Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1912-07-11
Our Sane
Fourth
And What. Came
of 1t
By AGNES BROGAN

paper cbC uuu DCCb
''There will be no fireworks at our
house this year." she said firmly. Il
shall see that Dot and Bobbie at least
are withheld from the general sacri-
fee"
What are we going to do" Jim
questioned meekly-"play checkers"
This is my plan. and | know Nan
will think 1t 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 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 oc
casionT
Mollie cast a troubled glance in my
direction.
THAT is for Nan to say" she re-
sponded. "a month ago 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 / 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
ly for a 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.
Man." 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 thing like that.
"WeII. Nan?" Mollie spoke impa.
tiently.
I'VE might ask Mr.. Armstrong"
suggested cOolly, "or Jack Meads. Eli
| luSh WOuIu Dt eldu " NOlnc' MI.
Armstrong called as ! sat on the
veranda that afternoon. When | told
him of our Fourth OF July plans mis-
face lit up with pleasure.
"Jove." he said delightedly, THAT
will be great! Won't you let Inc come
along. Miss Harmon? l 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.
81 asked Jack Meads TO 60" 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. Never
mind" she said cheerfully. IL will ask
my sister Nell to join the party, and
you young people can all enjoy your
selves together"
tried to look pleased, but even II
Nell is Mollies sister must say
Well. was busily engaged mixing
a cake preparatory to the great event
when Jim approached me on the fol.
lowing morning.
Man" he began apoogetically, 81
happened to mention this picnic OF
ours to Allison today. and be grew
quite enthusiastic-hinted openly fol
an invitation. in fact You will not
mind if he comes In his runabout, will
you? he says Armstrong; car will
carry only seven comfortably. and he
might help out by taking one of us
along"
looked straight into Jim's eyes. ~
shall ride on the front seat of Mr.
Armstrong; car" | said meaningly
We had intended to make an early
start. but it was after lunchtime when
the big red auto. followed by the
white runa bout, rolled down the beau
tiful lake shore drive. leaving the deaf.
ening noise. of shot and shell far be
hind.
I'VE will not stop at any of the pic,
mic places" Mollie said. I'VE will ride
on until we come to some pretty iso-
lated spot"
But this time Mollie "reckoned with
out her automobile" for the car
stopped suddenly of its own accord
just in sight of one of the despised
picnic places. and we were all unload
ed unceremoniously, while Mr.. Arm.
strong dived under the machine, to re-
appear presently flushed and dishev.
eled.
"Can I help your" Allison called. but
to me it sounded like a half hearted
offer. and was not surprised at Mr..
Armstrong; curt refusal
"All right" Allison responded. 1--WE
will ride up the road in search OF an
ideal resting place Let you know
when we find it."
MIR. Armstrong threw Off his coat and
went to work with will. Jim acting
as assistant Why is it that the incest
men turn savage when a spark plug or
some other queer thing about an auto
mobile goes wrongf
"Do you think you can mend ity" |
asked sweetly. and this man. who a
short time since would have done any.
thing to gain my favor. now glared
at me.
when can locate the trouble
will answer you." he said. so l turned
TO Jack. while he Is thinking 1t