Cresco plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1913-1945, 1919-01-24
Autumn =
Leaves
A Halloween Story
~@
BY FRANCES B. LlNSKY
BY FRANCES B. LlNSKY

1 Z611&&1&11111o1bt1tbS
Copyright, 1918. 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 he 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 a 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, bound
ed forward with jerk that nearly
bounced Eve out Of her seat.
However, no one could long with
stand the beauty Of the perfect Octo-
frown was gradually chased away and
just the least suggestion Of 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
a mans excuse, and" reading on, 'he
may possibly get home very late to-
night, and If he does he will call for
me Mt the Campbells'-andh he's awful
~ sorry that I shall have to go alone.
Much good that does me-" muttered
Eve to herself.
She turned the page, and uncon-
sclously a tender light came into the
girls eyes as she read:
II know you will be glad, Eve, when
I tell you that while l was in the
Reighborhood went over to the sui
phur baths to see Adam Campbell.
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 much. You re-
member he said he would try the cure
for six months. whether for veal or
for woe, but Il terrible fall such as
Adam had can do lot Of harm, and
when a fellow hasn't walked for two
years-why, he needs lot Of cur
Ing"
Ewes face was very thoughtful as
she started the little gray car again.
! "Poor Adam" she said to herself,
"Fm afraid his case Is hopeless. WE'LL
Wen all have to be twice as nice to
him when he comes home, to make up
to him for his great disappointment.
"But therc:" giving herself 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 I knew the
Campbells 50 well that shan't mind
having to arrive without an escort"
The "toot. toot," of her horn brought
Grace Campbell and her Aunt Jane
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 brooms and n large
black witch.
n, E~xy4 at 4 - S,1>
cried Grace, excitedly. ',That witch
lady, certainly looks like 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.
Il shall have to come back alone"
she announced nonchalantly, as she
to start. TON sent me a
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
Of keen disappointment that flashed
into Grace's face at her words.
YES, it is too bad" agreed Grace.
trying to seem uncOncerned, "and not
to have Adam here, either. Poor fell
low, had hoped he'd be home all we'll
long before this"
Eve sped away and in a few hours
was back again at the Campbell home,
all ready for the fun.
1--WE got another game to play"
whispered Grace in great excitement,
rs Eve took of her things. ''1t's one
Adam and used to play when we
were youngsters. and I had forgotten
all about 1t until Aunt Jane reminded
me. It's to be secret. even from
you" And she rushed away to well
come her guests, who were all clamor-
Ing for attention at once.
They were merry group, noisy |
and llghthearted and shrek after |
shrek Of laughter followed each at |
tempt to walk upstairs backward with
out dropping the apple off ones head,