Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-05-21

our sleeper. with school book pressed
close to the cinder-specked window,
catching the first light. When the
mauls were pounding away at the tent
pins, maybe I'd hunt seat on some
cage, If it had been drawn up under
tree, or maybe it'd be the ticket wag-
on, or even the stake pile-there you'd
see me studying away for dear life,
dressed in a plain little dress, trying
to look like ordinary folks. Such a
queer little chap, was-and always
trying to pretend that 4 wasn't!
You'd have laughed to see me-
Laughed at you'll" cried Abbott In
dignantly. Indeed shouldn't"
mop exclaimed Fran, patting his
arm impulsively.
Dear little wonder!" he returned
conclusively.
Il must tell you about one time," she
continued gHly. I'VE were in New
Orleans at the Mardi Gras. and was
expected to come into the ring riding
Samson-not the vicious old lion, but
cub-that was long after my days Of
the drum and the red coat, bless you!
was a lion-tamer, now, nearly thir-
teen years old, II you'll believe me.
Well! And what was I saying-you
keep looking SO friendly, you make me
forget myself Goodness, Abbott, it's
SO much fun talking to you :.
I've never mentioned all this to one
soul in this town +. Well-oh,
yes; was to have come into the ring,
riding Samson. Everybody was wait
ing for me. The band nearly blew it.
self black In the face. And what do
you think was the matter?"
did Samson balk?"
mo, it wasn't that was lying on
the cage floor, with my head on Sam
son-samson the Second made such q
gorgeous and animated pillow!-and
was learning geology. I'd just found
out that the world wasn't made In sew
en- United States days, and 1t was
such surprising news that I'd forgot
ten all about cages and lions and tents
If you could have seen me lying
there-if ysu Just could" q.
"But I cant" Abbott declared.
your long black hair is mingled with
ul6 LaWuy uoA0S AAA Sou4 CuSOn6
blooming"
"And my feet are crossed" cried
Fran.
"And your feet are crossed; and
those little hands hold up the book"
Abbott swiftly sketched in the details:
"and your bosom Is rising and falling.
and your lips are parted-like now
showing perfect teeth"
Dressed in my tights and fluffy lace
and Jewels" Fran helped. with bare
arms and stars all in my hair {.
But the end came to everything when
when mother died. Her last words
were about my father-how she hoped
some day I'd meet him, and tell him
she had forgiven. Mother sent me to
her half-unole. Ny! but that was
mighty unpleasantl" Fran shook her
head vigorously. "He began telling
me about bow mother had done wrong
In marrying secretly, and he threw It
up to mo and just told him :. {.
But he's dead, now. had to 60 back
to the show-there wasn't any other
plaes. But few months ago was Of
age. and came into Uncle Ephraim's
property. because was the only nv-
Ing relation he had, 90 he couldn't help
my getting It. I'll bet he's mad, now,
that he didn't make . Will When he
Said that mother-at don't matter what
he saidI just walked out Of his door.
that time. with my head up high like
This Oh, goodness, we're here"
/. They stood before Hamilton Greg.
ory's silent house.
Good night" Fran said hastily. It's
= mistake to begin long story on .
short road. Myt but wasn't that .
ahoFt road. thought"
.aeuetlms. you shall ::Anaah ut