The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-01

''Who, in the name of humanity, are
you? Say, Bob, is that you? They told
me it was, but I'm so upset with it all,
and-your own mother wouldn't know
you in that coat: take it off,
Robert threw aside the forlorn look
ing garment, while John almost
CHI oked him with his affectionate
grab" saying:
Nov explain yourself which Rob
and proceeded to do in a most offend
ed, indignant manner, until he came
to the place where he had played the
part of the villain. to the everlasting
fright of the girl. When he related
how he had jumped out anc said,
Boo all seriousness vanished, and
together they laughed It'll they were
red in the face. John punching Rob-
ert in the ribs at almost regular in
tervals as he gasped out:
you big ape, you old galoot.
Whatd you say such foolish thing
for? Shows you're not a man of
family yet. Do for the four-year-ol ds,
but those guys you were after. Good
| thing they were not at the door in
stead of poor little Annie Polk. You'd
been 'booed back into the house in
ing about youngsters And slapping
his friends knee he gave himself up
to the full enjoyment of the joke.
You haven't been able to brag of
being a man of family SO very long.
if l know anything about it," re-
marked Robert after little, $50 don't
put on too many airs; besides, I've
got good deal to stand just now
anyway, without such mean thrust
as that from you"
of here before midnight and it is
nearly that now. You will go home
with me of course. Beastly mistake.
Don't blame you for feeling sore.''
Bring me decent coat, John, and
a collar. please"
IN see to all that
To Roberts intense relief, he was
/ before long ensconced in the back
seat of closed carriage, and being
driven to Johns home. Sitting before
the CRATE fire with a dish OF home
made chilli, crackers and cider, the
hateful aspect of the episode faded a
way entirely, leaving only the ludi-
crous; and, the problem of, however,
to convince the young lady in the play
that he was in even half possession of
his senses, when he uttered that much
to be regretted Boo" He wished
his face was not so boyish. Wished
he could hope to talk of the matter
without feeling the corners of his
mouth seek his ears. At last John
came to the rescue. He and his wife
were intimate friends of the young
people who were going into the woods
for the decorations for Lilies we'd
ding. Tomorrow they would all go
over to Annie's, clear up the whole
affair and have good time thrown in.
The Newtons were both shocked
and amused in the same breath when
they were informed of the happenings
OF the night before-Nellie eXclaim-
ing that she would not leave her
baby brother amid such ravening
wolves again" The morning for the
gathering OF autumn leaves rolled
ifef1
invaded the woods, intent on stripping
them if necessary, for the grand event
so soon forthcoming. Robert and
Annie had chosen to walk, and the
wise ones said that it would be folly
to count on any real help from that
quarter. Indeed, the pair had made
remarkable progress in their acquaint-
ance during the five days Intervening
between the dreadful "Boo-night," as
Annie designated the time of his very
informal Self-introduction to her, and
the present time
AS they strolled along, talking
lightly, laughing on the least provo
cation, thinking the whole world was
that morning staging itself for their
special benefit. and eager for any and
every fresh amusement that might
offer itself, Robert help up silencing
finger. They were just a few yards
from where an asphalt road was be
ing completed. The Boss" was hir-
ing some extra help for the smoothing
work, telling them that he would be
ready for them in ten minutes, and
for them to be on the spot. Turning
now to the last one of the men. just
struggling up Ga gangling, rolling
eyed, thick-lipped son of Africa)- he
shortly asked him if ne was a
| smoother The reply came in ac-
cents soft and mild. while his gaze
drifted out toward the western hori-
zon.
yes. thir, thmoove. Il
thmoove-
And full three minutes later (Rob-
ert declared it was that by his watch
after the boss had moved off down
the road, out of sight and hearing,
and our pleasure seekers were turn
ing away laughing, they heard him,
as he threw himself on the grass to
await his call. repeat softly to him
self: ''Yeth, I thmoove."
This was too much for Annie. so
together they sat down under a
spreading elm a little farther along,
and rehearsed the whole scene, end
ing with wondering if occupation had
anything to do with the moulding OF