Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-09-03
THE LUCKY STONE
BY ELIZABETH r. GREENE.

Anne's heart sang the words one
minute, and sighed them despairingly
the next-for what would Uncle Nate
say when Jerry told him of their love
and future plans?
The troublesome question lay like
CLOUD upon Anne's happiness, as one
by one her busy fingers tucked away
exquisitely embroidered linens into
the little hope chest in her room.
1t was ridiculous to think that the
petty quarrel over the loss of
lucky" stone should wreck her hap
.piness, but Anne knew that her uncle
had a reputation for being set"
which, alas, he managed to live fairly
well up to.
But he won't spoil my life, just for
an old lucky stone!" argued Anne,
one day to Aunt Jane; as they sat at
their sewing.
Twelve years ago Uncle Nate had
purchased at fair in Buxton a gilt
tering red bauble called lucky"
stone.
Then one fateful day-Anne had
never foI-otten 1.-THE magic stone
had mysteriously disappeared out of
Uncle Mates pocket.
1t had happened the day that he
and Jerrys Uncle Cyrus had moved
the south field together. Anne remem-
bered that her uncle had been over
come by the heat and helped to the
house by his old pal, Cyrus. Lying on
the lounge in the cool living room,
Uncle Nate had lapsed into brief I'M
consciousness. Later that same day
he had startled them all by announc-
ing the loss of the lucky" stone.
Then one dreadful day Uncle Nate
tremulous with anger, had stamped
into the kitchen and wrathfully de-
clared to Anne and Aunt Jane that
Cyrus had stolen the lucky stone y
Thus matters stood when one May
afternoon Anne walked slowly along
the dusty road, from a trip in town.
That her uncle would never consent
to her marrying Jerry, the nephew of
his old enemy. Anne knew only too
we'll; but Jerry, joyous, undaunted
Jerry, still confidently believed that
Uncle Nate could be won over"
Absorbed in her thoughts, Anne took
the narrow footpath leading across
lots to Aunt James, quite unconscious
that a tall, khaki-clad figure was hur-
rying joyously after her.
The third time that Jerry whistled,
Anne turned and looked behind her.
"Jerry-where on earth did you
come from?" she cried toyously, as her
lover flung an arm, wearing two gold
service stripes, quickly about her.
"Glad to see me, little girlT he
asked eagerly
Eyes" breathed Anne, but" She
turned away her eyes How could
she make him understand the hope
Iessness of their love?
Jerry, seeing her unhappy face,
| quickly OWNED its meaning.
Don't worry about Uncle Nate,
sweetheart" he said cheerily. I'm
going right now to beard the lion"
So together they crossed the pas
ture to the field where Uncle Nate
was planting. Here Anne left Jerry
to make his way alone to her uncle.
Anne was in the garden when Jerry,
white and determined, strobe up to
her. you were right, Anne" he said
bitterly, about Uncle Nate"
"Ch, Jerry, told you sol" faltered
AnGc, woman-like. what did he say"
81 at no niece of his should marry
the nephew of thief"
Anne nodded. you see, it's as
told you" she said "Our only hope is
to find the lucky Stone"
"Anne, I'll not give you up for a
dozen Uncle Mates. When will you
marry me?'
"The day I'm twenty-one," she
flashed. catching his spirit.
"But that's whole year away y
Jerry looked disappointed.
"Yes; but perhaps wen find the
stone before"
After Jerry had gone, Anne returned
TO the house. Des2lte her lovers as