The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-05-06
Proving His
Valor
q, oTnLlA FRANCES PFEIFFER

Copyright. 1913. BY Western Nswspsper Union.I
When Ernest Druse came back from
the war, bearing the scars OF several
wounds, a record for exceptional
bravery and two honor decorations, the
girls of Rockton went fairly wild over
him. He was hero, idol, and petted
and feted favorite, while stay-at-homes
least.
HE makes me tired I" observed Val
Newcomb to a coterie Of friends.
Hes q monopoliZer so far as the
company and attentions OF the ladies
are concerned; that is sure" remark
ed one of the group.
"Valor, courage and all that sort Of
stuff You'd think he had won the
war all by himselfl" jeered Val "His
last captivation is Esther Wilde
Seems to think all he has to do is to
look at a girl and she is his own spe-
cial property"
"UmI Sour grapes, chr" was sug-
gested, which Val took with manifest
Immature and walked away muttering
to himself.
I've got to devise some kind of a
move TO make myself solid with the
girls" he soliloquized, sourly. at was
fair sailing with Esther until that
khaki wonder put in an appearance. i
don't mind the general lot, but Esther
is the, pick of them all, has money,
beauty and social position, and I'm not
going to give up my hopes and dreams
so easily. I'm going TO set my thinking
machinery at work and see If. can't
devise some scheme to get the upper
hand OF this audacious military mar
VEL"
1t was two days later when Val Wis
tied a drinking place in the slum por-
ton of the town, and was engaged In
an earnest, low-toned conversation
with a rough appearing denizen of the
place for some time.
Think you can carry out the pro-
grant" was his final Interrogation of
him Of low brows and furtive, evil eyes.
Trust me for staging the act ac-
cording to rule" was the confident re-
ply.
"All right. Don't disappoint me.
Tuesday night from eleven to twelve"
Now Val had invited Esther to a To-
cal entertainment for Tuesday eve
ming and had prevailed upon her to ac-
company him.
At the close Of the entertainment
they sauntered homeward slowly. IT
was an exquisitely perfect June night
and Val kept his eye out closely, scan
ming tree and bush for the lurker he
expected to help him ''stage q real act
of valor."
He was simply courteous to Esther
and did not seek to press his atten-
tons, for which Esther was truly
grateful, but all the time he was con-
graduating himself over the inevitable
homage and admiration that would be
due him when the act was consum-
mated.
There was q precious heirloom In
the Wilde family, with which all Rock
ton was familiar. It was q diamond
sunburst, which Esther always wore
on important occasions. Val made
sure that 1t was In place upon this par
ticular evening. Its value was very
considerable and he knew that it's loss
would be deeply mourned by the fair
ooh, dearp suddenly exclaimed Es-
ther, shrinking back In terror. A man,
wearing a half-mask over his face, had
sprung from behind a tree. In q
twinkling he had despoiled Esther OF
the jeweled ornament.
"Stop, you rufian I" shouted Val, dis
engaging Esther's arm, leaping upon
the audacious robber and flinging him
to the ground.
"Go easy, misterI" snarled the lat
ter, and, leveling a revolver. he strug-
gled to his feet.
"Be careful !" quavered Esther. He
Is going to shoot"
The f0otpad did shoot. Two sharp
reports rang out. The highwayman
turned and fed.
ST will restore your property If !
have to follow that miscreant to the
ends OF the earth I" Wanted Val.
Don't risk your life" began Es-
ther, but with an injunction to hurry
home to safety Val dashed In hot pur-
suit OF the thief, and both were lost
to sight.
Esther did not enter the house when
she reached IT, but stood at the garden
gate, peering anxiously down the
street. She was quite solicitous as to
the welfare OF her courageous cham
pion, although not one whit perturbed
at the loss OF the ornament. Then she
expressed a sigh Of relief. At the end
Of half an hour Val came into view.
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