The Holly chieftain., 1912-05-31

Copyright ''ls sy.;. ey A,'oeiatsd Literary
After an hours attention to the
flying landscape. Billy's interest
abruptly collapsed and his curly brown
head sagged against the brown plush
corner of the seat. He was reused
suddenly by the sound Of a voice-it
sounded very close-addressing his
pretty young mother Just opposite.
Anything l can do for you or the
kiddie? I'm going into the smoker
for little"
Billy sat up and rubbed his eyes.
He turned them eagerly toward his
mothers face; then up to the pleasant
looking man who had addressed her.
Want to go. youngster?"
Mrs. Harcourt shook her head and
smiled. You mustn't annoy DR.. Steel,
Billy. I'm afraid"
"Oh. that's all right. Come along
Well have q change Of scene. eh.
kid?"
Mrs. Harcourt cast an appreciative
glance into the doctors kindly gray
eyes. and when they had disappeared
hand in hand, she leaned back with a
half sigh against the cushion. her lids
dropping wearily.
DR.. Steel found Billy a comfortable
seat on the arm OF great chair near
the window and was soon immersed in
the animated political discussion he
had temporarily interrupted by his
entrance. Presently, one of the men,
having had his say" withdrew and
sat down in the big chair by Billy.
"Hey-what's your name. little fel-
low?" he asked. pinching the plump
leg that dangled over his shoulder
William" was the dignified rejoin-
der.
THAT your papa over there?"
"Oh no. That's only DR.. Steel
haven't any papa. Have you any lit
tie boys?"
"Yes-one." Billy was too young to
notice the tone and he laughed and
clapped his hands.
I'm SO glad. We can play together.
Is he here?"
mo, William; he isn't here He
he's at home you know. l haven't
seen him for long, long time l
suspect he's such big man now I'd
hardly know him."
DO you live in New York, too?"
Il used to. I live mostly in hotels
now and on railroad trains. I'm what
you'd call knight of the grip'-just
plain old everyday drummer"
But you come to New York some
times? You're going there now. aren't
you? Perhaps you'll bring your little
boy to see me one of these days!"
Il hope so. Who knows: That
would be great fun, wouldn't it?'
Bully. Is he as big Is me?''
Hes seven"
"Do you know any good storiesr"
Perhaps"
Somewhat to the strangers sur
prise. Billy suddenly slid from his
perch to the mans knee "Tell me
one," he wheedled.
But at this juncture DR.. Steel rose
to go and Billy ruefully took leave Of
his new friend. Tho latter watched
him out Of sight with dreamy, wistful
eyes.
"A AtlIc eI8u C6Cdpcu Alu. ING
clouds. briefly dispelled by Billy's
bright chatter, returned to his face
He rested his chin In one hand and
gazed YEARLY through the rain-streak-
ed window.
Am l very badly hurt. Mammal"
Mrs. -iarcourt bent and kissed the
small. flushed face above the cover
Your arm is broken. dear. It will be
tedious, but you'll be all right in the
end. Dr.. Steel gave you some ether
ard set 1t nicely"
Billy closed his eyes drowsily. Sud.
denly he opened them wide and looked
around. Where are VIC, anyhow? 1
don't remember anything that's hap
pened since-since we ran into the
freight train. Mamma. l wonder II
that nice gentleman we saw in the
smoker was killed."
mo one was killed: some OF the
passengers were very badly injured
though. Perhaps we might ask DR..
Steel?"
II wish he'd hurry up and come.
Mamma" he asked abruptly. why
haven't l any papa-like other little
boys?
you've lost him. Billy. Let's not
talk abont 1t now. Wait till we get
back home Some day Ill tell you all