The state herald., 1915-03-05

| and because she was attractive, she
had been flung into the NAV of the
street, victim Of the ages insane de-
sire for money and more money. Each
dainty curl, each flash and disappear
ance of her single dimple had been
reckoned as SO much in dollars and
cents. So the Watermelon put his
hand In his pocket and only watched
her with poorly yelled admiration.
DO you know what / am looking
for?" she asked. glancing at him. her
eyes full of mischief.
For the family silver" said the Wa
termelon. I'VE might as well take
some souvenir of our visit"
II don't believe the family silver is
silver" said she. 81 am trying to find
a bucket which you can take to the
well and fill for tea. 1t will give you
an appetite"
I'VE will let Alphonse go for the
water" said the Watermelon. turning
over the articles on the dusty, crowd
ed shelves. "The general sees to
the cars. We will give Alphonse a
chance to earn hts pay"
you should do something to earn
yours" said she.
What is miner" he asked, trying to
see into her eyes.
I'VE must find that bucket" said
she. gazing innocently upward at the
higher shelves. 81 love to muss around
among other peoples things. They are
so much more interesting than your
own. wonder why"
I'VE can't be amused with ourselves
and our things" said the Watermelon.
I'VE are too important Father used
to say nothing else was really impor-
tant but ourselves and what affected
u.s."
Henrietta, fussing with the alcohol
lamp at the table. laughed. why
didn't your father write a book" she
asked, "a philosophy? 1t would have
been deal more interesting than
James or Spencer or Decant-"
He used to say that man who
knew life rever wrote about 1t. 1t
would be too painful. 1t wouldn't sell"
There was n heavy step on the porch
and Bartlett turned quickly with sick
ening fear. 1t was Alphonse come
from putting the cars away in the
shed beside the barn. Bartlett wiped
his brow and swallowed heavily. This
was terrible, this being In another
mans house unlawfully. The utterly
hopeless inability to explain satisfac-
torily took all ones nerves away. He
glanced at the other four, merrily un-
conscious OF his CHASTITY discovery,
their thoughts filed only with the do
sire to eat
BILLY" said he sharply, what are
you doing in that closet? Come away
at once"
Il was only trying to find n bucket" !"
stammered Billy.
Those things don't belong TO you.
You have no right there" And Bart
lett sternly and promptly shut the
door.
Billy drew back hurt. Il don't sec
why It is so wrong to break into a
mans pantry" said she. after you
have broken into his house. Besides.
daddy, you have known these people
all your life"
That's the trouble" said Bartlett
desperately. with rush. Il don't know
these people. have never been here
before" He glared dehantly at the
general. daring him to suggest the
blue book
For a moment no one spoke. Al
phonse at the door. hat in hand. the
general by the table. another prema-
turely acquired sandwich In his hand
half way to his mouth. Henrietta. busy
with the flame OF the tiny alcohol
lamp. Billy before him. the Water.
melon on the edge OF the dresser
\ where he had seated himself. all stared
In dun surprise. The Watermeloa
broke the silence.
Better to break into another mans
house than have him break into
yours" said he. He glanced nt Bart
lett with Just the flicker OF amusement
In his mild gray eyes. thinking that
Bartlett had got lost already. delib
erately, with the intention OF spending
the greater part OF the following day
| nnuins tntUstN's, ah" NJ huc''shiui'
iy passing one day of the seven. Bart
lett glanced at the young man and
flushed. II seemed to him for one
feeting moment that the youth with
the sleepy eyes knew bit more than
Bartlett cared to have him know.
cared to have anyone know. that he
even seemed to suspect him OF having
got lost on purpose. Then the sleepy
eyes turned again to Billy and the old.
er man told himself that he was mis-.
taken. He was growing nervous and
reading his own Intentions In every
ones eyes Ho strovc to regain ths
mastery OF his nerves by airy indifcn
\ rnce
ITO RE CONTINUED
p