The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-03

unwrap the package he had SO care
fully placed there, and with comical
dismay he held up to view two gaily
colored balls dangling from elastics.
and two squeaky rubber dolls.
the boys joining in none the less
heartily because the joke was upon
them, and in the midst of it all came
a stamping up the front steps. the
front door was thrown open and
deep bass voice called out: 'eWell. so
you got here ahead of me, Ell? I hope
my twin kiddies-I mean my twin
young ladies-have .aken good care
of you," and divesting himself of his
great fur coat. which was taken in
came DIR. Walter Carroll. otherwise
known as "Old Doc" of the One Hun
dred and Seventh regiment, and held
out hand to each of his guests.
4 Each young soldier grasped the
hand extended to him, and gripped it
with that grip by which men make
known to other men the feeling that
is in their hearts.
It was a pretty party that sat down
to dinner that night in Doctor Car
rolls house, and many a trench
story did the two boys relate to their
old friend, with the rest of the. family
as interested listeners.
Madeline, her eyes dancing with ex-
citement. as group of the young peo-
pie of the neighborhood came in to
help celebrate the birthday of the
twins. Soon the fund waXed fast and
furious, and many were the envious
looks cast in their direction when
Scott and Jack were elected by two
girls to cut the two birthday cakes
that adorned the ia BILE, brave in their
proud array of eighteen candles each.
Its because they have swords, you
see," explained Madeline, anxious to
sooth the feelings of some of her de-
voted admirers You know swords
do cut the cake SO nicely"
The ring-the ring-who gets the
ring?" came a chorus from the girls,
as the pieces of cake were distrib-
uted. Scott held up the coveted tro-
ply.
There followed three such glorious
days, that as they sat at the dinner
table on their last evening with the
CAROLS, Scott declared that he was
so spoiled that he knew that he'd
never amount to anything after he got
back to actual duty.
We'll. we're glad If you enjoyed
your stay with u.s." answered Mary
Carroll sedately. but althc her lips
answered Scott, her eyes sought out
his brother officer.
I'll tell you this" said Tom, grave
ly. in answer to her look, IF I've got
to die, 1 shall certainly die happier
for having had these few wonderful
days"
Pooh. Pooh!" cried the doctor,
quickly, anxious to avoid any refer
ence to the dangers to come, that
| might spoil their last hours together.
After dinner the girls'n take you out
along the river for a walk, and you'll
only think how nice it is to live. and
not be worrying about dyingi".
Along the south path that led to
the river John Farrell stroIled with
Mary.
Its only three days I've known
you, it's true" lie said, but you must
remember that really I've known you
since you were three, from what dear
! old Doc has told us. I've got to go
back to the front, dear, but the war
| can't last forever, and when 1 come
back-have 1 a chance. Nary"
We'll, it was my ring-and you
won it" said Mary, and she blushed
adorably,. and in some mysterious way
her answer completely satisfied Jack
But you mustn't tell anyone she
| begged, for you see I'm only eigh-
teen, and we'll have to wait long
time. Besides I'd hate to have Made
line know-that is-right away. OF
course, 1 always tell her everything.
Twins always do, you know" and she
/ Aooheu dI illIIl Will serious eyes,
somehow I'd like to keep this a secret
just between us for a little while"
All right, sweetheart, If you say
So" he agreed, but I don't think you
need worry about Madeline. There
she is now" as Scott Hanlon and the
other twin came slowly up the west
path.
| On board the United States trans
| port Aida, two welI-set-up, fine-look-
ing young soldiers slowly paced the
deck.
well" said Jack Farrell to his
friend, Il may not have won the pen
ny that was in that birthday cake,
but I'll bet you an army sweater
against a pair of pigskin puttees that
If I ever get safely back home again
I'll be richer than you'll be-"
"But you seem to forget" replied
the other, 81 won the wedding ring,
and sometimes it's just as well to be-
lieve in signs" and he smiled broadly.
"Oh, no! so it's you, too, eh?" ex-
claimed Jack, as he whistled softly.
well, we certainly are two lucky fell
lows. Here's to our next furlo, Scott,
and may it be as happy a one as this
one has been"
YES" said Scott Hanlon. "God will
ing. here's to our next furlo.'
And gravely the two soldiers shook
hands.
Copyright, 1918. by Mcclure Newspaper
Syndicate.)