Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-02-15
The Argus Daily Story
A Blue Ribbon-By F. A. Mitchell
Copyrighted. 1918. by Associated Literary Bureau

lerS companion gave him eNCrucinttng
agony by saying that he had met the
lady, but for his life he could not tell
when or where, what was her name or
where she lived.
Think" said Spangler
His friend thought, but with no re-
suit.
You're stupid as an owl" snapped
Spangler. IF l had met girl any
where would surely be able to recall
something by which she might be iden-
titled"
1t seemed as If fate were determined
to tantalize Spangler. He saw the girl
he wished to know on a trolley car.
He tried to board the car. but it was
going at a hreakneck speed. One day
he was sitting in Il railway car. just
leaving a station, when an incoming
train passed him. At a window he
saw her Just long enough for her to
lower her eyes from his to the ribbon
in his buttonhole. Then again she was
gone. on another occasion, while on a
ferryboat, he saw her standing on the
deck of another boat going the other
way. Yet never in any of these meet
milton of ever having seen him before.
Spangler had a bosom friend, to
whom he told his story, mentioning
the fact that, though the girl on pass
ing him never failed to cast a momen-
tary glance on the ribbon in his but
tonhole, she also fqiled to show the
slightest recognition of him, not even
permitting herself an amused smile.
III tell you what you do" said his
companion The next time you pass
her pull the ribbon from your button
hole and wave it about your head
ecstatically. Try her on that, and IL
it doesn't break the ice the next time
kiss it and weep over it."
Spangler was much comforted by this
idea; but, lover-like, he despaired of
ever meeting the girl again. And he
didn't-that is, he didn't pass her on
the street or in a railroad car or an
automobile But fate was waiting to
give him far better opportunity than
any OF these. One evening, being IN
vited to a dance, he donned his spike
tail coat, his low cut white vest,
with eighteen carat gold buttons, and
/ appeared on the scene, quite ready for
any conquest that might present itself.
He had no sooner appeared at the dor
of the dancing hall, his thumbs In his
/ trousers pockets and his neck stretch
! ed to see over his Unfortunately high
shirt collar. than he espied the object
of his alteration careering with her
head over her partners shoulders in
the two step.
He had his ribbon in his pocket-he
never wore it where 1t would attract
attention, though he always carried it
with him-and on seeing his inamorata
he whipped it out and tied 1t in his
buttonhole. Choosing a partner, he
sailed into the dance, steered her to-
ward the lady he desired to impress
and had the satisfaction to see her
eyes fixed on the ribbon as she passed
him; but, as at the other meetings,
her face was as impassive as Il marble
statue.
I'll break through that II l have to
disgrace myself TO do it," said Span
gler. And, going into the gentlemen's
dressing room, he took the string from
one of his low patent leather shoes
and tied the ribbon in 1t in butterfly
knot of great beauty. On re-entering
the hall he found the jewellers forming
for u square dance Finding his part
ner, he led her to the set in which the
girl whose attention he wished to at
tract had taken position and establish
ed himself as her visa-vis., She ignor-
ed him as completely as ever. While
standing still his trousers covered his
/ bIup ribbon SHOpStriug
The music struck up, and the head
couples moved forward and back.
Spangler on advancing raised his be.
ribboned foot and swung 1t in grace
ful curves. The young lady opposite
stood her ground. but the rightly of
her face showed signs Of giving way.
As Spanger receded he left the dec
grated shoe as far forward as possible.
/ ON turning corners he held it high,
hopping around on the other foot
The goal was won, The lady who
had furnished the ribbon and laced
his shoe burst into laughter.
There were more explosions during
the dance, and when 1t was finished
and Spangler led his partner to a sent
near that of the girl whose reserve he
had conquered the latter gave him a
smile that said plainly. Come and
speak to me" He approached, saying,
II beg Of you to suggest some one to
Introduce me" To which she replied,
"A man needs no introduction to n
girl who has tied his shoe" and
straightway made room for him be
side her.
Spangler in telling the story. which
he does on every possible occasion, al
ways ends with the words 1T isn't
much Of yarn, but It illustrates what
Obstinate creatures girls are" Where
upon his wife adds Girls are queer
suppose. and 1 daresay was at that
time az singular as the rest Of them
| admit greatly enjoyed throwing
Harry of. but when he did the shoe
string act with my blue ribbon ia a
[ ballrOom.it was too much for me-"
Feb. IS IN american
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