The Bossier banner., 1917-01-25
The Chase Of
An Aeroplane
And What Resulted
TherefrOm.
By AGNES q. BROGAN

I
/ / ! /
When the house that had been build
ing opposite where Madge Carlton
lived was finished, the refuse removed
and the grounds had been leveled and
sodded Madge looked upon the place
with envy. The house was as dainty
as a Swiss cottage. On the grounds
here and there were little ciumps OF
evergrcens, while the whole was sur
rounded by hedge.
"II bet that house." said Madge to
herself, twas built by ON artistic archi-
tect and the grounds were laid out by
landscape gardener"
Madge had taste for pretty places,
and the burden Of her desires was to
be mistress Of one. The house oppo-
site suited her exactly.
The next passion to covetousness
that took possession Of Madge Carlton
was curiosity Who would occupy 1t
when finished7 Would 1t be an old
woman living alone, with no one to
comfort her? Would 1t be a middle
aged couple with many small children?
Would there be an unmarried man In
the family. and would he be--nice?
That was the womanly way of ex-
pressing 1t. It was not: Would he be
heroic? Would he be manly? Would
he be honorable? No; it was not any
Of these alone. but oil In one, and that
one was expressed In the word nice.
She hoped there would be a single
man in the new house, that he would
be nice. and on these hopes rested q
third We shall see whether or not
this third hope was gratified.
One morning large posters decorated
the town where Madge lived announc
ing that ali exhibition would bc given
b.: an aeronaut. Every member OF
her family except Madge was on tiptOe
Of excitement to see the performance.
On the morning of its occurrence she
was sitting ON the porch. She was
looking at the new house opposite
which was now occupied. From it she
turned her gaze upon the throng who
passed continuously on their way to
rhe city pleasure grounds. where the
famous bird man was due to arrive in
his wonderful aeroplane, and to give
there his exhibition. Tier own family
had gone long ago. and Madge had
| shaken her head in decided refusal 1T
her brothers Invitation to join them.
mo, thank you," she answered. 'l
wouldn't wall, rs far as the corner Oh
a hot day like this to sec all the aero
| planes in the world. This cool verand;,
suits me lluch better
| She rocked back and forth now, en-
| ioying the light breeze which softly
taupcd the awnings. her little bare
arms slaspel high above her head The
last football died away. and the shady
| avenue was unusually silent. when
4 presently there came from out the sky
/ 4 loud hulnming noise rs Of giant
bee. Nearer it drew-still nearer
echoing and resounding in the stiffness
until at length. pellmcll from verandas
and doorways. people ran Hocking into
the street:
at is coming" they called to each
nther: lit is coming, it is here
aiadge leaned forward excitedly
High across the cloudless blue. with
| great outstrctcheI wings Ike some
monstrons bird, there rushed dark
object. Onward it went, straight as
an arrow, never swerving from its
course. never ccasing in its mad flight
until screening trees hid 1t from view
Of the watchers.
/ Wildly The crowd gave chase, hoping
to get another glimpse in :be next
clearing OF this wondrous. whirrins
thing.
4 Without an instant's hesitation
Madge, who had scorned her brothers
enthusiasm, now brcathlessly followed
the crowd. Over the lawn and down
the street twinkled the heels Of nc,
little white shoes. She fell at the curl
and when kindly hand assisted her
TO rise hurried Oh again without civil
thank you.' With fine disregard she
sripped lightly across the road before
the very lamps Of Il racing automobile
'"rhcre It Isl" said a trfumphan,
voice.
"Vherey she cried.
i "Above the tallest tree" the voic,
answered.
Il cannot see It," Madge said impa
tiently.
| A hand reached over her shoulder
pointing upward.
IF yon will look exactly where | tel
you," the owner OF the hand suggested
YOU will see It.
Il do now" she replied. ut is grow
ing smaller. 1t must be very high up. =
about 1900 feet the voice answer
ed exultantly.
/ Madge gave little cry Of disap
pointment
| "Oh. 1t is goner' she said. .Cap',
we see it farther on?''
| The man looked around quickly.
''Tllis way!" he called. and rar
swiftly up wide, grave!ed path. She
started bravely In pursuit. then stood
4 still
/ Il cannot go another STEP" she an
swered wearily.
The man turned back.
| let me help you" he said, and i'm
mediately slipped his arm beneath hel
own. It was very strong arm
Madge accepted its aid unquestioning
~ and was conscious Of a comforting
sense Of protection throughout hel
confusing fight. They rested at last
Where the Big Crowd Eats
] When In Shrevennrf