The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-05-08

and taking of three suits of clothes,
neckties.
The house at s6s Fifty-fifth street
was roomy. two-storied residence
with an ambitious flower garden un-
der the bay-window, and deep old
fashioned porch. A girl opened the
door at his uncertain knock.
g. HIP" she asked. with a little
smile.
Yes. Otherwise, George Herrick. -
Herrick's heart thumped at sight of
her. She was just the scrt of girl a
husky chap would take delight in
protecting. She was small and pretty
and appealing. with a demure little
scarlet mouth, and a nose that just
ntted such face, and big, shadowy
eyes which seemed to hide humor and
a ready tenderness and keen intelli-
gence in their depths
But she looked pale and fragile, like
La lily that had been crushed. why,
she seemed positively i'll. A mighty
wrath against the villain who would
frighten her made George swell and
glover. His hand sought the handle
of the revolver which was bullying un-
comfortably on his hip.
This is yours, believer" He
handed over the letter. Sh took it to
the light. Herrick stood in silence.
She read, and then suddenly turned
away. Her whole body shook in a
sort of paroxysm. Herrick shifted I'M
comfortably from one fcot to the
other. The paroxysm continued.
He started forward irnpulsively.
"Who-who is the scoundrel that is
annoying your" he asked hoarsely.
Tell me. and I'll stop him if I have
to kill him!"
said in a muffied voice. her face still
averted. Then-she giggled!
George backed up as if something
had stung him. The girl turned q
flushed face to him. They were tears
in her eyes, but they were tears of
mirth. She was laughing helplessly.
He's-he's, oh, it's toe funny!" she
gasped. Hes a neighbours great Dane
puppy!"
George went red with modification.
"But-but," he stammered, "you-he
you say in that letter he's kept you
In for four weeks
mo, no, said hadn't been out in
four weeks. And it's true. I've been
sick for a month. The letter was to
my cousin, and I had explained that
on a previous page when the wind
grabbed for it, but I was too late.
saw it strike you in the face.
''The puppy isn't mean or ugly-just
playful. But 1 was weak and nervous;
1t was the first time I'd been out. He's
tied up now" she finished irrelevantly.
Herrick felt foolish, appallingly fool
ism, red as to face, and big as to hands
and feet. He put the hands hastily
behind him, not only to conceal them,
but to cover up that revolver, which
felt like a cannon. He would back
out, so she couldn't see and interpret
the bulge.
A woman opened the door, a mild
faced, motherly sort of woman. I'm
going down to the corner for a glass
of ice cream soda, June. It's such a
fine night
Mother" interrupted the girl.
And then she turned to George WHIP
ing her eyes. 'Mr. Herrick, this is my
mother, Mrs. Rowley."
pleased to know you. Mr.. Her
rick. Nice weather for April, isn't it :?
I'll be right back, June
Gust a moment, Mrs. Rowley."
George had recovered his wits and
some of his natural audacity. Miss
Miss June and I will go with you"
He looked hopefully at the girl.
All right" beamed the mother
It'll get a scarf June. The little
walk will do you good. And that mis-
cradle puppy is tied up. so he can't
bother you. What did you say?"
Nothing, mother" replied June. de-
mure1y. Then she looked at George
copyrighted 1911 by Associated Lit
erary Press.)