Putnam patriot., 1915-06-25

large establishment in Slatersville, Ohio" said Ivy, with dignity. He re- gards baseball as his profession. and he cannot do anything that would af feet his pitching arm
 Pa Keller put on the tremolo stop and brought a misty look into his eyes.
 Ivy. you'll do one last thing for your old sather. won't you?"
 Maybe" answered Ivy. cooily.
 Don't make that fellow any prom ises. Now. wait a minute! Let me get through. l won't put any crimp in your plans. I won't speak to Schlach- weller Promise you won't do any thing rash until the ball seasons over. Then we'll wait just one month. see? Till along about November. Then if you feel like you want to see him
 @But how"
 Hold on. You mustn't write to him. or see him. or let him write to you during that time, see9 Then. if you feel the way you do now. I'll take you to SlatcrsviIe to see him Now, that's fair, ain't it? Only don't let him know you're coming
 eM-m-m-yes," said Ivy.
 Shake hands on it." She did. Then she left the room with a rush. headed in the direction of her own bedroom. Pa Keller treated himself to a prodi- gious wink and went out to the vege- table garden in search of mother.
 The team went out on the road, lost five games, won two, and came home in fourth place. For a week they lounged around the Parker hotel and held up the street corners downtown. took many farewell drinks, then, slow ly, by ones and twos, they left for the packing houses, freight depots. and gents furnishing stores from whence they came.
 October came in with a blaze of sumac and oak leaves Ivy stayed home and learned to make veal loaf and apple pies The worry lines around Pa Keller's face began to deep en Ivy said that she didn't believe that she cared to go back to Miss Shont's select school for young ladies.
 October 31 came.
 Well take the S:15 tomorrow said her f1ther to Ivy
 All right" said Ivy.
 Do you know where he works?" asked he
 No" answered Ivy
 "That'Il be all right. I took the trouble to look him up last August"
 The short November afternoon was drawing to it's close Gas our best talent would put it1 when Ivy and her father walked along the streets ot Skaters vile. q can't tell you what streets, because I don't know) Pa Keller brought up before a narrow little shoe shop.
 Here we are," he said, and ushered Ivy in. A short, stout proprietary fig ure approached them smiling mer- eantile smile.
 What can I do for you?" he in- quired.
 Ivy's eyes searched the shop for a tall, golden-haired form in a soiled baseball suit.
 Wed like to see a gentleman named Schlachweiler - Rudolph Schlach- weller" said Pa Keller.
 Anything very special?" inquired the proprietor. "He's-rather busy just now Wouldn't anybody else do? Of course, if"
 No" growled Keller.
 The boss turned "Hil Sehlach- weiler!" he bawied toward the rear of the dim little shop.
 "Yessir," answered a muffled voice.
 Front" yelled the boss, and with drew to safe listening distance.
 A vaguely troubled look lurked in the depths of Ivys eyes From behind the partition of the rear of the shop emerged tall figure. 1t was none oth- CT than our hero. He was in his shirt sleeves, and he struggled into his coat as he came forward. wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, hurriedly. and swallowing
 1 have said that the shop was dim. Ivy and her father stood at one side, their backs to the light. Rudie came forward, rubbing his hands together in the manner of clerks
 Something in shoes?" he politely inquired
 Then he saw.
 'Ivy!-ah-Miss Kelleri" he ex- claimed. Then. awkwardly: Well, how-do, MT. Keller l certainly am glad to see you both How's the old town? What are you doing in Skaters ville?"
 "Why-Ivy-" began Pa Keller, blunderingly.
 But Ivy clutched his arm with a warning hand The vaguely troubled look in her eyes had become wild ly so.
 sSchlachweiler" shouted the voice of the boss. "Customers!" and he waved a hand in the direction of the fitting benches.
 "AI right. sir answered Rudie. Just a minute"
 Dad had to come on business, said Ivy, hurriedly And he brought me with him. Tm-rm on my way to school in Cleveland, you know. Aw-