The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-10-15

That doesn't always follow" Fran
told him hastily; not by any means.
For here are other queens. See the
queen OF spadesf Maybe you'll get
her. Maybe you want her. You see,
she either goes to you. or to the next
card"
But don't want any queen Of
spades" Abbott declared. He drew
the next card. and exclaimed dramatic.
ally. Saved. saved! Here's Bob. Give
her to Bob Clinton"
"Ob. Abbott!" Fran exclaimed. look.
Ing at him with starlike eyes and rose
like cheeks. making the most fascinat-
ing picture he had ever beheld at mid
night under a silver moon. do you
mean that? Remember you're on
new bridge over running water"
Abbott paused uneasily. She looked
less like child than he had ever seen
her. Her body was very slight-but
her race was IL Is marvellous
how much OF woman's seriousness
was to be found In this girl. He rose
with the consciousness that for a mo-
ment he had rather forgotten himself.
he reminded her gravely-"We are
talking about cards-just cards"
NO." said Fran, not stirring, I'VE
are talking about Grace Noir You say
You don't want her; you've already
drawn yourself out. That leaves her
to poor Bob-he'll have to take her.
unless the joker gets the lady-the
joker Ia named the devil So
the game isn't interesting any more"
she threw down all the carcs, and
looked up. beaming. my! but I'm
glad you came"
ne was fascinated and could not
move. though as convinced as at the
beginning that they should not linyer
thus. There might be fatal conse.
quences; but the charm of the little
girl seemed to temper this chill knowl.
edge to the shorn lamb. He tempor
fed: why don't you go on witt
"""r fortnna-taliin9 little g,rI?"
'T just wanted to find out IL Grace
Noir Is going to get YOU" she said
-esndidlv; "it dcesc't matter what Be
comes of her. Were you ever on this
bridge bCfora9"
Fran. Hiss Grace IS one Of the best
irie1 IDS have. aud--and everybody al.
nlra., he-. TAe laCS that you don't like
her. shows that you are not all you
ought to be-"
Fran's dropping head hid her face
Was she contrite. or mocking?
Presently she looked up. her express
sion that of grave cheerfulness. "Now
you've said what yon thought you had
TO say" she remarked. so that's over.
Were you ever on this bridge before?"
Abbott was offended. mo"
Good. good!" with vivacious enthu-
siasm. Both OF US must cross 1t at
the same time and make wish. Help
me up-quick."
She reached up both hands. and Abb
bott lifted her to her feet.
Whenever you cross a new bridge"
she explained. you must make q wish.
ltn come true. Won't you do It, Alb
bottf"
"Of course. What a superstitious
little Nonpareil! Do you hold hands ?"
Honest hands" She held out both
OF hers. Come on then. What are you
going TO wish. Abbott? But no, you
mustn't tell til, we're across. Oh, I'm
Just dying TO knowl Have you made
up your mind, yet?"
"Yes. Fran" he answered irdulgent-
ly. its something always In my
mind"
about Grace Noir?"
Nothing whatever about Miss Grace
Noir."
"All right. I'm glad. Say this:
"'Slow we 60.
Two In q row.
Don't talk or anything. just wish. oh.
wish with all your might
with all my mind and all my heart
while were together and after We part
say that"
Abbott repeated gravely:
with all my mind and all my heart
While we're together and after We part
What are you going to wish. Fran! ?"
"Sh-h-h! NUM-" whispered Fran.
opening her eyes wide. With slow
steps they walked side by side. shoul-
der to shoulder. four hands clasped.
Fran's great dark eyes were set fixed
iy upon space as they solemnly pa
raded beneath the watchful moon. AS
Abbott watched her. the witchery of
the night stole into his blood.
The last plank was crossed. "Now!"
Fran cried breathlessly. what did you
wish?" Her body was quivering, her
face glowing.
That might succeed" Abbott an
.Nnred