The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-05-29
EVENING STORY
L0st-A Cat.
BY VINCENT G. PERRY


that had caused all the trouble he be-
lieved he didn't love her and. for the
first two or three months. could even
pass her on the street without feeling
desire to renew the friendship-for
was why they had quarreled in the
first place. The first inkling he had
that he really loved her came the time
he saw her at a dance with another
boy0a fine looking fellow, too, who
moFfopoiized her company for every
dance. She seemed SO wrapped up in
her new escort that she didn't appear
to notice that he was having every
dance with pretty little Bess Keener.
Even if she had noticed it she would
know that there was nothing to fear
for Bess's reputation as tickle fiirt
was widely known-Bart reflected
afterward.
Although their quarrel had sepa-
raid them for six months, he thought
that 1t could be Strengthened out in
some way. 1t would not do for him
to Fix 1t up: it was up to Pauline to
make the first advances for a recon-
Citation. However. Pauline had 9s
much pride as he mad, he found, as
the months went by. If there was to
be renewal Of the friendship 1t was
going to be he who broke the barrier
that had really been Of his making.
LETT it the worse 1t would become.
Perhaps 1t had been left too long al
ready. What II Pauline had become
engaged to one of the boys he had
seen her with. The thought was too
severe to dwell on for an instant, but
he felt the sting of it often. It re-
CURED courage to speak to Pauline
again. How would he go about 1t? A
note asking permission to call would
be too old fashioned; to stop and
speak to her on the street would be
too bold. and besides would incur the
risk of receiving a slight In public:
a call by telephone would give her an
opportunity to cut him off without
hearing what he had to say; a call at
her, home might find her out. and her
father might not give him any too
warm welcome. There was not
another means that, he could think of.
Which one should he decide upon?
Before he had decided in a Lost
and Found advertisement In the morn
ing paper opened road for him.
Lost-an orange Angora kitten, half
grown; answers to name of Angela;
reward; apply Miss Pauline Randall,
S47 Redan street, The minute hs
read it he realized the opportunity
offered him.
At first he thought of going out in
search of the stray kitten, but after
contemplating, hit upon a better plan,
learned that Mrs. Regain O'Beil dealt
in Angora kittens and lost no time
in searching her out.
Mrs. O'Dell had an orange Angora
kitten that she assured him was only
hal grown. He paid the price she
asked for it without a moments de-
liberation. altho II was q steep one.
The expense was nothing to him when
he thought of what might result from
his buying that cat
1t was a timid Bart that approached
Pauline's home. the kitten in a basket
with a basket just leaving the house.
Just his luck. he thought. the pet had
been returned His spirits rose when
he saw q yellow cat escape from the
basket and the man start in pursuit Of
it.
There was a lineup Of people with
cats in baskets ahead Of Bart. If the
right one was in one of those baskets
he was done for. but it was too late to
back out. One by one the people were
taken into the reception room where,
apparently. Pauline was waiting to in
spect the contents of their bask cts.
and one by one they came out still
with the cats. AS the numbers dimin-
ished. Bart felt more at ease. Finally
the last person closed the door and
went his way with the cat he had hop
ed was the missing one. Bart straight
ened his tie and gripped his basket
firmly as a servant showed him to the
room where the inspections had been
held.
Pauline. seated in the center of the
room. looked worn out She looked
up at his entrance.
''why-why!" she gasped. as she
jumped to her feet in surprise. why,
Bart-Mr. Chalmers!"
II nave a cat here" Bart hasten
ed, as he clutched at his breast to
discover if his heart had flown to the
roof of his mouth.
Yes. of course" Pauline's surprise
still had the best of her, but she was
doing her best to appear unconcerned.
II have had 50 many brought here to-
day. Please let me see the one you
have"
No sooner had Bart taken it from
angela, dear" she cried. as she hug
ged it to her. where has YOU been,
you naughty kitten? Oh. Bart. where
did you get my cat? thought she was
lost fof good"
'I-I-just found It," Bart stam-
mered, almost overcome by the success
of his plan. Il did not think It was
your cat-that is. not until saw your
advertisement I have been waiting
out there for nearly an hour"
How good of you. I would not have
let you stay there for an instant had
I known"
"T am sure you would not" he
smiled.
It was surprising how many things
they found to talk about. The restored
angela" was forgotten for the time
being, but it made itself comfortable
on Pauline's lap. where, most likely, it
would have remained undistrubed for
some time had not the servant usher
ed another person with a cat into the
room.
Here is your cat, Miss Randall"
voice that Bart recognized Immediately
said She just came home to me. half
an hour ago." 1t was Mrs. O'Dell. She
was holding a duplicate of the cat
Bart had bought from her in her arms.
Bart could feel his collar tighten.
why, there Is some mistake! An
gela has been returned Seer" Pauline
said, as she held the other up for in
spection.
.sVNhx this Ia AnRela'a tyAiQ sister.