The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1916-02-07
CARRIE WAS CUTE!
By LOUISE OLIVER.


Jim Wallis had been to the city be
fore and had always considered him.
self a man of the world from the Tiew-
point of Coles Crossing
The errand upon which he was bent
just now being somewhat out Of the
ordinary. Jim felt nervous and i'll at
ease and the marble-corridored apart.
ment hotel was SO entirely different
from Parks tavern.
The elevator left him at the sixth
floor and slid downward out of sight
The quiet was broken by football.
and maid in blue and white striped
dress appeared. Here at least was
human being. Jim took off his hat
and bowed. Can you tell me which
door is Mr.. Jerome Coyington's?"
I'm going there now. she said curl
ously "Ill take you"
So Jim followed the girl with her
busters and armful of clean linen and
knocked at the door where she
stopped. 1t was opened by a good
looking man with a palette on his arm
And as the girl disappeared into the
room beyond he turned to jim. Good
morning" said he pleasantly.
"Are-are you Mr., Covington?"
Eyes. Won't you come in and sit
down? Do you smoke?" He took some
cigars out Of humidor and held them
out Jim selected one with hand
that shook but made no effort to light
it. He looked nervously around at the
luxurious sitting room, slid the cigar
into his pocket and broke out, I'm
Jim Wallis from Coles Crossing.
hear you're going to board at
Merckle's out our way. Is it true?"
The artist took couple Of puffs at
his own cigar and knocked off the
ashes. why, yes! ! believe that's
the name.
well" went on Jim, who was
gaining courage with returning hostil
ity as he noted the strong attractive
face, well set shoulders and easy man.
ner of the other. Il thought I'd let
you know that I'm engaged to Carrie
Merckle and | won't have any fooling."
The older man looked thoughtful
THE girls in the movies do seem to
have a penchant for velvet coats and
flowing ties. It's queer isn't it? If
Miss Carrie has the same tendency II
might be bad for you-that's true.
What would you suggest"
Jim, mollifed, sprang up and held
out his hand. "Thanks. That's the
talk. thought you would understand.
Couldn't we find you another placer
mo. I'd rather go there. 1t just
suits. But If | wear a smock-how
would that do? They are so Olsen.
chanting. And | could put on spec
tacles if you think IL would help and
wear wig for that matter"
Until the time oe departure. Jerome
Covington gave 1ittfe or no thought to
Jim's petition. He Jmised easily-it
was not always so easy to make good
However, as he was packing, Jims
visit came into his head Cad, III do
it," said he to himself 1T would be a
nuisance to have some silly girl sim
pering always in the background any
way" So he bought loose smock, a
wig and spectacles. Here's to hard
work and isoIation!" he cried as he
finished packing.
There goes the new uoarder to
Merckle's!" said someone the next day
as the city express moved away and
a man got into a buggy beside Carrie.
Jim had seen AID was satisfied Even
he doubted the identity OF his late ac.
quaintance.
Carrie fell Immediately and desperate
ly in love with the drea~ sul-Iooking
newcomer. Her infatuation was per-
feotly evident because she made no
secret Of It. jim moaned wretchedly
His worst fears were realized. If
she's swallowed him while with all
that truck on, what would she have
done to the real thing? believe he's
squealed. He's fooled me. For no girl
on Gods earth could care for a fellow
like that. He looks more like a scare
crow than a man. I'm going to find
out the truth So, seeking an oppor-
tunity, he collared his man one morn
ing crossing a field to his fayorite
haunt.
Jerome Covington heard him out
then, looking cautiously in every di-
rection, he whispered: SSH Maybe
she's around. Do you know, Jim,
can't understand it. l believe she's
trying to make you jealous"
Jim shook his head more puzzled
than ever. "She's not that kind Of girl
and there's no cause to make me
jealous"
A week later Jerome Covington
packed his bag and. still 5espectacled
and bewigged, paid his bin and de-
parted.
The next day Jim got note and an
inclosure. Dear Jin," read the note.
'T think this explains all. l found it
among my papers when got home.
must have picked 1t up and forgot
ten about it. Good luck and good
wishes J. c."
The inolosure was as follows: Dear
Carrie, l am writing to tell you that
your beau came 10 see man here
the other day when was cleaning one