The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-20

he came for her. looking anxious and
a bit surprised as he saw the change
the night and day had wrought in
her
In the theatre before the play be-
gan, he asked her ABOUT her plans for
the future. The question brought her
back to earth with thump. Il haven't
any" she whispered; lets just enjoy
the evening together"
His hand closed on hers for mo-
ment. I'm with you, little girl. Only
I'm getting weary of my end of it,
''Why?" she asked. puzzled.
He chuckled softly. you don't
know anything about me
Except that you've got big heart
and have been mighty good to mel
she interjected, her heart warm with
memory of his kindness.
He pressed her hand by way of
thanks. Nothing at all. But, hang
it, I'm supposed to make the fun OF
this show go!''
In response to her wondering ques-
ton he said softly, Sure. Here's the
way of it. I went to their show back
in the eastern part of the state. It was
going poor when 1 happened to laugh
at that fat Irishman's jokes. 1t seemed
to set people off around. me that even
ing; and before I got out. by Jove, the
manager looked me up and offered to
pay me if I'd go along with the show,
do a little on the-S side, and sit here
and use the gurgle the Lord gave me.
I needed the money. Sc / came; but,
believe me. it's getting to be hard
work; and it isn't job for a man, any
how. Say-hold on-the curtains go
ing up"
She had listened with advancement
that turned to amusement and under
standing. After all, it was a great
gift-that of ing able to bring a
smile to others with a smile.
Alternately, she unused and watched
tho show on IN They ware hot n west
erners, drifting together from out the
great sea of humanity, to help each
other and to part.
At last the play was over, and they
went out into the evening. He had
asked her to wait a moment before
leaving the lobby, and when he re-
turned his face was firm with new
look.
i've thrown up this laughing job,
and tomorrow I'm going to set sail for
town on the Maine coast where I
know 1 can make mans living at a
mans job he said quietly.
She listened with a strange sense of
desolation coming over her. a feeling
of being cast adrift.
He was oddly nervous Suddenly he
paused 1.-The trouble is, I don't want
to go alone" His voice took on a
quick change. Say, little girl, you're
all alone; I'm all alone-and it's big
world and a lonely one. Don't you
He had drawn her. into the shadow
of the street. Her heart was pounding
| for as suddenly as he spoke the real
ization had come to her that all the
lindefinite wondering and longing OF
the day met in his question.
| She shivered a bit with something
more than the keen air of the evening
why. I don't know your name and
| you don't know mine!"
He chuckled in the merry way that
he had first won her. only this time
there was tenderness in the chuckle
| 81 want pal and it's all right for me
You be Little Pal"
She looked up. tAnd you be Big
Pal. Yes. dear laughter-maker, ]
want to go with you
| So he caught her swiftly to him
| tive board, and tomorrow Mr.. and Mrs
then released her. Now for the fes-
Martin Prince will hustle back to Gods
| country"
| Copyright, 1919 by the Mcclure News
| paper Syndicate.)