The daily Alaskan., 1917-10-10

just barely seventeen on $9.S5!'
 "Oh, now said Mrs. Baxter. "At least don't think so. Of course girls do as crazy things as boys sometimes in their way. l was thlnking"- She paused. "Of course there couldn't be anything in 1t, but 1t did seem a little strange"
 What did?"
 J "Why, just before I came downstairs Adelia came for the laundry, and I asked her If she'd seen Willie, and she said he'd put on his dark suit after dinner, and he went out through the kitchen, carrying his suit case"
 He did%
 "Of course,'. Mrs. Baxter went on slowly, "I couldn't believe he'd do such thing, but he really is in a prepos- terous way over this little Miss Pratt, and he did have that money"
 By Georgew MT. Baxter got upon his feet. "The way he talked at din- her, could come pretty near believing he hasn't any more brains left than to get married on $9.S5! wouldn't put 1t past him! By George, l wouldn'tw
 Do you think we'd better go down to the Parchers'H Wed just say we came to call, of course, and if'-
 Get your hat on," he said. "1 don't think there's anything In 1t at all, but we'd just as well drop down there. It can't hurt anything"
 "Of course l don't think"- she be- gan.
 Neither do l." he interrupted irasci- bly. But with boy of his age crazy enough to think he's in love how do we know whatll happen7 We're only his parents Get your hat on." But when the uneasy couple found themselves before the house of the Parchers they paused in the darkness and presently decided that 1t was not necessary to go In From the porch came the laughter of several young voices. and then one silvery voice, which pretended to be that of tiny | child.
 "Oh, same! Same on co, big Bruv- va JOsie-Joe! Mus be polite to Johnny Jump-up or tant play wiv May and Lola"
 That's Miss Pratt" whispered Mrs. Baxter. She's talking to Johnnie Watson and Joe Bull!tt and May Parchcr. Let's go home. It's all right | Of course knew 1t would be-"
 "Why, certainly" said Mir. Baxter as they turned. Even If Willie were as crazy as that, the little girl would have more sense. wouldn't have thought anything of It if you hadn't told me about the suit .ase That looked sort of queer"
 And when they came to their own house again there was William sitting alone and silent upon the steps of the porch.
 "I thought you'd gone out, Willie" said his mother as they paused beside | him.
 "Ma'am2"
 "Adela said you went out, carrying your suit case"
 "Oh, yes" he said languidly. If you leave clothes al Schwartzs in the even- Ing they have 'cm pressed in the morn ing. You said looked damp at din ner. so | took 'nm over and left 'em there"
 "I see" Mrs. Baxter followed her husband to the door, but she stopped n the threshold and called back Don't sit there too long. Willie. The dew Is falling, and It rained so hard today. I'm afraid 1t might be damp" "Ma'amT
 "Come on," Mir. Baxter said to his wife Hes down on the Parcher's porch, not out in front here. Of course he can't hear you. It's three blocks and half"
 But Williams father was mistaken. Little he knew. William was not upon the porch of the Parchers. with May Parcher and Joe Bullitt, and Johnnie | Watson to interfere. He was far from there, in a land where time was not Upon a planet floating In pink mist, and uniuhabited, unless old Mir. Gene sis and some Hindu princes and the diligept IOwan may have established | themselves in its remOter regions-Wtl- liam was alone with Miss Pratt In | their own home. And after time | they went together and looked into the | door of room where an indefinite number of little boys, all over three years of age, were playing in the fire light upon white bear rug. For in the roseate gosSamer that boys dreams are made Of William had indeed en- tered the married state.
 Ills condition was growing worse eY- cry day.
 It was the morning of the great day when q trolley ride and picnic were to be given in hunOI uf Miss Pratt. Will lie had spirited argument with his | mother on the time honOred subject Of taking an overcoat and finally submit ted to her arguments. She hung the garment upon his arm, kissed him, and he departed in des- perate manner.
 However. having worn hls tragic face for three blocks, he halted before | ,+,ra on1 nnrmittnd his