The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-01-22

eously, tear stood in the eye of Miss
Moore.
They are in new danger now" con-
tinued the priest, land my duty calls
me to the hospital at Manse. where .
score are dying daily. Madam, sir.
you will certainly find some way to
reach safety These little ones-I
would save them. II they could be got
to Paris the aid societies there would
take charge of them"
But / scarcely know how / shall get
there myself" explained the young
lady.
The priest regarded Noble wistfully.
The latter had been reused out of him
self by the pathetic incident Of the
hour.
There are no trains" he said, no
body here of the Inhabitants seems to
think Of anything but his own escape.
l doubt II l could find a conveyance in
the town. but-there may be . way. I
will see."
A queer sensation Of interest thrilled
Adrian Noble as the beautiful girl d.
rected toward him an approving and
appreciative glance. He made his de-
parture, strangely anxious to continue
her favorable opinion of him.
II was an hour later when Noble re-
appeared at the old hospice. He drove
sorry nag, attached to hay rack.
This was piled knee-deep with hay,
and over it some ragged but thick
blankets lay.
1T is the best l could do" he ex-
planned to the priest, "A refugee was
anxious to get rid of his surplus and,
under the present conditions, worth.
less belongings. l struck a bargain
for cash.
But who will driver" inquired the
innocent-faced priest.
why, myself" replied Noble. with
a careless laugh. Then he caught q
merry CLEAN in the eyes of Miss
Moore. She had read him Alright as q
fastidious idler, used to the eQuipages
of luxury, rather than this slatternly
outfit, and the vivid contrast momen-
tarily amused her.
The priest helped them to pack the
little ones into the vehicle. He added
to their equipment all the eatables he
had in the house. AS they drove on
f, Noble lifted his hat reverently and the
eyes of Miss Moore were full of tears.
Their recent host had his hands raised
in benediction Then he turned to face
new duties amid carnage and suffer
ing.
The blind route the refugees took
led them a good many more than forty
miles ere they reached safety. 1t was
pitiful to view the orphaned little ones
leaving their native land forever. Miss
Moore was tender and attentive. No.
BILE made them comfortable and buoy.
ant This was decidedly a new ex.
perience and it's winning phase was
the presence of the lovely girl, who
took up the care of the children as
though 1t was her life work.
When they reached Paris their
charges were taken to hotel by No
BILE. There appeared Miss Moore and
her father little later. He thanked
Noble for his protecting escort. He
looked over the children speculatively
81 think I'll adopt them" he said
finally. II say, Violet, we can get the
people at the home farm to take them
in and ourselves keep track of theil
progress in life"
Il shall be interested to see them
permanently housed" remarked Noble
las l am going also to return to the
United States"
1--WE can't spare you from the party
Of course" declared Violet's uncle.
And one beautiful moonlight night
steaming homeward bound, Adrian No
BILE told his love to the girl who hat
reused him to new and truer Interest
in humanity.
"Our little wards" spoke Noble ten
derby, when Violet had said yes. 1--WE
will see them grow into men and WON
en- together"