The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-04-12
Sharing An
Orphan



IL like you very much-very much" "
she said slowly. But I don't think
that it is more than liking. Burke"
n Burke Edwards gritted his teeth
hard as he looked out over the water
for moment, but when he turned
his head again the pain had gone
from his features and he was again
the Burke that Eunice liked SO we'll.
For long time they had been good
friends-Eunice liked to call 1t chums
and more than once he had asked
for a reconsideration of his proposal,
but Eunice always shook her head.
She liked Burke: liked him better
than any of the other men she knew,
but he seemed to lack tenderness and
that was the quality Eunice most ad-
mired. She was sorry to inflict pain
and suggested that they might 60 in
II he wished.
mo. thanks" he said evenly. TITS
more pleasant out here on the drive"
Across the road three boys were
playing ball. On the curb sat another
boy OF about their age dressed in the
gingham apron that was the uniform
of the orphanage up the street.
How absurd" said Eunice. "That
boy must be twelve and yet he is
wearing an apron like a little boy Of
six"
''They all have to wear them" ex.
planned Burke "They are easily
washed and they are cheaper than
coats. They wear them the year
round"
mot In winter" gasped Eunice.
Sure" explained Burke. MY sis.
ter's house overlooks their yard and
you can see them playing in the snow
l don't think there is an overcoat in
the place. Mostly they tie the aprons
about their waists in a vain endeavor
to suggest a shirt waist when they
are let out. It's the reward of espe-
cial merit to be permitted to come
over to the drive alone"
The ball slipped from one OF the
players hands ana came rolling
toward the orphanage boy. He
sprang up to toss 1t back, but the
player came rushing up.
"You leave that ball alone" he de-
manded holly. I'VE amt goin' to
have you charity kids swiping our
ball, are We, fellows?"
The others had Joined the first and
the assent was unanimous. "Y0u
girls are getting too fresh" went on
the first speaker. "Why don't you
stay in your prison and play by
yourselves: We don't want girl-boys
over here. Who wants to play with
a boy who wears dresses?"
The orphan had sprung to his feet
at the first approach. There was cold
welcome to the orphans from the boys
in the fashionable apartments along
the drive and the first demonstration
Of hostility was sufficient warning.
Now he faced his tormentors holly.
I'm no GIRL" he cried. "even II |
do have to wear an apron. I'm not to
blame for that"
you are a girl" insisted the ag.
gressor. you don't wear coat and
you do wear dress. Go on. I could
lick you with one hand"
by way of Illustration, his fist shot
out and bruised the pale cheek of the
orphan. With cry. Eunice sprang
up, but Burke's arm held her back
"Wait a moment" he said quietly.
1T would be treat to see some Of
those young snobs get thrashed."
The boy had answered the blow and
the fight had become general. 1t was
three against one. but that one was
holding his own bravely and Burke
looked on approvingly. The orphan,
smarting under a sense of wrong. was
a match for the three and fought
them savagely.
i He had them in retreat almost be.
iOtO AuuiSo l00lIACu tu0t Su0 O0SSiO
was over. The elevator boy In one Of
the houses bordering the drive. came
running over. seeing in prospect . fat
tip for taking the part Of the tenants
sons, but Burke was beside the boy
a. he came up and the newcomer
hesitated.
"Those youngsters got what they
deserved" he said shortly. "Clear out
Of here"
1--WE been wanting to zee some Of
these young bulies trimmed up for
some time." no said with . satisfied
smile. "Those Riddles cannot help
the absurd fashion In which they
have to dress and the young snobs
know It I'm going to adopt that
boy"
lust because he 10 q good fighter"
asked Eunice contemporary.
4 Burke turned to her with . new ex-
preston on his face. . light In the
kindly blue eyes that she had never
seen before. though the men he
worked with knew It and were
warned.
because he has the spirit to avenge
his wrongs" he answered. Because