The Dolores star., 1916-02-25

I You are fond of that bear?" asked
Hill.
Il am" replied Pedro. He 10 my
good friend; he II the thing l love
most Of all"
Tell me of your wanderings with
him." he asked.
And Pedro told him. The elder man
sat very still a. he listened, his chair
tilted back against the brick wall. his
eyes narrowed to mere Sits of light
a. he watched the young raconteur
through the blue haze of smoke. What
tales these were to which he listened:
how they stirred the wanderlust in
him.
Then. too. the fascination Of the an.
cient and honorable profession of bear
dancing had taken hold on Hill. But
though he listened well, every listle
while came the thought of his lost
love. and with 1t q wave Of depression
swept over him. With desperate ef-
fort to pull away from 1t he asked
another question.
| where are your companions?'
Very near the public garden from
which we have just come" responded
Pedro. Down the little cobbly street
to where the air-railway turns; then
in q little door. through q court, to
an old house with wooden balconies.
They await me there"
How fitting!" murmured Hill. How
l should like to see them! Would
| they receive me well?"
without doubt" said Pedro;
they recognize a friend at once. even
| as dog or a bear does!"
I've a mind to go back with you,"
said Hill jokingly. "They must be
corkers. That Old Nita, now-what
does she look Hke?"
"She-why she looks-she looks like
Time himself" responded the boy.
See. will show you"
Saying which. he brought out q
stump Of q pencil and q small pad
from some recess of his old coat Of
green.
This is Nita," said he. turning over
several pages, and handing the open
book to Hill. "Old Nita, and that next
Is Beau-Jean, scolding Koko."
Hill took the proffered papers idly.
and suddenly sat very erect. examin-
ing them intently.
Who drew these?" he inquired
after q moment.
| why, me, of course" said Pedro.
For another little space Hill was
silent, turning over the sheets in his
hand. There were perhaps twenty
sketches In the pad. From his scru-
tiny Of them, he raised his eyes to
Pedro. Could the boy be telling the
truth? Had he actually drawn these
things? They were remarkable. Surely
be famous. for work like this was not
to be hid easily. Indeed, it was amaz-
ingly good. It was the work of born
craftsman. But Pedro's face showed
no signs of uneasiness. On the con-
trary, his eyes were alight as he ex-
planned who the people were.
do you like my drawings?" asked
Pedro, suddenly self-conscious, q deep
flush spreading over his face and neck.
Like them!" was all Hill replied.
but at the tone of his voice Pedro's
eyes sparkled.
Il love to draw people, and lots Of
people together. and places. And
love to draw Mr.. Jones'"
who taught you? asked Hill.
Long ago, when l was small, some
one taught me every day." said Pedro.
Then have painted little here and
a little there. But l have yet so much,
SO much to learn! That is why
came here to find a studio. that
might really learn"
Privately. Hill was convinced that
what Pedro needed was the opportu-
nifty. That was all. 1t was remark
able, but true. Suddenly he leaned
across the little table.
Il suppose you love that bear tire.
mendously?" he asked.
"Yes," said Pedro, instantly aware
Of an impending development.
More than your art?"
Pedro laughed. Then he sobered.
NO." he said, "of course not. I sup
pose would even give him up II need
be-and yet he Is like my own
brother"
The boys eyes were bright with ex.
element, and the warm color had
crept into his face as he spoke
Across the. mouth Of the man oppo
site to him was the stamp Of a new.
born decision.
Then give him up!" cried Hill. 81
am a painter. Give him to me in ex
change for my studio and all that il
in It'll"
| ~AAnrEn ~