The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1917-08-09

Of thought In front OF the
drug store at the corner of
Washington street and Central avenue,
considering what kind Of an ice cream
soda he would have, when he was
reused by the blum greeting Of an &C
Qualntapce not dissimilar to himself In
age. manner and apparel
"H'lo. silly Bul!" said this person.
halting beside william sylvanus Bax'
ter. whats the newsr'
william showed no enthusiasm. On
the contrary. q frown Of annoyance
appeared upon his brow. The nick.
name SILLY Bill." long ago compound
ed by merry child comrades from VIII
liam and Sylvanus, was not TO his
taste, especially In public. where he
preferred 10 he addressed simply and
manfully as Baxter. Any direct ex.
preston OF resentment, however. was
difficult. since It was plain that John.
nile Watson intended no offeDse what
ever and but spoke out Of custom.
Don't know any" William replied
coldly.
Dull times, amt itT' said Mr.. Wat
son. a little depressed by his friends
manner. Il heard May Parcber was
comm back to town yesterday.
though"
well. let her." returned William.
still severe.
.-They said she was goin' TO bring
girl TO visit her." Johnnie began In a
confidential tone. They said she was
q reg liar ringdingcr. and
swell. what II she is?" the discour-
aging Mr.. Baxter interrupted. Makes
little difference to me. guess !"
''Oh. no, It don't! You don't take any
interest In girls on, nor
mo, | do mott" was the emphatic
and heartless retort IL never saw one
In my life I'd care whether she lived
or died.
Honest, is that so7"
"Yes, 'honestr" william replied
sharply. "rhey could oil die: wouldn't
noticev'
Johnnie Watson was profoundly i'm
pressed. "why. I didn't know you felt
that way about IN, silly Bill. al
ways thought you were kind or
"well. do feel that way about EN-"
said William Sylvanus Baxter. and.
outraged by the repetition Of the Of
fensive nickname. he began TO move
away. "You can tell 'em SO for me.
II you want tor he added over his
shoulder. And he walked haughtily
up the street. leaving Mr. Watson to
ponder upon this case of misogyny.
never until that moment suspected.
Ii was beyond the power OF his mind
TO grasp the fact that William sylvia
nus Baxter's cruel words about girls
had been uttered because William was
annoyed at being called SILLY Bill'' In
q public place and had not known how
10 object otherwise than by showing
contempt for any topic OF conversa-
tion proposed by the offender.
william meanwhile made his way
toward the residence section" OF the
town. lie walked I'm his own manner,
using his shoulders 10 emphasize an
effect Of carelessness which he wished
TO produce upon observers, for his con
seriousness OF observers was abnormal.
looking at him or not. and II reached
a crucial stage whenever he perceived
persons Of his own age. but Of opposite
sex. approaching.
A person OF this description was en-.
countered upon the sidewalk within a
hundred yards OF his own home, and
william Sylvanus Baxter saw her while
yet she was afar off. He had per-
ceived even In the distance that she
was unknown 10 him. a stranger. be
cause he knew all the girls In this par,
OF the town who dressed as famousl.
In the mode as that. And then. as n
distance between them lessened. IA,