Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1919-01-13
THE GIRL WHO
ALiIOST MISSED
By Nary douglass.
HOW THE WCLF WON HIS BRIDE.

Once upon a time in the days of long
ago, when iist the animals lived of
earth, a very handsome big gray wolf
made his home on the edge OF vast
pr; iris. He WAS fat and slick
Not far off was the home of pretty
red fox. The welt was much smltten
with the graceful appearance Of the
fox and would. every morning early,
trot by her den and leave fat bird
on the grass before the door And the
fox grew fond Of the big, brave wolf
who was so kind and thoughtful.
With the coming Of the new grass IN
the spring the prairie grew fresh and
green and vast herds Of buffalo loomed
mp against The ky, and their below
ing could be heard for miles There
was one beautiful buffalo, in partieu-
lar, who seemed to lead the herd and
all followed in his tracks To find water
CT grass
One day as the wolf and The fox
were strolline along. they happened
to sec the buffalo looming along at
the head of his mates
What n fine, big. strong fellow,
said the fox Il certainly do love
strength ! don't think | could marry
anyone except someone who was as
strong as that buffalo
Strength is fine, replied tho wolf
gravely, but a quick mind, sharp
wit is better than big body and
loud voice ] often find that hralns
reside in small heads =
oh, no, laughed the fox cn
, afc just jealous of the buffalo because
| admire him Now, II you were such
grand looking creature rs that but
falo | would not hesitate to marry YOU
AZ once
"Oh, would not trade places with
him for moment, laughed the vol
in return, 'for | am sure that IN spite
Of his size | have moro sense and can
rule him easily"
How foolish Is your boast. cried
| the fox Il would like to see YOU man
age buffalo
Would vou7" chuckied the wolf.
Well stand in front Of yoiIr door to-
morrow at dawn and YOU will see That
the buffalo acknowledges me for his
master"
Not all the clothes you brought with
you2' | asked in surprise
Yes" sald Peggy How do you sup
pose I'm going to get part u ! don t
dress for it,
As pacl cl her lovely clothes into
the bag and suitcase rhe had brought
something shook out onto the floor and
rolled beneath her bed IN sparkle OF
light | crawled after il. In my hand
felt something round and hard. Taking
it TO the sunlight | gave 4 gasp of dis
may Even to my ignorant eyes, thus thing
was too beautiful TO be a mere bauble-
The stone was pure, dep diamond set
in morrow band Of platinum which IT.
self was deeply crusted with dark blue
7 IaI bciI hfnp er
beautiful in my hand before.
IT, as this, | could net doubt, that
she had worn on the slender golden
thread Of chain II was this she had CO, cred
So swiftly the first night she had come 10
the cottage Who had gwen IL 10 herr
What did it mean? What could II meaI ?
knew that this was no trifllng jewel
that any man might have gwen her. this
was something that was worth III itself a
| tiny fortune Yet Peggy has tossed It
| carelessly into the pocket Of her frock
Howard and | have been looking up
| the trains, and he says | can get the / 40
will you hurry" Peggy called
Then | made my resolution: that 1t
would be vain for me 10 try 10 maF e
| Peggy underst and the enormity of ae-
| cepting gifts of such value from mer
now-but when she returned should use
every means in my power To make her
understand
IN get the cart and come back.
Howard saii, as | went into the sitting
room to join them. He hmped cut.
| I'm Just fling on my clothes' called Percy.
Peggy dear, peaded Il hope You
| aren't going To encourage Howard, ii
| you don't care for him"
Hazel, | think you might take care of
your own affairs Peggy turned on me
angrily
II only mean that anyone can see that
he likeS vou more than"
Bother I've torn off the button:
will you sew it on? And, oh, Hazel. this
glove has an awful hole IN IT, could you
mend it,"
In an Incredibly short time she was
ready and Howard was driving up the road
TO us Peggy turned suddenly In one of her
| inexplicable moods and flung her arms
| about me. She caught me to her tightly
| with her slender arms al d as kissed her
| / saw her hazel eyes were full of tears.
Darling. quicksilver, little Peggy! l
watched her drive off down the road
You've got to have dinner with me
tonight" Howard called tawfullv
lonely You know, and must be consoledp
"All rightr' | answered
| Tomorrow Makes The Woman