Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-07
The Argus Daily Story
Our Sane Fourth-By Agnes b ogan.
Copyrighted 1911. by Associated Literary bureau


There will be no fireworks at our
house this year." she said firmly. I
shall see that Dot and Bobbie at least
are withheld from the general sacri-
fce''
What are we going to do" jim
questioned meekly-"play checkers?"
This is my plan, and l know Nan
will think it a good one. Upon the
eventful day we will take a nice big
lunch and go TO some lonely, woodSy
place along the lake shore. In the
evening We will build a fire on the
beach and roast corn and things, COM
ing home later in the moonlight"
Jim's face frightened visibly. Sounds
pretty good he said. who's TO be
Mans attendant cavalier upon this &C.
casion?"
Mollie cast a troubled glance in my
direction.
That is for Nan to say" she re-
sponded. "A month ago l should have
asked Allison without even consulting
her. for we all supposed that affairs
were settled between those two, but
since he has ceased calling and Nan
avoids him in every possible manner"
Affairs had been settled between
Allison and me, but how could l tell
her that our bitter quarrel had sprung
from the very fact that had insisted
upon keeping our engagement secret?
1t was all so new and wonderful, this
great happiness which had come into
my life. that longed to keep it jealous
" for little time. but men do not
understand. When Allison found that
pleadings were useless he turned from
me Indignantly.
Il can see no reason for conCealment,
Nam" he had said. When you are
pleased to recognize our engagement
you will send for me-"
Send for him indeed! Why. my heart
could break in little bits before would
do a thing like that.
well. Nan?" Mollie spoke impa-
tiently.
I'VE might ask Mr. Armstrong" l
suggested coolly, ''or Jack Meads. Ell
ther would be glad to come" Mr..
Armstrong called as l sat on the
veranda that afternoon. When l told
him of our Fourth of July plans his
face lit up with pleasure.
"Jove," he said delightedly, that
will be great! Won't you let me come
along, Miss Harmon? 1 could take
you all out there in my car" This was
! just what had expected, so when my
brother came home at night told him
of the arrangement. Jim whistled.
Il asked Jack Meads to CO." he said
land he did not lose any time accept
ing the invitation. What are you goinG
to do about it?''
Mollie came TO the rescue. "Nevel
mind" she said cheerfully. Il will ash
you young people can all enjoy your
selves together"
l tried to look pleased. but even Il
Nell is Mollie's sister l must say
Well. l was busily engaged mixin;
a cake preparatory TO the great even
when Jim approached me on the fol
lowing morning.
Nan" he began apologetically, "
happened to mention this picnic o
ours to Allison today. and he grew
quite enthusiastically openly 70
an invitation, in fact. You will no
mind If he comes in his runabOut, viii
you? He says Armstrong; car vii
carry only seven comfortably. and h
might help out by taking one Of u
along
looked straight into Jim's eyes. g
shall ride on the front seat OF Nj
Armstrong; car" | said meaningly
We had intended to make an earl
start, but it was after lunchtime wheI
the big red auto, followed 10y tn,
white runabout, rolled down the beau
tiful lake shore drive, leaving the deaf
ening noise of shot and shell far be
hind.
1--WE will not stop at any Of the pic
mic places" MOllie said. We will rid
on until we come to some pretty isC
lated spot
But this time Mollie 'reckOned with
out her automobile" for the ca
stopped suddenly of its own accor
just in sight Of one Of the despise
picnic places. and we were all unload
ell unceremoniously, while Mr.. Arm
strong dived under the machine, TO re
2 appear presently flushed and DISNEY
eled.
Can help you:" Allison called bu
to me it sounded like a half hearte
offer, and l was not surprised at Nj
: Armstrong; curt refusal
'"All right" Allison responded. wv
will ride up the road in search Of al
ideal resting place. Let you know
when we find it."
Mr.. Armstrong threw off his coat an
went to work with a will Jim actin
e as assistant. Why is it that the nices
men turn savage when spark plug 0
some other queer thing about an auto
J. mobile goes wrong?
do you think you can mend itT'
asked sweetly, and this man, who
short time since would have done any
p thing 10 gain my favor, now glare
at me.
When l can locate the trouble
e will answer you he said, so | turne
to Jack. while he is thinking
over" | suggested. ''yOu might take n
for a walk down the beach" And a
: we strolled along Mollie and Dot wer
back to sit in the shade Of the trees
e Jack helped me into a deserted row