The Snyder signal. (Snyder, Tex.) 1887-????, 1915-09-03

ones shoulders into the back
|tf3[M ground Of accomplishment It's my
sA'S first book, but il IL doesn't sell I'll
rot only eat my hat, but the rest of my ward
robe Also"
Oswald Chesney put his right hand me-
chemically TO his watch pocket. The fob was
empty, and an expression, first Of alarm, then
Of amusement, passed over his face.
"Hanged II don't forget" he chuckled
"Well, III get 1t out as soon as l can Inc
old thief knew what he was up to when he
lent me paltry FLYER on it. BY jove, it's
been tight squeeze these five months. How
much have / left"
He thrust his hands into his pockets and
drew forth some coins. Stopping in the light
Of lamp he counted them one by one.
Gone solitary sovereign, four half-crowns,
five shillings, and two sixpences," he solilo-
quized. Zone pound sixteen, my friend, be.
tween your unworthy self and the casual
ward Of London workhouse."
He smiled at the idea, and began retracing
his steps along the deserted path that led
northward out Of Hyde Park.
He crossed the road and turned into side
street quarter Of mile and he took an
other turn. Suddenly he stopped. Someone
was singing. The voice reached him where
ho stood A woman, too, and in the open
street. But what voicel He held his breath.
II was his favorte song-"For All EternityP'
Presently she came in sight, and he slack
ened his pace. Her figure was slim-her
step graceful. Presently her face came with
in the circle Of light emitted by one OF the
street lamps. Its beauty, its sweetness, its
refinement, struck him instantly, and with
ont pausing to reflect he stepped into the
road and approached her.
"In Heavens name, my girl, what brings
YOU out into the streets at night, and with
this song on your lipSi You, who are no or
binary street singer
The girl stopped. For one brief instant her
eyes met his in quick, searching glance,
Then she lowered them TO the dark road at
her feet
Perhaps not" she admitted with sigh.
but the necessity is the same. II is this
or-or-well, there Is no alternative possible
that's all. | must earn money"
"But your voice would bring you money
in a better and less dangerous way than this"
persisted Oswald. "Think Of the risks you
are running"
The girl shook her head sadly
GIVE tried the concert halls" she said
sorrowfully, "but they say | lack training
And-I must have money. Ny sister is ILL.,
and We are poor--dreadfully poor"
Cant you get work Of some knd"
"No. I've tried that too. But I've had
no experience, you see, and people won't EN-
ploy an incapable. $3.50 I've come out
here"
Oswald thrust one hand into his pocket
One pound sixteen between him and-whati
The future was yelled in mystery. His book
lad not yet been accepted. True, he was OPP
limistic enough 10 be convinced that il would
be accepted. And newell he had his one
pound sixteen. Slowly he drew forth one of
the coins.
Now, look here" no said seriously. "Im
only poor devil OF an author But | IN not
horrible business This Is the last piece Of
gold have left Take II home to that sistar
OF yours and make her comfortable And
take this card with It. Don't lose it, for my
address Is printed on It. Drop me a line TO-
morrow, telling me Just what you can do, and
I'll get you work OF some kind, somehow;
but whatever you do don't 40 singing In the
streets again. Will you promise me that"
The girl nodded. There was strange light
burning In those downcast eyeA
that"
"Now another" pleaded Oswald with in
creased earnestness ~ don't know who you
are, but do know that you are true and good
and honest Promise me you will remain so.
| know what poverty means to such a. you.
But promise me You will mover forget what
you owe to yourself Your sex, and your God"
A soft pink blush stole into the girls
cheeks.
az promise that, too she said. and her