The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-10-27
THE EVENING STORY
Thanks to Little Brother.
(By. Mary Gilbert.)

same time as Margaret
He had pictured the bright hours
he would spend with her, steadily
gaining. her favor, until there dawned
that perfect day when he dared ask
the important question. Instead of
this alluring prospect, he found that
insufferable Walter Case paying Mar
garet open court.
Dick gritted his teeth at the
thought of the times that she had re-
fused his invitations because she had
thought that he himself was to blame
for not inviting her sooner never
seemed to enter his head.
Tomorrow was his last holiday.
Then he must leave Margaret and go
back to work. To leave her was bad
enough, but to leave her to Walter
Chase-the thought was maddening.
You look as I feel said crisp,
young voice at his elbow.
Dick turned quickly, a frown on his
handsome face. He was in no mood
to talk to any one just then. especial
iy to Margaret's young brother.
What's the matter?' he demanded
| irritab1y.
'Ive broken my last fishing rod"
! Maurice answered gloomily, land an
empty pocket won't pay for a new
| one"
That's hard luck" Dick admitted,
but not enough to make you look
like me. You need only a little mon
ey to make you happy"
And what do you need?' asked
Maurice pointedly.
Dick flushed at the blunt question,
and the boy smiled at his embarrass-
ment.
Needn't think don't know" he
said deliberately. You're afraid that
| you stand no show with Margaret
The frank friendliness of the boys
manner quite disarmed resentment.
DO you know" he continued, con-
ndentially, I'D bet most anything on
| Won p"
%You really would?" Dick respond
ed quickly. what makes you feel
that way?"
''She acts sort O. mad at herself late
! ly. Besides, heard her tell father
once that there was nothing in it at
air.
Nothing in what?"
''Why, in her going with Chase, of
course.''
s'That's the best news I'VE heard this
summer" Dick exclaimed, grasping
the boys hand warmly. 81 only wish
you'd told me sooner!''
might have if you'd given me a
chancet" laughed the lad, withdrawing
his fingers from the too friendly pres
sure.
After moments reflection. Maui
rice began tentatively: II s'pose you'd
like to win out with Margaret pretty
| We11?''
well, rather.' Dick exclaimed, his
eyes glowing at the thought.
you've always treated me white"
| ing to pay up. Besides, it will be great
fun to fool Chase. He certainly is the
| limit
what do you propose to do?" asked
Dick with dawning interest.
Maurice eyed him sharply.
do you promise, word Of honor. to
do just exactly as I tell you? If you
don't I'll get myself into 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
6 o'clock-mind you, not a bit later,
or there'1l be other folks there-you
be on the lake shore, behind that
thicket near the bath house. 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-untn tomorrow
morning. VIII you Gomez
II guess So
"sure?" The boys tone was very
earnest.
Sure the man agreed, wondering
what would come of the promise.
''Goodby till theni" exclaimed Maui
rice, springing to mis- 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 arc com
ing my way in the morning, just pick
out the best fishing outfit you can find
and let me foot the bill"
"Gee!" exclaimed Maurice. "Ain't
glad I camel III 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 followed.
Margaret seemed unconscious Of his
presence. Chase. looking handsomer
and better groomed than ever, exulted
in his rivals discontinue
Dressing next morning to meet his
early appointment, Dick cursed him
self for his folly.
THAT rascal Maurice is playing some |
trick on meI' he thought wrathfuIIy |
What would the fellows ssy # they
knew I'd do fool thing like this just |
to humor a boy in his whim?"
He dropped his collar button, ana |
that gave him a fresh outlet for his i'll l
humor. Then he laughed at the whole |
affair and felt more at peace with him |
self and tie world.
AS he left the house his watch told |
him that he would reach the rendez-
voas almost on the stroke of g. He 1
concealed himself behind the thicket I
and awaited Developments.
Suddenly a boys cry of terror sound /
ed on the air. followed by a womans
wild shrek Instinctively Lick sprang |
tc aid them.
Maurice was far out on the lake. APP
parently seized with cramps. Margaret, |
wringing her hands helDlessly. stood On
the shore calling for help.
or went Dicks coat and shoes. 4