
sistance. What can do FOR you?
When Louis returned with the 10
ton they told the story of. Ephraim
and the slain broilers. VIII you Kill
the cat. Rupert they pleaded tear
fully.
Mr. Lmes shock his head. u
couldn't he said regretfuIIy- You
sec. Tm superstitious. too. am" be
asserted In the face OF their incrstu-
Ions locks III know IL killed that
cat ana every one Of his nine hre-
were eatinsuisbed-wby. I'd never
have chance Of marrying Amy after
: ALL
DsuIse smiled. end the swift co'o'
came to.ADy's checks. That was oil
settled SIX mcnths ago" she said co:d-