The Winslow mail., 1914-02-14

nv the summit OF a step-ladder
.p,ao scrutinized with satisfaction
N5N the transformation wrought
l[6T by myriad of college flags,
sofa cushions, colored
shawls and bunting.
/ Roberta Keap dropped her hammer
with an exclamation of pain.
OUCH" she cried, t'I've hurt my
thumb I can't hit where look when
people are talking"
"Why don't you pin them up?"
queried Miss Blake sweetly. "a ham,
mer is SO dangerous.
Mrs Keap mumbled something, but
| her enunoiation was indistinct. owing
TO the fact that her thumb WAS in her
mouth. Helen finished tying a bow
! of ribbon Upon the leg of a stool,
patted it into proper form, then said:
ct looks cheerful
And restful," ADDED Jean
ooh dear!" Jean descended from her
rrecarious position and admitted. I'm
tired OUT
All that morning thu three had la
bored, buslly Transforming the store
room into training-quarters for Speed
who had declared that such things
were not only customary but neces-
seYy TIC be sure, it adioined the bunk
room, where the cowboys slept and
there were no gymnastic appliances to
give it character. but it was the only
space available, and what it lacked in
!, to1 h1N l.
Gian Gibbs II rlcrs than compensated
tor by cosey corner, a window-seat,
ana many cushlons. speed nau ex-
pressed MS delight with the idea, and
agreed to wait for a glimpse of it.
OF all the denizens of the Flying
Heart but two failed to enter fully in
to the spirit of the thing Berkeley
Fresno looked on with cynicism
which he was too wise to display be
fore Miss Blake. Seeing the lady of
his dreams monopolized by rival
however, inspired him to sundry activ-
among the cowboys, whom he found
profita BILE to the point of mystery
Mrs Keap the youthful chaperon
seemed likewise mastered by some
private trouble, and puzzled her com
panions vaguely. Helen reported that
she did not sleep. and once Jean found
her crying softly. She seemed, more
over, to be apprehensive, in a tremul-
ous, reasonless way; but when with
friendly sympathy they brought the
subject up, she dismissed it. In spite
of secret tears, she had lent willing
hands to the decoration of the gym,
rssium. and now nursed her swollen
thumb with surprising good nature.
Shall we let them in?" she in.
quired. 1--WE have done all we can
"Yes; we have finished"
In fiutter of anticipation Jean and
Helen put the final touches to their
task, while Mrs. Keap stepped to the
door and called Speed.
He came at once, followed by Larry
Glass. who upon grasping the scheme
of decoration, smote his brow and bal.
anced dizzily upon his heels. Speed
was lost in admiration.
It's wonderful! calculated the
give it just the right touch. And see
the oosey-corner!
Glass regained his voice sufficiently
to murmur, sarcastically Say. ain t
this a swell-looking drum?"
Berkeley Frecno, drawn by the ire.
sistible magnetism of Miss Blake's
presence wandered in and ran his
eyes over the room.
why all the colors?'' asked he
"You can sing best where there Is a
piano. | can train best under the
shadow of college em6.ems. l am a
temperamental athlete"
You'll be dead athlete If you
was angry.
Indeed" exclaimed his rival, air
lily.
That's what I remarked Did they
tell you what happened to Humpy Joe.
your predecessor"
"It must have been en- accident.
Judging from his name" At which
Miss Blake Uttered She was growing
TO enjoy these passages at arms; they
thrilled her vaguely.
"The only accident connected with
the affair was that Still Bill and Viii
lie didn't have their guns
Glass started nervously. did these
rummies want to shoot him." he in
quired.
Certainly" said Fresno. "He lost a
footrace."
In spite of his assurance, ]. Walling