, 1918-11-28
Autumn
Leaves
A Halloween Story
o0
BY FRANCES B. LINSKY
1918, by Mcclure Newspaper
S~yndicate.)

The little gray motor stood hum
ming merrily at the gate, as If the
glorious fall weather had made 1t i'm
patient to be off and try its speed
along the smooth country roads, while
down the pathway from the cottage
came its owner, her usually merry face
married by n frown, which only deep
ened as she read and reread the let
ter in her hand. Then, crushing 1t an
grily into her pocket, she climbed into
the little gray roadster and slammed
the door after her with n bang. She
threw out the clutch with Unnecessary
force, and the little car, as if in pro-
test at such unusua treatment, bound
ed forward with n jerk that nearly
bounced Eve out of her seat.
However. no one could long with
stand the beauty of the perfect Octo-
Der day, and as they sped along the
frown was gradually chased away and
just the least suggestion of a pout was
left in its place.
Eve stopped the machine for a mo-
ment under the friendly shade of an
old maple and once more fished the
letter out of her pockets
eff Tom Murdoch isn't the most ex-
asperating of brothers," she stormsd
to herself as she read; "the idea of
his keeping me waiting until the very
last minute, and then letting me know
that he can't get home in time to take
me to the Halloween party tonight.
business. of course; that's always
a mans excuse, and" reading N, che
may possibly get home very late to-
night, and If he doe he will call for
me at the Camphells'-and he's awful
ly sorry that I shall have to go alone.
Much good that does me- muttered
Eve to herself.
She turned the page, and uncon-
scio"sly n tender light came into the
girls eyes as she read:
"I know you will he glad, Eve, when
I tell you that while / was in the
n~eighborhood I went over to the sui
phur baths to see Adam Campbell.
Well, sis, the baths and the treatments
and the doctors have all done their
best for him, but the folks at home
must not hope for too much. You re-
member he said he would try the cure
for six months, whether for veal or
for woe, hut n terrible fall such as
Adam had can do n lot of harm, and
when a fellow hasn't walked for two
years-why, he needs a lot of cur
ing"
Ewes face was very thoughtful as
she started the little gray car again.
Poor ADAM" she said to herself.
"Tm afraid his case is hopeless. Well,
We'll all have to be twice as nice to
him when he comes home. TO make up
to him for his great disappointment.
But there!" giving herself a little
shake, 81 mustn't let thinking of Adam
spoil the fun of getting ready for to-
night. It's a good thing that the party
Is at his house, and that 7 knew the
Campbells so well that I shan't mind
having to arrive without an escort"
The "toot, foot" of her horn brought
Grace Campbell and her Aunt Jane
hurrying out TO greet her, and many
a smothered laugh and squeal Of de-
light issued forth ms the two girls
delved into the tonneau of the little
gray roadster and came forth loaded
with jack-o'-lanterns, big pumpkins
followed out for other mysterious pur-
poses, several brooms and n large
black witch.
"Oh, Eve. you did a wonderful job"
cried Grace, excitedly. "That witch
lady certainly looks ike n real
'%spook.'" The two girls vanished into
the house to put the finishing touches
to the decorations for the evening.
The afternoon sped away, and once
r,ouo w. .Yy-.log 49, a. nal
"I shall have to come back alone"
she announced nonchaIantly. as she
prepared TO start. ATom sent me a
Special this morning, saying that he
wouldn't be able to get home tonight,
that is, not untfl very late. It's too
bad" she added, as she noted the look