The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-05-07
Disillllsiionii11g
Carson

icy patch, and her ankle had turned
under her.
She had been detained at the office
rather late and the street was desert
ed. Even the policeman on beat had
sought shelter from the storm.
She made an effort to rise. but sank
back helpiessly as she placed
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 muffied form
and she gave glad little cry that at
tract attention.
Whats the matter?' called CHEEKY
voice. Had slip?"
Il have sprained my ankle" she ex-
planned. Il can't get up and it began
to look as though l should have to
spend the night here
81 guess not" was the cheerful
response. Live far from here?'
-Four blocks down and one over"
mot worth while calling a cab," he
commented, as he took quick glance
around. 81 don't think we could get a
cab If I telephoned for one. This
seems to be the proper caper."
In a nearby basement some boy had
left his sled, and the man caught it
up. "This will do finely" he an
nounced. I'm 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?r
Long ago." she answered. at
seems ages
"Then l guess this makes you young
again, too"
That's polite" she replied with a
laugh.
Il didn't mean that" he stammered.
81 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
81 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 it 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 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 bundle marked damaged in
transit" he explained. smilingly, "bu'
1 did not know that 1t was for you. Ii
/ 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 l spoke of carrying my
sweetheart to school, that it was my
real one-time sweetheart that was
talking to-
Alice colored wildly. She remem
bered those old days, and how they
had plighted their childish troth. Net
| 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. 4.Then III
be back to see II can be of AM
use.''
"Alice heard the front door close ant
settled weakly back upon the pillow
It seemed cruel, just as he had fount
her again and just when circumstances
recalled their childhood, that sh'
should repay his kindness with disillu
sionment She had been genuinely
fond of Ned in the old days, and sh'
hated to give him pain. Yet it wal
best that she should tell him frank
~. It was a generous cruelty.
Presently he came stamping back t.
announce that he had caught the small
boy just going for a policeman, ant
that he had compromised for
quarter.
His good humor was infectious, am
Alice found herself forgetting her pail
in listening to his recital of his expe
riences in getting ahead. He wa
so frankly proud of his success tina
it seemed a shame to dispel the new
ly-awakened romance by a word. ye
she nerved herself to the task.
L have a surprise for you," she be
gan. After all this talk of old times
doesn't it seem funny to hear that IL
engaged. I'm going to be married i
the spring"
She shrank back against the pillow:
awaiting the look Of disappointment
she feared. Ned's face lighted wit
kindly interest.
Take my advice" he said, land g
to Washington for your honeymoon
They are so used to bridal couple
there that no one notices them. That
, where we went last year"
, Then, blushing guiltily. they locke
into each others eyes and-laughed.
FOR SALE, IMPORTED