South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-02

the baskets Of fruit in a tempting
display in the front OF her fathers
store. For the fruit and Rosa's
abundant black hair shone in the
bright morning sun and it seemed 70
the girl that all the world was smil-
ing at her-and with her.
Now and then. between sales.
Rosa darted surreptitious glances at
a shining object on her third finger
OF the left hand and shivered costa
tically. And many a customer drove
his team across the bridge that
morning. sentimentally cherishing
the belief that the pretty little Ital-
ian's parting smile and wave OF the
hand was meant for him. And then
the first cloud appeared on Rosa's
horizon. and she turned slightly 70
Tony her father and pointed TO the
bench on the bridge.
Look. papa" she urged him, "he
is-sick."
A young unkempt figure that
sIouched on the bench in an atti-
tude Of total despair claimed Tony's
Indifferent glance. and he grunted
disparagingly.
Early morning jag" ne opined,
and dismissed the subject. What
you do with those cocoanuts?"
Rosa found the missing delicacies
but she was not convinced, and
waited her opportunity. This was
no time for anybody 10 be sad. she
decided. This beautiful morning-in
a world made for love and lovers.
Maybe even this poor man had a
sweet-Rosa acted swiftly. and
peaches. And then she started
across the bridge. but before she
proceeded a dozen steps the figure
on the bench stood erect and moved
uncertainty towards the edge. Rosa
saw his hands go up in a sort Of
imprecation TO heaven. and then as
his purpose became apparent TO her.
she broke into a run.
Don't" she cried. frenziedly,
running faster. Don't jump"
Her heeting figure seemed to ar
rest him in his purpose. and in a
twinkle. Rosa stood pointing at his
side.
What Is the natter" she de-
manded. solicitously You are un-
happy?"
The young man gazed at her alb
sently for a moment, and then,
sweeping one hand across his face,
something within seemed TO snap
and he crumpled. in a heap. OF her
feet
Rosa. terrified, stared helplessly
at the PROSTATE figure for n brief
instant. and then looked about wild
~ for help. II was at her side in
the form OF a teamster.
Drunk. Rosa2" he asked. but the
grin on his foce vanished at the
girls whitening look What shall
we do with him 20
Take him" she cried, impetu-
ously take him TO my house. He's
ill.,"
Two minutes later. Tony regarded
the group i'm his store querulously.
What YOU do?7 he demanded,
staring angrily at the unconscious
form. Take him-away. The po-
lice"
Police nothing" came Rosa
sharp answer. as she led the way
into back room. Put him there "
The young man was deposited on a
couch. and then Rosa turned i'm
periously 20 her father. He is not
drunk. RE is-ill You go for DR..
Bianco-quick."
But the-eXpense. -'
Co" she ordered, and her father
hurried away.
An hour later DR.. Bionco took
/ his leave I'm front OF the tiny store.
Hes "A very sick man. he told
Rosa. "He will need not of care.
He has had great trouble. Who
IS he7"
ct don't know" Rosa answered
wcrriedIy. He raves about this
/ Peggy-in his sleep. Look. I found
this" Aud drawing a small photo
/ from tie bosom OF her dress, she
showed il &c the physician.
"a pretty girI-and young" the
docto- agreed, handing it back 10
her. He seems 10 be Of the bet
( ter class. His clothes are good. Did
YOU find anything else.
Rosa held out several papers. at
which ne glanced and then whistled,
and looked obout him cautiously.
Securities" he exclaimed. thou
sands of dollars worth. And un-
marked. You had better hide
+ them"
For two weeks. Rosa's patient
raved i'm the throes Of delirium, and
she seldom deserted his bedside.
/ Even Arturo Amato. Rosa's fance.
\ courted her in the sick room. And
Arturo laughed amusedly at Rosa
I theories.
Maybe she don't love him." Ar
turo ventured. "at leost. ike we
love"
But she must" insisted Rosa.
! without discretion. He is hand
some and rich and good"
"You love him o" demanded Ar
turo. In hot jealousy.
NO silly" Rosa sOothed him.
Iaughingly. and strOking his brilliant
red tie affectionately "But I hate
for anyone 90 he unhappy. He must
hove home ties But I don't know
where" Absently. she stared in
=. ,--..-., orS thor, av idea se4vaF her