Bogalusa enterprise and American. (Bogalusa, La.) 1918-19??, 1919-04-24
Autumn
Leaves
A Halloween Story
o0
BY FRANCES B. LINSKY

Copyright. ISIS. by Mcclure Newspaper
Syndicate.)

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 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 a bang. She
threw out the clutch with unnecessary
force and the little car, as If In pro-
test at such unusual treatment, boand-
ed forward with a Jerk that nearly
bounced Eve ont Of her seat.
However, nc 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 flshed the
letter out Of her pocket.
IF Tom Murdoch isn't the most ex-
asperating Of brothers." she stormed
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
mans excuse, and, reading oV, "he
may possibly get home very Xte to-
night, and If he does he why call for
me at the CampbeIls' and hes awful
ly sorry that shall haveSto go alone.
Much good that does ,61e," muttered
Eve to herself.
She turned the page, and uncon-
sciously a tender light came into the
girls eyes as she read:
Il know YOU VIII be glad, Eve, when
| tell you that while was In the
neighborhood l went over to the sui
phur baths to see Adam CamIssell.
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 E,uch. You re-
member he said he would try the cure
for six months, whether for veal or
for woe. but a terrible fall such as
Adam had can do a lot of harm, and
when fellow hasn't walked for two
years-why he needs a lot Of cur
ing.n
!. Ewes face was very thoughtful as
she started the little gray car again.
"Poor ADAM she said to herself.
sim afraid his case is hopeless. Well,
wen all have to be twice as nice to
him when he comes home, to make up
to him for his great disappointment.
'But therel" giving herself a little
shake, Il mustn't let thinking of Adam
spoil the fun Of getting ready for to-
night. It's good thing that the party
is at his house, and that knew the
Campbells so well that l shan't mind
having to arrive without an escort"
The "toot, toOt," of her horn brought
Grace Campbell and her Aunt Jane
hurrying out to greet her, and many
q smothered laugh and squeal Of de-
light issued forth as 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 broop1s and large
black witch.
"Oh, Eve, you did wonderful job"
cried Grace, excitedly. "That witch
lady certainly looks like a 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
more Eve climbed into the little car.
81 shall have to come back alone"
she announced nonchalantly, as she
prepared to start. TON sent me q
special this morning, saying that he
wouldn't be able to get home tonight.
that is. not until very late. It's too
bad" she added. as she noted the look
"a hCSh disappointment tHhI AuSACN
into Grace's face at her words.
Eyes. it is too bad" agreed Grace,
trying to seem unconcerned. sand not
to have Adam here. either Poor fell
low, had hoped he'd be home all well
long before this"
Eve sped away and in few hours
was back again at the Campbell home.
all ready for the fun.
Eve got another game to play,
whispered Grace In great excitement,
rs Eve took off her things. "It's one
Adam and / used to play when we
were youngsters. and had forgotten
all about it until Aunt Jane reminded
me. It's to be a secret, even from
you" And she rushed away to well
come her guests. who were all clamor-
Ing for attention at once.
They were a merry group, noisy
and lighthearted. and shrek after
shrek of laughter followed each at
tempt to walk upstairs backward with
out dropping the apple off ones head.
or to sail ones frail bark around the
yyffhot1f coming fn grief