The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-11-13
By NINA WILCOX PUTNAM
copyright BIZ Bobbs- Merrill Coz

And Sam Hill still sat glowering out
upon the scene.
"Oh, the wonder OF it," said a low
voice at his elbow.
With an effort Hill aroused himself,
the aching trouble In his heart pulsing
painfully at the return to conscious
ness of his own personality. Had some
one spoken to him? 1t was only his
fancy, perhaps Suddenly something
cool and damp and Enthusiastically alive
thrust itself into the relaxed palm of
his hand. causing him to start up.
Then the cool thing shot forward, leav.
ing his hand upon a rough coat of
fur. An ANIMAL What could 1t be?
Great Scott!" he exclaimed, all
alert. In the darkness beside him
crouched shapeless mass, which
grunted softly.
ITS only Mr.. JONES'" said the voice
that had spoken before. "He's just
woke up. It's only my bear!"
Then Sam Hill realized that the
creature at which he was staring in
the dimnese was small bear. to
which was attached chain that
clanked upon the asphalt walk.
"Mr. Jones, is it?" snapped Hill.
"And who the devil are your"
IL am Redro," replied the animals
custodian. And even in the gloom
Hill could see the white CLEAN Of a
smile. The slender figure Strengthened
up on the bench beside him.
What Pedro? Pedro who?" de-
manded Hill, interested In spite of
himself.
"Only just Pedro" came the answer.
Then followed laugh-a wonderful,
ripping laugh, ending abruptly, as
though door had been closed upon
music.
We'll, Pedro, whoever you are" re-
piled Hill, you seem to be in as i'll
straits as myself, else you would not
be sitting In the-square at such an
hour"
Are you hungry, too?" Pedro in
CURED.
Hill laughed, short laugh, not so
pleasant to hear as the others.
in way" said he.
"Ah!" said Pedro pityingly, and by
the tone Hill knew that the youth had
guessed at hidden meaning In his
words.
why do you come to the city,"
asked the latter. after pause. Your
brotherhood usually keep to the open
road"
IT come because l am an artist, and
here shall have more opportunity
to paint" replied Pedro.
you speak as though you were a
genius" said Hill bitingly.
Perhaps am" Pedro returned.
There was silence, during which
Mr.. Jones fumbled the hand of his new
acquaintance affectionately. Then
said Pedro:
what is your trouble?"
Somehow Hill was not in the least
offended by the question. For mo-
ment he considered 1t, then:
81 must go away and hide myself"
he said.
"And you don't want to go away?"
"Yes-or rather, I want to go, al
though 1t is duty I take bitter
pleasure In discharging. But I must
go, because / must hide"
"Oh!" said Pedro. "Why go off to
hide? A good way to get out of sight
Is to remain where you are, and tell
no one about 1t. People so promptly
forget about you"
Hill peered at the youthful face to
see If the bear trainer was joking; but
no trace of mirth could he discover.
"Perhaps!" said he. Then to change
the subject, when did you arrive in
the city?"
"This afternoon"
And what, exactly, do you expect
to do?"
"To find a master, and to study; to
find studio. and to paint" was the
terse reply.
"And meanwhile 60 hungryl Are
you saving all your money for the ends
you mentionT
II have no money" explained Pedro
cheerfully.
Then how do you plan to get your
studio?"
~ do not know yet" Pedro told
him. But there must be a great many
In so large a city"
$50 you are not daunted by the
somewhat uncertain future before
you," remarked Hill, "even though
you are unfed?"
II have been that BEFORE" retortet
Pedro dryly.
WELL" said Hill, "the most imme
date OF our troubles can be mended
I. too, am hungry. Will you dine with
me?"
I'VE shall be glad to-" said Pedro.
Hill had forgotten the bear, but
when Pedro said I'VE" he realized thai
there were three hungry beings.
"All right" he said, making a rapid
mental inventory of the restaurants he
knew. Hitting at last on the right
one. he got to his feet with jerk
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