Gilpin observer., 1911-03-30

seized with an idea. He was tired OF
looking out of the window, and the
man in the next seat seemed SO nice
The man. being bachelor, natural
ly did not consider himself addressed.
The girl holding Philip dismissed the
explanation as a newly discovered
pastime. Not SO Philip! Leaning over
the back of his seat, he slapped
Everett Martins newspaper out of his
hand
'Da-da!" he repeated smiling into
that astonished gentleman's face.
Catherine, without backward
glance, hid her head in the depths of
the youngsters coat, as she quickly
pulled him back. Philip screamed.
The train for Pennington was bare
ly crawling. owing to delay ahead.
Two old ladies across the aisle hailed
the slight diversion with delight. Mar
tin stared. Philip struggled and Cath
crime exerted all her strength to keep
hold of him. The old ladies' shrugged
their shoulders.
why doesn't he take the little
chap?" said one.
The people in front heard and
'Da-da!" screamed Philip. "My
Da-da!"
why doesn't he take him?" muir
INJURED the whole car audibly.
This is perfectly ridiculous Of
you'll" cried Catherine sternly, shaking
him roughly in her embarrassment.
you know very well he isn't your
Da-da!'"
'Iss, tool" insisted Philip loudly.
Martin rose to the emergency and
leaned forward. 81 haven't the slight
est idea on what grounds" he STAN
mered. but. perhaps. If 1 took him
for while"
Catherine turned sharply. recogni-
.zing the voice.
You" cried Martin, amazed, At
the same time he held out his arms
to the child.
But Catherine refused stifly. hold
ing Philip tight. at which the latter's
protests leaped forth anew.
Good heavens!" groaned crot-
chety old bachelor far down the aisle,
why don't they give him what he
wants-anything to stop the Internal
racket! Some people never remem-
ber there's anybody else around"
You'd better" urged Martin gent
ly. as he watched the girls burning
face You know. they think we're"
But we're not!" she retorted quick
II know" sighed Martin. We'll
just have to pretend"
q"
o., nod
toppled over into Martins seat. His
last sob melted into a gurgle. "Da-
da" he chuckled. removing Martins
hat with more speed than skill.
''All right" conceded the girl weak
Iy. Then she Immediately turned her
attention to the passing landscape.
The other passengers gradually set
tied back to their respective maga-
zines, with occasional expressive
grunts in Martins direction. But
Philip, once victorious, decided to test
his cunning further. Having exhaust
ed the novelty of Martins watch fob
and scarfpin he twisted around toward
Catherine again. Snatching at the
feather that dropped from her hat, he
jerked her head violently backwards.
ou, LOO! ne anu poiht-
ed to the other half Of Martins seat,
where his grip reposed.
Guess you'd better!" grinned Mar
tin, sheepishly. Here take the win
dow seat, and I'll put the grip in your
place"
Catherine obeyed with resignation.
HIN. Very strange they didn't think
of that in the beginning! Just like
man. though. when he finds a news
paper. even If there's nothing in it,"
"Perhaps-a quarrel" suggested
the other old lady. with just tinge of
regret in her voice.
How did she guess?" whispered
Martin in the girls ear.
Please" said Catherine. coldly, 81
prefer not to talk am very dis.
tressed. of course. that Philips un.
accountable notion should have made
It necessary"
Wise little chap!' murmured Mar
tin. with tiny smile about the eyes,
as he patted Philips head
Philip. thinking It was game
shook him of. Then he made a grab
for Martins hair. The man bent
down to his reach and submitted
gracefully to the remarkably vicious
pulls.
Catherine stared straight ahead
Finally attracted by an unusual quiet
she turned. Martin laid finger to
his lips and then pointed to Philip,
who was taking the well-earned rest
of Il conquerer. curled up on Martins
lap. The eyes Of the girl and the man
held; and Catherine stared-at his
rumpled hair. at the smile in his eyes,
at the curve of his arm supporting
Philips head-and something. rising
straight from her toes to her throat,
almost choked her. In tumble she
reviewed their bitter quarrel. their