Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-30

It was, about four years ago, Nat she
began canvassing for books.
It is hard work, but a conviction
has given strength TO her steps This
is that all the time, just around the
next corner, she may come upon the
man Of 20 years ago. Several times
twice in Cleveland-she is sure she
has seen him on the street. The first
time was on East Ninetieth street,
when she arrived here, four years ago.
She was on a street car and saw
him standing in front OF a half COM
pleted building at Euclid avenue and
East Ninetieth street. When she alighted
from the car he was still there. She
knows she cannot be mistaken. He
vas much changed in appearance, OF
course, but after 20 years that is only
natural
CANVASsER FOR BOOKS.
The little teacher of music, now
gray and a canvasser for books,
alighted from the street car trem-
bling. She turned down East Nine
tieth street, on the other side, with
out doing anything 10 attract attention.
A shyness kept her walking on, and
prevented her turning back.
After all those years, as she be-
lieves, the meeting had almost come
about. She looked around in a fright
ened way as she turned into the house
on East Ninetieth street, where she
then lived. The man for whom she
had waited was gone.
But it is not so strange" she says,
that l could not speak to him when
was so near. have read that even
/ the bravest men may at such times
| lose heart"
/ Another time in Cleveland she was
sitting in a restaurant, downtown,
near the window. For a moment the
| face and form for which her tired
eyes have searched appeared in the
/ crowd at a little distance, and, a mo-
ment later. was swallowed up again.
That was long ago, said the little
woman with faded, glowing eyes, but
she is sure that he is still near. Each
day as she goes out at her work she
believes always that the next corner
may bring them face TO face. 1t is
a hope that keeps her up, and smooths
the way when she is almost too ia,
tIgued 70 walk.
MAY HAVE MISSED HIM.
But the thought of what may lie
around the next corner is not all in
spiration. She is torn by the thought
that her choice of turning may be
wrong, that If she had but taken some
turn TO the left instead of the right
her day might have ended in happi
ness instead of disappointment.
On so small a choice so much de
ponds.
Automobiles fash into sight" she
says, ard in a moment they are past
and gone with those they carry. Blu
sooner or later must be at the righ
place at the right moment, and we
will be united"
The conviction that she is not for
gotten is strengthened by the fac
that ii is not in Cleveland alone tina
she has seen the man to whom sh'
/ SAID BOOuDE SO many years dSO on
has been in many towns and cities IL
many states with her books, and onc'
OF twice in places far from CLEVELAND
she believes she has seen him as sh'
did here. She believes he is keepin,
track of her, and is satisfied to see he
once in a while and to know she il
safe and well, not knowing how mucl
she may wish to talk to him.
ASKS AID IN SEARCH.
Lately hope has been less sustain
ing. Because this has been so, sh
wrote 10 the Plain Dealer, asking hel
in her search.
81 am afraid" she wrote, that
, will break down if | 90 not nnG III
soon, and have kept a strong heal
for over 20 years.
: 81 try TO think to find the way, an
every day I watch, not TO miss tn
{ opportunity / always again miss
r The name of the one for whom sh
4 still watches is not printed. This
4 at her request. She fears he woul