The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-11-24
Thanks to Little Brother
By MARY GILBERT
(coDyrlrht. 1917, BY Assooia'ad Literary Presa)

don't ri get myself into a scrape,
Maybe | shall, anyway"
Gazing into the lads earnest face,
Dick promised to follow instructions,
He could surely make matters no
worse than they were. Perhaps"
The boys eager voice interrupted
his thoughts. Tomorrow morning, at
six o'clock-mind you, not bit later,
or therell be other folks there-you
be on the lake shore, behind that
thicket near the bathhouse. Keep
yourself hidden till you hear from me.
You'll know what to do then without
being told"
"Six o'clock!" echoed Dick. whats
your gamer"
That's my affair-until tomorrow
morning. VIII you conner"
Il guess so."
"sure?" The boys tone was very
earnest
Sure" the man agreed, wondering
what would come of the promise.
"Goodby till them" exclaimed Mau-
rise. springing to his feet. but you'll
hear from me when the time comes.
and don't you forget it,"
by the way. Dick" responded cor
daily, "Can you get good fishing
tackle at any store here?"
"Sure-if you've got the price"
Tiff you see that matters are
coming my way in the morning, just
pick out the best fishing outfit you
can find and let me foot the bill"
"Gee!" exclaimed Maurice. "Alnt
| glad camel I'll tell the cook to
count on fish, beginning tomorrow"
But for his talk with Maurice, Dick
thought that he could never have
borne the miserable evening that fol-
lowed. Margaret seemed unconscious
OF his presence. Chase, looking hand
somer and better groomed than ever,
exulted In his rivai's discontinue.
Dressing next morning to meet his
early appointment, Dick cursed him
self for his folly.
That rascal Maurice is playing
some trick on mel" he thought
wrathfully. What would the fellows
say If they knew I'd do fool thing
like this just to humor a boy in his
whim?"
He dropped his collar button, and
that gave him a fresh outlet for his
Ill humor. Then he laughed at the
whole affair and felt more at peace
with himself and the world.
AS he left the house his watch told
him that he would reach the rendez.
vous almost on the stroke of six. he
concealed himself behind the thicket
and awaited developments.
Suddenly boys cry of terror
sounded on the afr, followed by a
woman's wild Shrek. Instinctively |
Dick sprang to aid them.
Maurice was far out on the lake, |
apparently seized with cramps. Mar
garet, wringing her hands helplessly. |
stood on the shore calling for help.
on went Dicks coat and shoes. A |
few vigorous strokes took him to the /
side OF the sinking boy. There was
a thrilling scene in the water, then
both we're safe on shore, with Mar
garet lowering over her brother
Maurice's futtering eyelids opened
1t last, and he whispered that he'd
soon be all right Reassured as to the
boys condition, Margaret turned her
grateful eyes to his rescurer.
How can ever thank your" she
exclaimed
Il don't want your thanks" Dick
boldly. II want-you!"
rhe rosy flush of dawn seemed re-
iected in the girls cheeks as she
stood for a moment with downcast
,yes.
This is no sudden DESIRE" Dick
continued earnestly. 1T has been the
greatest thing in my world since the
irst time saw you. You remember
hat glorious evening?"
He was standing close beside her
low, his dark eyes seeking hers. AS
he slowly raised her dropping
ashes, Maurice. whom they had both
uite forgotten, sprang up with
ghoop Of delight
Congratulations" he exclaimed.
I'm off for that fishing tackled"
The color deepened in Margaret's
heeks as she drew from Dick, ex-
Whatever does the boy
lean?"
Never mind him.!' responded Dick.
his former position. Lets
ak about something more interest.
lg. Let us talk about-us!"