Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-02-28

gate tugging the heavy basket con-
tanning the still active Ephraim. Her
sister drew forward rocking chair
In the porch and Louise fell into its
comfortable embrace.
"What is in the basketT asked Amy,
"Ephraim."
"Tell me about it-do." crowed Amy.
Louise told her. II can't find per.
son who will make way with that cat
for love or money. and l believe Mrs.
Beemer knew I couldn't-she gave
Ephraim into my hands almost too
willingly" she ended plaintively. II
didn't realize that intelligent people
could be so silly and supersddous."
1--WE must dispose of the cat our
selves. then" said Amy firmly. 1--WE
are not superstitious."
"No. we are not. but it's horrible to
kill anything like that. you know. I'll
60 out this afternoon and see II can't
find some boy who will do 1t. They
can't all be FOOLS"
At that instant the basket containing
the doomed cat swayed violently on
the grass where Louise had dropped
her burden; then the cover few up.
and with spiteful hiss Ephraim dash
ed out and scrambled up the black
walnut tree over their astonished
heads.
"That impish Tommy Latimer must
have united the cords" said Louise
bitterly. 81 saw him quarreling with
Billy over the basket-and gave them
so cents too"
Amy had picked up large stone and
weighed 1t in her hand. ~ believe /
could hit that cat" she said viciously.
If can 1t will stun him-perhaps kill
him." She shuddered slightly. aimed
the missile carefully at the crouching
Ephraim. threw the stone and turned
her back. Louise had closed her eyes
tightly.
They heard the stone crash through
the branches and then there followed
slight groan. After that. silence.
81 believe l killed him." moaned
Amy.
You certainly came very near II"
said an exasperated masculine voice.
and the sisters turned to view the In
dignant countenance Of Mr.. Rupert
Ames. That young gentleman clutch.
ed one shoulder as If in pain.
Over his head Ephraim crouched,
splitting angrily and sharpening his
claws on the rough branch to which
he clung.
did l strike you. Rupert2" demand
ed Amy penitently. II was trying to
hit the cat. you see."
"You must be very fond Of him." OBJ
Bervd Mr.. Ames, drawing near to them.
I'm very sorry. hope you are not
badly hurt. Fetch the witch hazel.
please, Louise" Amy let her hand
rest in Rupert's close clasp longer than
he had dared hope. eve hardly e1-
pected to see you" she added pointed
ly.
II felt that you needed me-" lied Mr..
Ames cheerfully. MY inner conscious
ness told me you were in trouble OF
some sort and required masculine as
sistance. What can do for your
When Louis returned with the To-
ton they told the story Of Ephraim
and the slain broilers. "Will you kill
the cat. Rupert?" they pleaded tear
fully.
Mr.. Ames shook his head. II
couldn't" he said regretfully. you
see. I'm superstitious, too, am" he
asserted In the face Of their incredu-
lous looks. II know II l killed that
cat and every one Of his nine lives
were e1tinguished-why. I'd never
have a chance Of marrying Amy after
all!
Louise smiled. and the swift color
came to Amy's cheeks. That was all
settled six months ago." she said cold
ly. "I'm going to be nm Independent
business woman and
VERY good" said Mr.. Ames crisply.
II must be running along, now. MY
motors down the road piece-had q
breakdown. you know, and just
thought I'd drop in and see you. Hope
you get the best Of Ephraim."
Louise disappeared into the house.
and Amy's face lost Its color. "Then
| you won't kill EphraimT she faltered.
"I cannot. Amy. but III tell you how
you can get rid Of him. Just marry
me and give up this notion Of poultry
raising. Louise is dying to get back to
town. and I want you'll need you. Let
Ephraim shift for himself
"You merely happened in here. You
had breakdown" said Amy severely.
MY resolution not to see you broke
down." confessed Rupert. drawing her
into his arms. "For my part. It's great
good luck not to kill cat. eh. Eph-
raim?"
But the cat. taking advantage Of
lovers meeting. was merely pale gray
streak headed for the welcoming arms
Of the Widow Beemer.
Counter Diplomacy.
81 think you will like this goot.s.
madam" urged Il salesman In Euclid
avenue shop. ut is just the thing TOT
| , ,tout y,oiddla uped Indy