The Prescott daily news., 1913-02-15
AT THE END OF
 THE LONG CAR RIDE
By EDMUND MOBERLY.


 llke himself, stood waiting for a car lie was spending a few months al nome, after several years in the trop lcs. During those years, he had been able to associate with few of the women of his race, and he now found positive delight In the mere sight of sucn radiant, tailor-made vision as the one a few feet from him.
 A car came along and they boarded It. It was well filled, and after she had seated herself, there remained but one vacant seat-the place by her side, which he straightaway took. Au acquaintance of Kenneth's. thinking he was accompanying the girl, bowed to him. at the same time raising his hat Kenneth returned the bow, and absent mindedly followed the others exam pie as to the hat. In the next instant he would have given anything to re call his action, for he saw that she had noted 1t, and construed 1t as ap impertinence.
 The conductor approached them. and when Kenneth handed him dime. he promptly rang up two fares, assuming the pair to be companions, and being in blissful ignorance of the fact that the girl was at that moment delvine in her handbag for her purse.
 Your paying my fare was an act Of objectionable presumption" said 8 cool voice at his side.
  call the conductor? Or do you prefer to cancel the debt by simply handing me five eents?"
 The latter method will serve," she decided, and again began to search for her purse.
 Suddenly she grew red and nervous T cannot find my purse; it isn't in my bag" she faltered
 I'm very sorry" he replied, solicit ously polite.
 "Oh, 1t isn't the loss that I mind; 1t was but small sum-but now cannot cancel my obligation to you"
 Tt is trifling matter. Let us for. get it." he urged
 Indeed we must not. You must let me know where I may send the money"
 "Oh, very well. If you insist, here is my c;rd. Ii has my address on it."
 The car stopped at his street, and when he left 1t, he was mildly sur prised to see that she did the same. He bought paper. and she passed him. When he started toward his home, he noticed that she was just ahead
 He trampei along, reading the head. lines of his paper, and when he reach ed his home, he was amazed to see her standing on the front porch.
 Are you following me-" she asked defiantly. az he ascended the steps.
 Not in the way you mean" he re- piled with a smile.
 Then why do you come here?"
 Do you know whose house this is?" he asked. answering question with question.
 Yes"
 Then will you kindly look at the card which you so disdainfully thrust unread into your bag while on the carr"
 The card was quickly found. She read 1t with gasp. You are Elsa Craig's brother" she exclaimed, in pretty confusion. "Oh, why didn't look at this card before?"
 And you are-?' he hinted.
 I'm Barbara Page, Elsa's room mate aud chpm at college.
 Kenneth looked at her intently. 50 you are Barbara Page" he said mus. ingly. Elsa wrote me much about you while was in Brazil-but, by the way, you weren't expected until tomor- row, were you?"
 No: am day ahead. My father was travelling this way today, so came us far as the city with him, leav- ing my baggage to follow"
 Elsa won't be home for an hour or two yet" he said, opening the door. Won't you come in?"
 "Will you go to your room. or will you bear me company in the living room until sister arrives?" he asked as they entered. Such a pleasure as chatting with a real, live American girl has been almost entirely denied me during the last three years, and in view of the fact that you are in debted to me for the sum of--"
 If you start by mentioning that, shall assuredly e0 tO my room " she broke in with laugh, as she entered the living
 She sang his favorite songs to him, and played the compositions of his favorfto rOmDocerc