The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-11-03
An Escapade
Il Was Perpehated by q
Girl of Seventeen
By ETHEL HOLMES
By ETHEL HOLMES

Indeed, looking back to that period. !
wonder at my innocence. was simply
unterrified at any proposition. do not
mean that l was unterrifed at facing
the consequences Of any proposition.
When I got myself into difficulty l de-
pended upon circumstances to get me
out, and circumstances sometimes man.
age our affairs far better than we can
manage them ourselves.
My brother Tom, much older than
myself, and l were orphans and lived
together, Tom being more Of father
to me than q brother. He was sports
man from the crown of his head to the
soles Of his feet, and since he made
companion Of me he taught me lot
that sportsman should know. At sew
enteen I was a good horsewoman,
good shot and did not hesitate to stand
in rubber boots in stream Of rapidly
running water casting for trout.
One autumn Tom was obliged to go
away on a long trip. Before leaving he
left certain of his affairs in my charge.
instructing me to open his mail, reply
to such letters as l was able and for
ward the others to him. While he was
away an invitation came for him to
visit friend in the mountains. I'VE
have some good trout fishing" said the
gentleman, land other amusements
that think will enable you to pass the
time pleasantly. By the by, bring that
little brother of yours, who, you say.
has your sportsman tastes. We will
enjoy having youngster with u.s."
had heard Tom speak Of his friend
Edward Erskine, the writer Of the let
ter, but had never seen him. Toms
little brother probably meant me. Ny
name is Wilhelmina, and Tom had
doubtless mentioned me as Billie, CIV
ing Mr.. Erskine the impression that
was boy.
An unfortunate idea popped into my
head. At first it was only an idea. for
1t was beyond the pale Of common
sense. But 1t gradually worked its way
into my brain as something to be ac-
complished. 1t was this: to write Mr.
Erskine that my brother Tom was alb
sent and could not accept his kind In
vitation; that l, Billie, was much dis
appointed that I must be deprived Of
what promised to be delightful visit
on this account. If Mr.. Erskine re-
piled, extending the visit to me alone
my scheme was to get myself up in
boys clothes and 60 alone
l wrote the letter, refraining from
mentioning the fact that | was a girl
and mailed It Back came the invita-
t10n l had coveted, with the words,
II don't know how old you are, Billie,
but II you are something Of child my
mother will give you every attention.
"YOur brother has often spoken Of you
as being a good sport, and feel con-
fdent can make it all right with Tom
when I see him about your coming
without him. Mother and l will enjoy
having a boy in the house, so pack
your yalise and come along. Don't
bother to bring any fishing tackle, as
I have all kinds here, including high
rubber boots
certainly would have dismissed my
idea had 1t not been for this state
ment. for l was not so innocent as not
to know that girl could not visit
man, unless he was a very old man.
without another woman in the house
As 1t was. was three days getting up
my courage. had no business to leave
home with Tom away and without his
permission But the bee had got into
my bonnet, and could not get It out.
My first yielding was to buy a suit of
youths clothing. concluded that |
would pass very well for a boy. The
next thing was to buy more boys
clothes. and the next was to pack
them. All this while l had not made
up my mind to carry out my idea In
fact, never made up my mind to
carry 1t out; 1t carried me. Even when
on the train considered getting out at
the next station. And when Il had
passed 1t | considered getting out at
the next
The train and my idea took me to
station In the mountains where dwelt
Mr.. Erskine. l was the only passenger
to alight mt the station. l called a cab
and asked the cabman to drive me to
Mr.. Erskine's. He knew where Mr.
Erskine lived. and l was soon dumped
out at cottage, half frightened out
OF my senses. A gentleman about thirty
years old was on the porch mendine
some fishing tackle. He looked at me
evidently wondering who I was and
what wanted.
Are you Mr.. Erskine?" asked
Yes. my boy. What can I do for
your
I'm Billie" faltered.
billie? Billie Nettleton? I'm de.
lighted to see you. Sorry Tom Is NOT
with you Come in. Give me that suit
case"
he called Mother" and an old lady
with a pleasant face showed me TO a
room. where made my toilet. took =
great deal Of time for 1t and after II
was finished spent a great deal more
time In trying to screw up my courage
to go downstairs When I did so 7
round sumner rpadv opd xro III -.