The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1916-01-14
THE PEARLS
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

er. But they had had life-saving
seance one time-eitherFrederick had
saved Sylvester or the other way
round-but 1t had cemented the friend
ship, 50 it doesn't matter.
Since then Sylvester Smith had
been a frequent visitor at the Prices
and Phyllis was afraid of him, al
though he was big and handsome and
very nice, indeed. He had sent candy
to Phyllis at school until the string
OF little brass spoons that came in
each box reached from the chandelier
to the floor and Phyllis was confront
ed by dyspepsia But she knew that
he thought of her only as Fred's lit
tie sister, and 1t ranked. The worst
OF it was that graduating and long
dresses and just lately her coming
out party had not made a bit of diff
ference to him. He seemed to think
her as much of child as ever, and
1t was humiliating, to say the least,
to have him happen here Just now.
Phyllis sat belligerently silent while
the others related narrowing incidents
of train robberies and hapless maid
ems who lost things.
But men can be robbed as easily
as girls" she cut in finally, "and they
are. too"
Sylvester came to the rescue-that
is. Phyllis thought he was going to
when he began. He looked so big and
capable, standing with his back to the
blazing logs, his hands behind him.
Il do not believe you need to be
alarmed about Phyllis taking her Jew.
elry with her. But, after all, Mr..
Price, have better plan. l am 60
ing to Providence myself on Friday
on some insurance business and shall
be delighted to play messenger.
will take Phyllis pearls If you like
THE very thing" nodded Mrs. Price
approvingly.
Bully" commended Frederick.
THAT is a fine idea," assented Mr..
Price.
Phyllis flung out of the room. She
had been betrayed
Phyllis took the Friday morning
train. Frederick said "Good-by" as
the train pulled out of the station.
At the same moment, man catapult-
ed on to the platform at the opposite
end of the car. Still painting from his
exertion, he glanced at the section
numbers and dropped himself into the
seat directly in front of Phyllis, with
out noticing her But Phyllis had
distinct shock when she recognized
Sylvester Smith.
A sudden suspicion dawned upon
her. Il will bet nickel some of my
blessed family asked him to look after
me-" Then, after few minutes sne
decided that he was making no effort
to locate her He was evidently abb
sorbed in a book.
Very well, then, l shall just ex-
actly not let on that am" Phyllis
caught her breath and sat up very
straight. Thrown over the back of
his own seat was the mans overcoat
folded wrong side out and a fat, in
teresting-looking wallet was projecting
an inch or so from a pocket.
Phyllis giggled. Then, making sure
that no one was watching, she changed
her seat to the one facing her She
laid her head against the overcoat
and, pretending to arrange her hair,
drew the wallet deity from it's rest
ing place and slid it into her bag.
On Saturday night the Linsters
were giving ball in honor of Phyllis.
All day Sylvester had not appeared.
He came, wild eyed and excited, Just
as the guests were arriving. A serv-
ant showed him into the smoking
room, and Phyllis, beautiful but jewel
less, came to life there.
Phyllis" he cried, 81 have lost
them"
Not the pearls!" she protested.
Yes. They were stolen, think, on
the train. have hunted all night and
all day. The police haven't a clue.
There seems to be no hope. | had
them with most of my money in my
wallet. The whole business is gone.
What will you think of me-"
Phyllis looked at him silently mo-
ment. Her head was very high and
his was bowed with dismay. Her
heart was beating wildly, but on her |
lips was little triumphant smile.
Here was this big, strong, dominating
afraid of "the baby She
to kiss him and slap him at |
he same time.
WELL" she said finally, with sigh,
i guess it cannot be helped Then,
mpulsively; Let's ask the fortune
.eller. They have one tonight in q
.ent in the conservatory. Maybe she
will give us clue"
Sylvester was puzzled. He had ex-
Dected a storm of tears. But / can
lot stay in these Clothes" he pro-
.ested.
ooh, yes. you can. Jimmy Linster
will take you upstairs to his room and !
Jig you up. Meet me in the conserva-
DRY in half an hour, ! will send |
Jimmy in now"
a