Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1918-01-12
PHIL
BY MILDRED WHITE.

copyright, 1917 Western Newspaper Unior.J
| The storm was coming. james Bur-
rows let out the speed of his red car,
hoping to reach the village five miles
below before the rain should descend.
The sky grew darker as thunder rolled
about the encircling hills.
TO the city lawyer the rough wind
ing roads seemed almost impossible,
impatiently he decided to seek shelter
at farmhouse not far distant, than
hesitated undoubtedly, as the sun
cleaned for u moment i'm promise. AS
J he slowed down near the gateway, a
d. bent old man peered up at him.
Good morning, uncle" the lawyer
greeted, but the old man did not re-
turn his smile.
Bad evening, mister" he replied,
"gOin' to have one of our bIOwups.
Better stop, hadn't We an wait inside?"
"Thanks," Burrows responded, II
think ! can reach the village before
the storm breaks, and have supper
there"
The old man shook his head. "Don't
believe It," he said, "we're alone here.
Phil an me. but reckon Phil could
pick up something for you to eat
Turning, he cupped his hands and
called to u blue.Overalled figure hoe
ing in the distance.
"Phil," he screamed, "Phil." The
lad bending over his work apparently
did not hear.
"Never mind" Burrows said, "Tll
take chance and ride on"
"WOnder--" the old man asked, "if
you could carry me along to the next
house down there? See it?-the red
one?'
Certainly" the lawyer agreed, and
the former seated himself i'm the car
with evident pride.
When Burrows had disposed of his
companion, the storm descended I'M
expectedly. Great sheets of rain swept
against him, the wind threatened to
blow his small cur from It's course,
lightning flashed wbiplike around the
hilltops. Swiftly he turned about,
with difficulty, making his way back
to the old mans house. unlimited he
sheltered his car In the great white
barn, and dashed brenthlessly up the
steps of the porch.
"Phil' was there before him, EVIL
IDENTIFY the youth also had rushed to
safety. His fresh face shone startled
beneath the brim Of his old felt hat
at the strangers approach, but he went
on stolidly scrnping the mud from the
soes of his rubber boots.
IA Cal, n
pose" the lawyer said, suggested
that I wait here until the storm has
nbatcd." Burrows smiled. "He also
intimuted that you might pick up
something, for me to eat, I'm furiously
hungry"
The boy loungcd in the doorway.
"l'hnt was grandad." he answered la-
conically. His eyes studied the stran-
ger. "Perhaps, l could find some
thing" he said suddenly, and disap-
pcared In the house. His heavy boots
tracked the clean scrubbed floor, rs
the lawyer followed him inside, the
rain.soaked old hut still rested upon
Pills head. as he dtftly placed Tempt
ing food upon the table.
"Sit down." he said ut last abruptly.
and himself dropped into wide armed
chair ut the opposite end of the wood
On table.
"You and your grandfather live
alone?" Burrows asked incredulOusly,
as he buttered u flaky biscuit, then
who makes thcse?"
"AIc," the youth answered, his tone
was sullcn. Cooking, farming, ev-
eryrhng-I do IL all, but won't much
longer. Grandud's going To be married
again." II sneer curled the red lips
that's where he's visiting now"
"And thenY" the lawyer asked inter-
ested, "What are you going to dog
Phil shook his head despondently.
"DOn't know" he replied. "Never had
II chance to prepare for anything, had
. Il fight with grandnd every day went
to school, but did the work mornings
and evenings, and | made 1t. Now,
the young voice broke discOuraging'
IL, she don't need me any more
Sudden unaccOuntable sympathy
famed In the lawyers breast.
"Phil," he said, III you will come
with me-tOmOrrOw, I'll give you Il
start In the world. Help Is scarce Il,
this time. need you In my Office
Crimson spots glowcd In the lads
round cheeks, quickly he rose to his
. feet. "YOu mean," he said, shat you't
! take me there to the city, that you't
: help me tO-live."
!, The lawyer nodded silently. Ther
!. with sudden passionate motion the lat
buried his face In his arms, his shout
ders shaking with sudden s0bs.
"Oh! cant CO." he cried an'
. snatched the felt hat from his head
!. About the round childish face, fell
: mass of golden hair, angrily Phi
A caught the hair and drew 1t like
= cloak about her, "You see,' she said
y I'll am his granddaughter Philippa
A The overalls and boots were but IN,
!, farming costume. l allowed you Il
think what you believed"
A Tragic disappointment fingered II
her eyes. The lawyer stood starin
n ms though he too, saw Il vision.
4 "Phlippa," he said slowly, "TVe
I. mother back there In the city, VIII
needs companion like you, someon
4. to teach-tO love, tn care for. Whe
n she comes for you, will you be read
n to 20 back with herr"