The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-10-14

and mother were eminently respect.
able, but the boys!-there were three
OF them, and such lads!
Mischief had been born in them.
They were never still. they disturbed
her afternoon nap and they played all
kinds of tricks ON her.
When Beulah found her prime roost-
ers carefully attired in cooked hats
and trousers. she only clicked her teeth
and looked mad at her frolicsome tor
mentors. When, however, Tabby came
into the house with walnut shells on
her tender feet, she made a voluble
complaint
For about a week the boys sub
sided. Then one day they coaxed Lad
die, the dog, out OF the house. The
delighted canine had one whole day
Of free rowing with his new lovable
characterization. also. In fact, At
ter Beulah had got the burrs, CRIME
and mud of from him. carry and
FETCH she discovered. had been en-
grated into him.
Whereas. Laddie mad heretofore
been q peaceful, contented. well-be-
haved animal, he suddenly developed
a constant impulse to seize any OBJ
ject near at hand and run away with
| it between his teeth.
And one afternoon, while she was
busy with lady caller in the parlor,
Laddie heard his fellow-arch conspira-
tors whistling in the next yard. seized
! little blank book lying on the desk
end bolted through the kitchen screen
| door.
"Crackey!" exploded Ned Ransom,
elder of the brothers. as he glanced
over the written volume. here's q
! find.''
What is it," piped his juniors in
! unison.
Miss Arnold's diary. Um-m! This
day missed Ellis dreadfully.' Aha! An
other gloomy week Oh. why was
cold and proud with Ellis Fellows
I've heard the story. I've got my cue
Say, I've scheme that beats the
world"
Whatever it was, before nightfall as
founded Ellis Truman found on his
office desk volume mysteriously left
there. AS he read the secret repinings
of the woman he loved. he marvelled
, To arrive at conclusion he was speedy
however
she loves me. has loved me al
along" he cogitated-'thep proofs mere
are also irresistible. Say, I'll make
the venture-I'll return the book"
He was glad that it was pitch dark
as, dressed IN his best. with wildl!
beating. but hopeful heart, he started
for the Arnold cottage He stole vi
the steps and fumbled about for thu
door bell. He could not locate it. TO
q new one had replaced the one will
which he had once been familiar
His hand grazed the dangling catcl
of the screen door He was the caus
of sinister janglings. Then he DIRE,
back as the inner door was sudden
~ opened, a flash of light flooded hin
and whack. came a bulky umbrell
over his head. crushing his silk ha
and knocking him fiat.
For mercy's sake!" gasped Beulai
) Il thought it was those troublesom
boys next door playing tickey--on-
the window"
Il am sorry. came to retur
"a book which / suppose you lost
, faltered Ellis.
She changed to all colors as she II
vited him in doors. She guessed OF
what had happened. He, too, VIZ
Quick-witted.
= "Beulah," ne said. after a paus
Il suppose you heard 1 am the Il
: ventor of collar clip that is mary
of CONVEX fence and comfort. saw
: temper and helps me forget that u
fortunate collar button"
+ oh. you still remember that" |
;, auired Beulah softly.
Just as remember you" he a
r swered pathetically. two tones mo
plaintive and appealing, "Beulah,"
added bravely. let us 90 over tn
bad evening five years ago and tn
9 forget ii in a new bargain for the
& ture. What do you say"
n Her answer was TO draw her cha
closer to him and smile sweetly,
she said:
Il am listening, Ellis"