The Lamar register., 1919-09-24
so that the girls might go down to tne

81 tilut tne eliis might go uoWH lo ine
pier.
His words were greeted with great
glee. and they Immediately began max
ing plans for the morrow. 'I'll tell
you what. girls" began Grace, the
leading spirit. wen all go down to-
gether direct from the Office. And
was just thinking THAT the boys might
appreciate something In the line of
sweets. You know, they don't get much
of that in the army. so why wouldn't
II be good idea for each Of us to
bring ple?"
The idea was instantly adopted, and
the girls separated. promising 10 bring
the most delicious pie possible in the
morning.
Poor Ruth Her harmless white lie.
If lie 1t could be called. was assuming
alarming proportions. What should she
do?
The mighty Mount Washington, hear
ing her precious cargo of khaki-clad
heroes. was steaming toward the har-
Dor. The din of changing bells. pierc-
ing whistles. and people shouting, all
testified to the stupendous welcome
which awaited them.
One lad. standing little apart,
lenned over the rail watching the near
ing city sky line The thrill that he
had felt upon hearing the noisy well
come had died away, leaving In Its
stead dun ache of loneliness. II only
there would be some one there. who
would be looking for him alone. II
had been hard TO listen to the other
chaps. whose mothers, sisters and
sweethearts were on the pier. waiting
to greet them.
Bob Crandall was an orphan, from a
far western city, who had enlisted at
the beginning OF the war He had
no relatives, and what few friends he
had were hundreds of miles from here.
The girls, after a hasty lunch. ar
rived at the pier In due time. After
the docking OF the boat, Ruth had
somehow become separated from the
Others in the monster crowd. SNe
leaned against a post wearily. protect
Ing her precious pie as best she could.
Suddenly she spied one chap. stand
ing alone. an unusual fact. as most of
the fellows were surrounded by small
feminine army. At sight Of his rather
weary face. n daring Idea popped into
her head She walked over to him and
touched his arm.
Crandall turned quickly. hat In hand.
and asked courteously: Anything I
can do for your"
All OF Ruth's newly acquired courage
seemed To ooze away from her. why.
you-er. that ls-you see. l." sudden
ly the girls hove into sight. and her
courage returned. and she quickly
blurted out the whole tale.
All the wesriness dropped from
Bob's face. and he laughed heartily.
"I'll he delighted TO act as your fiancee.
and also 10 eat that delicious-looking
pie. Ny name is Robert Crandall, and
as believe 1t is customary for people
10 know each others names. will have
to ask yours"
Then the girls Joined them and In
Productions followed When they were
ngain alone. Ruth began TO voice her
gratitude.
"uow can ever thank your" she
said.
"Well. II you feel Indebted TO me.
perhaps you would be willing to show
me this wonderful city Of yours while
am here. | expect TO remain here
about a week. and then I leave for the
West" answered the young man.
Ruth assented. and then began II
wonderful week for the two lonely
youngsters. Although Ruth had been
In the city few months, she had seen
very little Of II. and the outings were
rs wonderful TO her as 10 her compan-
Ion.
But. the happy week drew to close
ns all happy things seem To have
habit Of doing, and they walked toward
Ruth's boarding house On their last
evening together.
II think this has been the happlest
week of my life" announced Bob. ''and
dread going back home tomorrow.
Oh. Ruth, know this must seem aw-
fully sudden to YOU. dear. but | want
you to come With me. or shall die Of
loneliness"
And Ruth, the dispeller of loneliness.
forgot her terrible shyness. and prom
ised.
eCouv-fyht 1919 Mcclure New.nansr ~.