Williams news., 1915-02-18

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 little hand waving towards him and uttered something of sfga.
 The glimpse of apparent wealth, luxury and social distinction contrast ed wildly with his own present condi- tion. A company whose mechanical engineer he had been for some years 1 had failed. He was fairly stranded, | and the prospects ahead dubious.
 As Ross started to leave the spot he paused 70 pick up d small glittering object that attracted his gaze
 "A bent nickel ne soliloquized, glancing at it with only casual in- terest
 It mad a slight mark where some heavy force had driven it out of shape Two initials were scratched across it's 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 it were a precious talisman. He was from the hour that he picked up that nickel the tide of fortune seemed to turn. He chanced to help a crippled old man over a crowded street cross ing. It led to an acquaintanceship. The man was a contractor. He took a 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 a lucrative established posi- tion. It 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 a month later when Ross, returned to Everdem to report to his employer, chancing to pick up local paper at the hotel read the following remarkable advertisement:
 Lost, reward-$1,O ,OOO 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 a 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 gold receptacle made for it, for it was treasured memento in the fam fly.
 It had stopped the course of bullet at time when her uncle was a 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 a familiar friend.
 "Then you have not forgotten mel" smiled Ross.
 "Oh, dear, no! nor sister either-I'H show you"
 And taking up a sketch book she showed a drawing, a very fair present ment of himself.
 Nellie blushed and tried to prevent the exhibition of it, but Ross had seen ana hoped.
 And hope brought deeper love, and that was refined into mutual affec- tion that kept the cherished bent nickel in the family.
 Copyright. 1914. by w. G. Chapman.)