The Lamar register., 1918-12-25

something TO that. too"
Flushing, she exclaimed, "Oh thank
you so much.'
She passed on 10 her seat and re-
turned to its owner the tambourinc.
that never before had received contri-
buttons 50 promptly and cheerfully
bestowed
John IIarding's hand had gone at
ance into his pocket when he realized
what the girl was doing. and now he
was watching her with an almost awe
struck interest-her lovely. Sympathet-
Ic face. as she talked earnestly to the
little worker in blue, apparently un-
conscious that her sudden impulse had
first astounded and then kniI together
In kindly sympathy AN entire ear of
strangers.
BY Juye that was II great thing to
do" said Tom enthusiastically. when
the tension of an absorbing interest
had subsidized little.
Yes, never saw its equal" replied
John. After II moments hesitation he
added: Il should like to know HAT
girl. Do you suppose we could find
out who she is!
I'VE can try" his friend replied
but why do you want To know"
well, | do" John answered curly.
Tom glanced quizlically at him and
smiled TO himself This was another
phase of John he was just getting ac-
luainted with. When the car reached
the railway station where John and
f...-
TOMS suburban home, the two women
also left the ear. They went straight
to the ticket window. Tom took out
his Communication book and passed 1t
to John.
You follow them and / will join
you," he whispered. the spirit of mis-
chief and adventure now possessing
him. Having bought their tickets. the
women turned from the window and
hurried to the train. There in the
same ear Tom found them all.
Well, il this isn't luck" he ex-
claimed, ms soon as he was seated.
And then. with the air of n boy burst
ing with news, he said: ''rhey are
going to D"
Yes. | know it," Harding replied.
But as he vouched no information and
did not seem inclined to talk. Tom
look refuge In his paper ana prompt
ly forgot the whole affair. until he
was abruptly called back by:
Tom, | cannot tell you when
thing so impressed me as that did,
as il there could be but one that"
'''rhatf' asked Tom, a little puzzled.
Then, "Oh, ] thought you did not he
lieve in that kind OF charity-sympn-
ihcfic and sentimental. think you
called it," he teasingly reminded him.
remembering the crisp bill John had
dropped ia the tnnbonrlne.
"OlI, that Is altogether different"
John answered. half defiantly.
"Yes. different because pretty girl
made this appeal. an old man the
other" laughed Tom. ''But. tell me.
how do you adjust your acts 10 the
orlesl'
"Oh. theories, the dickcnsl What
are they ever compared To actsf And
that act this afternoon WIS spOn-
ianeons expression of the true Christ
inns spirit. from which springs the de
Hift w W T'Hi' J's ~ u
lot of poor unfortunates. becaus.. 'it's
Christmas, you know" he quoted
softly. 1T was the real thing. and
everybody In the ear felt it,"
And having, US IL were. justified his
position and interest. he looked across
at the unconscious subject of their re-
marks. Truly she was good 10 look at,
though at present all he could see was
the well-cut profile and the glorious
copperisl-brown hair turning to dull
gold where the western sun struck II.
and eyes. that with her mood. he knew.
varied from hazel to brown. yerit-
able gem of girl. he thought as she
began adjusting her furs. With an
intuitive feeling of understanding her,
he turned to Tom.
"Don't mention the affair TO anyone.
not even Mary. for II would not llcase
her. am sure" he added, as the train
pulled up at D.
The station was small and John had
just finished greeting Mrs. Dislvers.
when Billy Grants deep voice broke
in: Hello, Harding; glad TO see you"
as they shook hands.
Grant an old friend of both Harding
and Danvers, also lived In D..
Now. | want you to meet our
f..s.. "a \ mt tE rat