The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-20
1T PAID
AFTER ALL
By WILLIAM CHANDLER

night at Buffalo and discovered TO his
dismay that he could go no farther
till the next evening. Not only was he
disappointed at having to wait in a
strange town over Sunday. but horror
stricken at remembering that be was
short of cash. having provided just
enough to take him to his journeys
end. His hotel bill for one day would
use up all he had. with none left for
his sleeping berth to Chicago. His
tickets were to that city.
Bob put up at a hotel and went to
bed. In the morning he bethought
himself as to how he should get away
with the day and provide means for a
sleeping berth for the balance of the
trip. for he had no mind to sit up all
night Then suddenly he remembered
that his chum. Tom Atkinson, was a
Buffalo boy and his parents lived there
Toms father had visited his son in
Chicago, and Bob had been introduced
to him. He might call on Mr.. Akin
son. state his necessities and secure
the loan Of the few dollars needed.
Bob spent the morning reading the
newspapers and the afternoon walking
the streets. His train did not leave
till IL O'Clock. After dark he plucked
up courage to go to the AtkinsOns for
his loan. So after getting the address
from directory he turned his steps to
the house On his arrival he found the
premises dimly lighted. He hesitated.
he was tempted to give it up and sit
up all night in day car But the pros
pect of n sleepless night urged him on.
and he went up the steps and rang the
bell. After waiting some time he saw
the light in the hall turned higher;
then a feminine voice asked who was
there
Bob was staggered. How could he
explain who he was? He could not
very well say that he was Tom Atkin-
sons friend and he had called to Dor
row a few dollars on the strength of
that friendship. He said nothing,
standing in the vestibule irresolute.
who's there? asked the voice again
in more resolute tone.
Still Bob, not knowing what to say,
said nothing. Then he thought he
heard a light step within retreating,
then returning. Suddenly the door
was opened few inches, and the muz-
zle of pistol was poked through. Be-
yond he could distinguish the figure of
a girl.
IF you think that am Alone" said
a quavering voice. you are mistaken
There are three men upstairs"
"I-I-have come to make a call on
Mr.. and Mrs. Atkinson Do they live
here?'
Eyes, they live here They're out at
church. They haven't got back yet
You can't come in"
Certainly not If you don't wish it.
May l leave card?"
The girl Mode no reply to this. Bob
held out card and, poking it at the
girl just below the pistol, said:
I'm Il friend of Tom Atkinson, in
Chicago. Happening to be in Buffalo,
I concluded to pay my respects to his
parents
"Oh. merciful goOdnessr' exclaimed
the girl, Withdrawing the weapon.
what have DONE"
ut doesn't matter" said Bob apollo
getically. It's my fault anyway.
shouldn't have called so late
"Are YOU Robert Sanford?"
Eyes
"Oh. dear! Papa and mamma left
me all alone, and I'm 'fraid of bur-
glars. I've made a ninny of myself.
Come in"
Bob entered, asking If the girl was
Toms sister, and she assured him
that she was and had often heard Tom
speak of his friend Mr. Sanford.
Papa and mamma will be so compli-
mented that you have called on them."
said Miss Atkinson, "and will be de-
lighted to see one of Toms intimate
friends. They will be home in a few
minutes. The services are over at 8,
and it takes them about fifteen minutes
to come from the church Here they
are now"
Bob wished it had taken them long
er to come, for Toms sister was very
pretty and he would have liked a long
er sitting with her alone. The front
door opened, and Mr.. and Mrs. Atkin-
son. after leaving their wraps In the
hall, entered.
This is Toms friend Mr. Sanford
of Chicago" said Miss Atkinson.
well, upon my word!' exclaimed
Mr.. Atkinson. Delighted to see you.
l remember very well meeting you in
Toms rooms in Chicago"
How nice of you to come and see
us" said Mrs. Atkinson. 81 assure
you we appreciate the attention"
Bob remained for an hour, during
which the fond parents talked inces-
sanity about their son, and Bob prais-
ed him to the skies. All the while he
was trying to muster up courage to
speak of the loan of 81 for a sleeping
berth But to tell Toms parents In
the presence of Toms sister that he
had called for that purpose was too
much for him. So, saying that he must
go FOR his train, he babe them all good
by, and, followed by a shower of thanks
for the attention he had shown them
In calling, he took his departure.
The next evening he appeared at
Tom Atkinson's and told the story.
well, I'll be jlnged!' said Tom.
After facing death at the muzzle Of a
pistol you were obliged to sit up all
nightr'
yes" replied Bob, but it was worth
a night like that"
what do you mean?"
Bob never explained till he became
engaged to Miss Atkinson.