Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1915-03-20

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 it 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 wildly with his own present condi-
ton. A company whose mechanical
engineer he had been for some years
had failed. He was fairly stranded,
and the prospects ahead dubious.
AS Ross started to leave the spot
he paused 20 pick up d small glittering
object that attracted his gaze.
"A bent Nickel" ne soliloquized,
glancing at it with only casual in
terest.
1t mad slight mark where some
heavy force had driven it out of shape.
Two initials were scratched across
its face-"A B." Ross placed it In
his pocket and for a moment thought
no more of it.
Two days later, however, Ross Evans
treasured the disfigured coin as though
1t were 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 crippled
old man over a crowded street cross
ing. 1t led to an acquaintanceship.
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 were harbingers of contin-
ued prosperity. He cherished the fond
memory Of the first, and slowed the
bent nickel securely inside his watch
case.
It was about 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-$1, 900 will be paid
to the finder of bent nickel marked
"A. B. one month since. Miss Nellie
Moore, 905 Benson Terrace"
Speedily Ross was on his way to
| the fair advertiser, not thinking Of
any reward save look at her bonny
face. He was not embarrassed with
threadbare attire this time He was
in appearance fully what he was-a
gentleman.
She welcomed him with surprise,
| but as well with honest pleasure shin
| ing in her bright eyes. Then she
| explained. The nickel must have fall
| len out of her hand bag at the time
| of the accident She had that day
| taken it from her uncle's safe to have
a gold receptacle made for it, for it
was treasured memento in the fam
lily.
| 1t had stopped the course of bullet
| at time when her uncle was vic
tim to drink He had reformed, and
| treasured the coin as a memento of
| evil days now fully redeemed.
OF course Ross declined any reward
AS he was about to depart, little Lois
| bounded into the room to greet him
| as If he were familiar friend.
Then you have not forgotten me?"
| smiled Ross
"Oh, dear, no! nor sister either-I'n
show you"
And taking up sketch book she
showed drawing, a very fair present
| ment of himself
Nellie blushed and tried to prevent
| the exhibition of it, but Ross had seen
-ano hoped.
And hope brought deeper love, and
that was refined into a mutual affec-
ton that kept the cherished bent
nickel in the family.
Copyright. 1914. by w. G. Chapman.)