Gilpin observer., 1912-05-16
Disilusiionii11g


Beneath the fresh fallen snow was an
Icy patch. and her ankle had turned
under her.
She had been detained at the Office
rather late and the street was desert.
cd. Even the policeman on beat had
sought shelter from the storm.
She made an effort to rise, but sank
back helplessly as she placed a
strain on the injured ankle and she be.
gan to cry softly. For perhaps ten
minutes she lay there. then from
around the corner came a mufied form
and she gave glad little cry that at
tract attention.
Whats the matter?" called CHEEKY
voice. Had a slip?"
Il have sprained my ankle" she ex-
planned. Il can't get up and 1t began
to look as though 1 should have to
spend the night here"
Il guess not" was the cheerful
response. Live far from here?"
-Four blocks down and one over"
mot worth while calling cab." he
commented, as he took quick glance
around 81 don't think we could get a
cab If 1 telephoned for one. This
seems to be the proper caper."
In nearby basement some boy had
left his sled. and the man caught it
up. This will do finely" he an
nounced. "I'll have you down there
in no time at ALL"
Gently he raised her in his strong
arms and disposed her comfortably
on the sled. Then he grasped the
ropes and started off at brisk trot.
''1t reminds me Of the times when
used to draw my sweetheart to
school on my sled," he called over his
shoulder. Ever live in the coun-
try?"
Long ago." she answered. 'Tt
seems ages"
Then guess this makes you young
again, too."
That's polite" she replied with
laugh.
Il didn't mean that" he stamnered.
II meant it would make you a kid
again. didn't suppose that you were
an old lady. though with that brown
veil, you might be my own grand
mother"
THANK you again." she cried.
Il guess l won't say anything more"
he chuckled. perhaps 1 wasn't built
to pay compliments. Is this where
your turn"
"To the right"
fright 1t is" and the sled swung
around the corner. Presently, at her
word, he drew up in front of house
and again he lifted her in his strong
arms. The ankle hurt terribly, but
there was something comforting in
the sense OF his strength.
1t was only a moment before his
ring was answered and as the door
swung open and the yellow light
streamed out, Mrs. Donaldson gave a
cry of surprise.
Why. Ned Carson, what are you
doing here?"
I've a bundle marked damaged in
transit" he explained. smilingly, "but
/ did not know that It was for you. Is
1t Alice?"
Certainly, the poor child. Take her
in the parlor and I'll be right along
with hot water and bandages."
Carson carried the girl into the par
lor and deposited her carefully upon
the sofa
II never thought" he said soft
ly. when spoke Of carrying ray
sweetheart to school, that 1t was my
real one-time sweetheart that l was
talking to-"
Alice colored vividly. She remem-
bered those old days, and how they
had plighted their childish troth. Ned
had gone away and they had lost
sight of each other. What would he
say when he heard of her engage
ment?
I'll run away with that borrowed
sled before the police get after me-"
he announced briskly. Then I'll
be back to see II l can be Of any
use"
Alice heard the front door close and
settled weakly back upon the pillow.
1t seemed cruel. Just as he had found
her again and Just when circumstances
recalled their childhood, that she
should repay his kindness with disillu-
si9nment. She had been genuinely
fond Of Ned in the old days, and she
hated to give him pain. Yet 1t was
best that she should tell him frank
ly. 1t was q generous cruelty.
Presently he came stamping back to
announce that he had caught the small
boy just going for a policeman. and
that he had compromised for q
quarter
His good humor was infectious. and
Alice found herself forgetting her pain
In listening to his recital Of his expe-
riences In getting ahead. He was
80 frankly proud Of his success that
It seemed shame to dispel the new
iy.awakened romance by word, yet
she nerved herself to the task.
Il have surprise for you," she be-
gan. After all this talk Of old times,
doesn't It seem funny to hear that I'm