Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-03-02

man had told-of course there wasn't
anything In it, but Daniel had heard
some mighty queer stories that bore a
grain OF truth-t1e most he hoped for
was a stroke Of good luck TO attend his
asking Of the question.
The next afternoon was n half holt
day for him. and he went mp to Har-
lem. with his packages under either
arm. he had telephoned Nellie of his
coming. and she greeted him at the
door. He thought she had never look
ed so charming as she appeared In her
white dress with a green ribbon twist
ed around the heavy coil of her black
hair.
"And whatever have you got In there's
DannyT' she cried when she had ex-
claimed over the shamrock and the
box Of candy.
ITS Aladdin's lamp" said Daniel
solemnly. slowly unfastening the string
and exposing the lamp. II suppose
you've heard all about this Aladdin
fellow, ehT'
"Of course" laughed Nellie, examin-
ing the lamp with interest. "but that
all happened hundreds of years ago. so
you can't joke me like that. Danny
DeIavan- Sure, won't believe your
old fairy stories"
There might be something in It."
returned Daniel doggedly.
Smells like OIL" smiled Nellie. with
her pretty nose at the aperture.
IT mean something in the story. The
fellow said you had to rub, rub hard.
and the genius or whatever you call it
would come out and grant every wish"
do you believe that, Danny" asked
Nellie seriously. her soft black eyes
meeting his for a confused moment.
"rd ike to believe It." said Daniel
promptly, with a wistful glance at the
lamp.
"whyP'
Because want to make some
wishes"
'"They will come Just as true without
the lamp" suggested Nellie skeptically.
you needn't try to fool me. Danny
Delavan! You bought that lamp be-
cause 1t was green and because today
is my birthday as well as st. Patrick's.
and you know very well you don't be
lieve that rubbing it win do the least
bit Of good-so there!'
Daniel smiled sheepishly. att might
be something like that. Nellie, but I
was all carried away with the story
and so beset by hopes 1 was fool
enough to buy the lamp. thought I'd
go home and rub it and wish on It.
I'm a foolr'
you are mott" fiared Nellie. 81 like
you for having fancies like that. Dan
iel I'll admit 1 have a sneaking be-
lief in fairies myself. Now. let us rub
the lamp and make wishes. Who
knows what will happenT'
She opened the box OF paste he had
bought and found a piece OF flannel.
They sat together on the sofa while
Nellie solemnIy rubbed the paste on
the coat Of verdigris. The spot she
rubbed grew brighter and brighter.
"Now wishr" she said suddenly.
Daniel grew red and nodded his head
afirmatively Nellie was thoughtful
for a moment and then bent seriously
to her task.
Nothing happened.
Suddenly Daniel snatched the lamp
from her hands and flung 1t aside.
'T'm a big fool" he said bitterly. I'm
too tongue tied ever to get anything in
this world
Nellie blushed beautifully and stood
beside him. What did you wish. Dan
nyT" she asked softly.
THAT you'd marry me-" flashed
Danny, whirling around. what did
you wish, NelIieT
THAT you'd ask newly, Danny"
Her radiant face was buried on his
shoulder.
'It came as easy as could be-" be
whispered to her after he had related
his doubts and fears and the loss Of
the emerald ring.
IT'S all that blessed old lamp"
sighed Nellie. I'VE will always have
that on the parlor mantelpiece. and we
will always believe In fairies and
giants. won't we. DannyT'
"Surel Because II IL hadn't been for
the lamp Of Aladdin I might not have
been engaged TO you this moment"
said that happy young man.