The Lamar register., 1915-04-07

thrilling him. the world and all elre
II contained to him worthless haublc
could he but sweep with his own those
full tempting lips. Only for an instant
however. the eyes closed She reused
to still cling to him. but braced 10
battle her agitation, that she mi sht
breathe out her gratitude incoherently
and fastening to the machine to seize
the rescued one. her sister. Ross sur
missed she pressed her to her bosom
in outspoken gladness.
She had carried a little hand bag
and this had fallen open to the ground
when she had swooned momentarily.
AS Ress picked 1t up to restore it to
her, he noted her calling cards aud
the name upon them: Nellie Moore"
He restored the hand bag to her and
lifted his hat She swept his hand
some face with searching lcok, as
though glad to believe that true noble
ness of soul lay behind that coura-
geous nature. Again and again she
thanked him, was sure she was able go
operate the machine, and made ready
to drive away.
NO. no. come here!" cried out the
peremptory little miss whose life had
been saved and she beckoned eager
ly to Ross.
What is it, little one?" he smiled
For reply the eyes of the child grew
earnest and humid She did not
speak. but reaching ont she placed a
soft chubby hand on either cheek
drew him toward her and kissed him
on the lips Then. still holding him
she added with an inquiring glance
at her sister:
And one for dear Nellie. too?"
The fair maiden blushed deeply, but
did not gainsay the edict. Again Ross
Evans lifted his hat courteously. A
bright episode in his life faded away
as the machine disappeared. leaving
him standing there. his heart warmed
and thrilling. He watched the auto
mobile till 1t turned the next corner,
responded to a little hand waving
towards him and uttered something OF
a sigh.
The glimpse OF apparent wealth,
luxury and social distinction contrast
ed vi idly with his own present condi-
ton company whose mechanical
engineer he had been for some years
had failed. He war fairly stranded,
and the prospects ahead dubious
AS Ross started to leave the spot
he paused % pick up small glittering
object that attracted his gaze
"A bent nickel ne soliloquized.
glancing at 1t with only casual in
terest
1t mad a slight mark where some
heavy force had driven 1t out OF shape.
Two initials we're scratched across
Its face-"A b." Ross placed 1t in
his pocket and for a moment thought
no more OF 1t.
Two days later, however. Ross Evans
treasured the disilgured coin as though
1t we're a precious talisman He was
not given to foolish superstition. but
from the hour that he picked up that
nickel the tide of fortune seemed to
turn. He CHANGED to help a crippled
old man over a crowded street cross.
ing It led to an mountaineering.
The man was a contractor. He took
liking to Ross His frank, intelli-
gent ways attracted him Ross was
empoyed to take charge of some i'm
portant construction work in a neigh
boring city. From then on he was
sure of lucrative established posi-
ton 1t pleased his fancy to believe
that the meeting with the fair girl
he had not forgotten. and his finding
the coin we're harbingers OF contin-
ued prosperity. He cherished the fond
memory of the first. and slowed the
bent nickel securely inside his watch
case.
II was about a month later when
Ross. returned TO Everdem to report
to his employer. CHANGING to pick up
a local paper at the hotel read the
following remarkable advertisement:
Lost. reward-S1.OO0 will be paid
to the finder of bent nickel marked
A b. one month since Miss Nellie
Moore. 9O5 Benson Terrace
Speedily Ross was on his way to
the fair advertiser. not thinking Of
any reward save a look at her bonny
face. He was not embarrassed with
threadbare attire this time lie was
in appearance fully what he was-a
gentleman.
She welcomed him with surprise,
but as well with honest pleasure shin
inc in her bripht ewes Then she