Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-02-16

n Carson y

Beneath the fresh fallen snow was an
icy patch, and her ankle had turned
under her.
She had been detained at the ONCE
rather late and the street was desert
ed. Even the policeman on beat had
sought shelter from the storm.
She made an effort to rise, but sank
back helplessly as she placed a
strain on the injured ankle and she be-
gan to cry softly. For perhaps ten
minutes she lay there, then from
around the corner came a muf1ed form
and she gave a glad little cry that at
tract attention.
What's the matter?" called CHEEKY
voice. Had a slip?"
81 have sprained my ankle" she ex.
planned. Il can't get up and it began
to look as though l should have to
spend the night here"
81 guess not" was the cheerful
response. Live far from here?"
-Four blocks down and one over"
Not worth while calling a cab," he
commented, as he took quick glance
around. 81 don't think we could get
cab if l telephoned for one. This
seems to be the proper caper."
In nearby basement some boy had
left his sled, and the man caught it
up. "This will do finely" he an
nounced. 'T'll have you down there
in no time at ALL"
Gently he raised her in his strong
arms and disposed her comfortably
on the sled. Then he grasped tie
ropes and started off at brisk trot.
1T reminds me of the times when
l used to draw my sweetheart to
schoo, on my sled," he called over his
shoulder. Ever live in the coun.
try?"
Long ago." she answered. ut
seems ages"
Then l guess this makes you young
again, too"
That's polite" she replied with a
laugh.
81 didn't mean that" he stammered.
81 meant it would make you a kid
again. l didn't suppose that you were
an old lady, though with that brown
VEIL you might be my own grand
mother"
Thank you again." she cried.
Il guess l won't say anything more"
he chuckled. Perhaps l wasn't built
to pay compliments. Is this where
your turn"
ITO the right"
Fright it is" and the sled swung
around the corner. Presently, at her
word, he dre6 up in front of a house
and again heUifted her in his strong
arms. The ankle hurt terribly, but
there was something comforting in
the sense of his strength.
1t was only a moment before his
ring was answered and as the door
swung open and the yellow light
streamed out, Mrs. Donaldson gave a
cry Of surprise.
why, Ned Carson, what are you
doing here?"
1--WE a bundle marked damaged in
transit" he explained, smilingly, "but
did not know that it was for you. Is
1t Alice?'
Certainly, the poor child. Take her
IN the parlOr and I'll be right along
with hot water and bandages."
Carson carried the girl into the par,
lor and deposited her carefully upon
the sofa.
81 never thought" he said soft
ly, when l spoke Of carrying my
sweetheart to school, that it was my
real one-time sweetheart that was
talking to-"
Alice colored wildly. She remem'
bered those old days, and how they
had plighted their childish troth. Ned
had gone away and they had lost
sight Of each other What would he
say when he heard of her engage,
ment?
I'll run away with that borrowed
sled before the police get after me,
he announced briskly. Then III
be back to sec II l can be of any
use"
alice heard the front door close and
settled weakly back upon the pillow
1t seemed cruel, just as he had found
her again and just when circumstances
recalled their childhood, that she
should repay his kindness with disillu
sionment. She had been genuinely
fond of Ned in the old days, and she
hated to give him pain. Yet it was
best that she should tell him frank
ly. 1t was generous cruelty.
Presently he came stamping back tC
announce that he had caught the small
boy just going for a policeman, and
that he had compromised for 9
quarter.
His good humor was infectious, and
Alice found herself forgetting her pair
in listening to his recital Of his expe
riences in getting ahead. He was
so frankly proud Of his success thai
1t seemed shame to dispel the new
ly-awakened romance by word, yet
she nerved herself to the task.
Il have a surprise for you," she be
gan. after all this talk of old times
doesn't it seem funny to hear that In
engaged. I'm going to be married il