, 1918-06-13

colored balls dangling from elastics,
and two squeaky rubber dolls.
Peal upon peal of laughter rang out
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 a
deep bass voice called out: "Well, so
you got here ahead of me, Ell? / hope
my twin kiddies-I mean my twin
young ladies-have taken good care of
you," and divesting himself of his
great fur coat, which was taken in
charge by the ever-present Sims, in
came DR.. Walter Carroll, otherwise
known as "Old Doc" of the One Hun
dred and Seventh regiment, and held
out a hand to each of his guests.
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.
1t 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.
And now for the party" cried Mad
cline, her eyes dancing with excite
ment, as a group of the young people
of the neighborhood came in to help
celebrate the birthday Of the twins.
Soon the fun waxed fast and furious,
n many were the envious looks cast
in their direction when Scott and Jack
were elected by the two girls to cut
the two birthday cakes that adorned
the table, brave in their proud array of
18 candles each.
TITS because they have swords, you
see," explained Madeline, anxious to
soothe 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 distributed.
Scott held up the coveted trophy.
There followed three such glorious
days, that as they "a 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.
"Well, we're glad If you enjoyed
your stay with u.s." answered Mary
Carroll sedately, but although her lips
answered Scott, her eyes sought out
his brother officer.
"11l tell you this" said Tom, grave
ly, in answer to her look, "if I've got
to die, l shall certainly die happier for
having had these few wonderful days"
"Poohl 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 grill take you out along
the river for a walk, and you'll only
think how nice 1t is to live, and not be
worrying about dying"
Along the south path that led to the
river John Farrell strolled with Mary.
"It's only three days I've known
you, it's true" he 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 chance, Mary?" 70
swell, 1t was my ring-and you won
it," said Mary, and she blushed ador-
ably, and in some mysterious way her
answer completely satisfied Jack.
But you mustn't tell anyone" she
begged, "for you see I'm only eighteen,
and Wen have to wait a long time.
Besides I'd hate to have Madeline
know-that is-right away. OF course,
/ always tell her everything. Twins
always do, you know" and she looked
up at him with serious eyes, 'but IN
how 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 1 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 u. S.. transport Aida
two well-set-up, fine-looking young
soldiers slowly paced the deck.
"Well," said Jack Farrell to his
friend, 81 may not have won the penny
that was in that birthday cake, but
I'll bet you an army sweater against
a pair of pigskin puttees that If l ever
get safely back home again I'll be
richer thah 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, hol 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 mex furlough,
Scott, and may 1t be as happy n one
as this one has been"
eyes," said Scott H%anlon, "God will
ing, here's to our next f%urlough."
And gravely the two soldiers shook
hands.