The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1912-05-09
Disillusiioniing
Carson

With little cry of pain, Alic,
sank to the snow covered pavement
Beneath the fresh fallen snow was al
icy patch, and her ankle had turnet
under her.
She had been detained at the offic'
rather late and the street was desert
ed. Even the policeman on beat hal
sought shelter from the storm.
She made an effort to rise, but sanl
back helplessly as she placed ;
strain on the injured ankle and she be
gan to cry softly. For perhaps tel
minutes she lay there, then from
around the corner came muffied form
ana she gave a glad little cry that at
tract attention.
What's the matter?" called a CHEEKY
voice. Had a slip?"
81 have sprained my ankle" she ex
planned 81 can't get up end 1t begar
to look as though l should have tt
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 6
cab If l telephoned for one. This
| seems to be the proper caper."
In nearby basement some boy had
up. "This will do finely" he an
nounced. 'Tll 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
l 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. SIT
seems ages"
Then l guess this makes you young
again, too"
That's polite" she replied with a
laugh.
81 meant it would make you kid
again. l 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.
II guess | won't say anything more"
he chuckled. perhaps l wasn't built
to pay compliments. Is this where
your turn"
ITO the right"
Fright 1t Isl" 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 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 i
why, Ned Carson, what are you
doing here?'
I've bundle marked damaged in
transit" he explained, smilingly, "but
l did not know that it was for you. Is
it 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.
81 never thought" he said soft
ly, when / spoke Of carrying my
sweetheart to school, that it was my
real one-time sweetheart that l was
talking to-
Alice colored wildly. 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-
sionment. She had been genuinely
fond of Ned in the old days, and she
hated to give him pain. Yet 1t was
ly. 1t was generous cruelty.
Presently he came stamping back to
announce that he had caught the small
boy Just going for policeman, and
that he had compromised for a
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
so frankly proud of his success that
It seemed a shame to dispel the new
ly-awakened romance by word, yet
she nerved herself to the task.
Il have a surprise for you,' she be-
gan. after all this talk of old times,
doesn't 1t seem funny to hear that I'm
engaged. I'm going to be married in
the spring"
She shrank back against the pillows,
awaiting the look Of disappointment
she feared. Ned's face lighted with
kindly interest.
"Take my advice" he said, "and go
to Washington for your honeymoon.
They are so used to bridal couples
there that no one notices them. That's