The Topeka state journal., 1916-12-29
EVENING STORY
The Alderman's o. x.

Frederick Crandalrs friends spoke
of him as ''the writer" to which he
invariably chuckled, That's what
puts grub under my belt
One summer day his clear brown
eyes shifted their gaze from a litter
an open window, thru which gentle
breeze fluttered.
Upon this refreshing zephyr floated
the clamorous sounds of an immense
steam shovel, gouging into the soft
soil of a vacant lot across the street
From nearby the squeaky notes of
hand organ, grinding out some pop
ular air, came plainly to his ears A
small street band suddenly rounded
an opposite corner and struck up
mournful dirge.
Burr! Thoughts scattered from
arctic circle tc southern cross" he
broke out good naturedly, as he threw
both hands upward impatiently and
reached for the telephone.
Thanks very much, Alice he con-
cluded a moment later, III be down
shortly to take out the kiddie."
Within a half hour he stepped into
one of New York's railroad stations.
BY the hand he led a sturdy boy of
seven, whose radiant face beamed in
anticipation of glorious outing. Two
tickets were purchased, and they hur-
ried to the nearest gate The gate
mans curt words Immediately damp
ened the holiday spirit
Bars up against youngsters leaV-
ing town without board of health GER
tificate It's this infantile paralysis
scare" he added
BILLY, little pard, this is tough luck.
Away goes our day in the country, but
Wen make it something else What
shall it be?" queried Crandall
Zoo" came the eager reply as they
turned backward from the gate.
Zoo it is then"
Crandall suddenly stopped short. His
surprised eyes lighted upon tall.
graceful figure standing but a few feet
distant. A little girl. about Billy's age,
affectionately clutched her hand.
striking resemblance between the child
and woman acute1y panied him
Betty" he cried, bounding to her
side.
"Fredvr Their hands clasped in a
warm pressure.
'"The last person in the world / eX-
pected to meet here he cried heartily.
''Sit down for a moment and tell me
about yourself and the old folks back
at Creston."
Elizabeth Thurston's willing and
vivid recital brought back to his MEM
ory a complete picture, which flashed
thru his mind like a moving pano-
rama. The little Ohio village. nesting
| among the low hills, in which he had
grown to manhood passed before him.
lie girl, WIFI WnOIn ne
| had romped in youth and who now sat
| by his side, stood out clearly.
| He saw all over again how she had
| blosSomed into womanhood and had
returned his love. His case had been
well pleaded with her father, who re-
right up to the day Crandall forsook
the little village. Even as if it were
yesterday did he remember his last
meeting with Betty and her words, IL
must obey father
Crandail let his gaze shift from
Elizabeth Thurstons animated coun-
tenance to the little girl nesting in her
lap. Betty's eyes in a similar manner
| fastened themselves upon Bill, sitting
astride CrandalPs knees. An abrupt
silence followed her narrative.
| Your husband" he ventured. in an
effort to break the suspense, where
The girl blushed in embarrassment
and gasped: Husband? Why, I'm
not married.
THE child. +" He left his SEN
tence unfinished.
The daughter of my sister Kate
who lives in New jersey Betty has
tily explained, again glancing at
Billy.
"What-oh!' he exclaimed, "allow
me to present Master Billy Andrews,
my nephew : 'igured a glorious
day in the country, but had to change
our plans"
The merry twinkle which danced in
| Elizabeth Thurston's brilliant blue
eyes equaled that in Frederick Gran
dalPs laughing ones as the two smiled
| together.
And Ellen and I cannot go home
without a certificate" she returned.
Il didn't know it was necessary until
we reached the station"
After a moments thoughtful study
! his head popped up. I've an alder
man friend" he broke out, who
should help me get those certificates" p"
Crandalls stride was unusually brisk
as he stepped into a telephone booth
few minutes later. He was soon in
earnest conversation with some one
whom he familiarly addressed as
Jack"
You can arrange it? Bully for
you." There was ! moments silence.
| Thanks, Jack" he said delightedly,
-'I'l1 be at your office within ten min
utes.''
Barely had the allotted time elapsed
when Alderman John OHara grinned
at Crandall across his large flat-top-
ped desk 1--WE been thinking a heap
about your request since you hung
up" His benevolent face became
suddenly grave as he continued: II m
not so sure about that, after all. 1
answered you without thinking It's
against regulations, and I'll have to
renege."
But say, old man." began Crandall.
The Hon. John O'Hara threw up his
hand like a policeman stopping traf-
ffc, which checked the impending out
burst He controlled his laughter with
difficulty, and gurgled, IT'S all right;
that long face of yours convinces me
everything is on the level The papers
will be at my home by IL sharp and
it lacks just one hour" the council
man concluded patting his friend thru
1 the doorway.
| Everything arranged, Betty" said