The Lamar register., 1919-02-12

DuIfoN hiohB.
Out near the edge of the town was
second-rate boarding house, kept by
woman who couldn't afford a better
one or one nearer the center. She was
an energetic, kind-hearted person. and
though her boarders were all common
day laborers who couldn't pay much
they were her good friends and acted
as sort of house policemen, watching
newcomers and translents frankly end
seeing they paid their board promptly
when due.
From the small margin above cosi
she had sent Adelaide Eliza. her only
child, through high school. The girl
had been in many of Calvin's classes
and had graduated at the same time.
But he knew very little Of her. He re
membered her chiefly as defiant
black-eyed thing in neat but out-of-
date and much turned and darned
clothing. Such of the girls as noticed
Adelaide Eliza did 1t to ridlcule and
make her angry. Some Of the boys did
the same. They liked to watch the
black eyes fash and the angry feet
stamp.
But they couldn't ridicule her from
school. The girl literally fought her
way through, without u friend. and
graduated with almost the highest hon
ors. After school she had always dart
ed away ahead of the others, going
across lots; and In the morning had
slipped in Just as the last bell was
ringing. II enabled her TO escape much
of the ridlcule. After graduating. she
disappeared In the same way. taking
no part In the later exercises or social
farewells. Some OF the girls remarked
on It In low voices. perhaps ashamed
OF things they had said or done.
Calvin had been too much absorbed
In his books to notice much. In all
their schooling he hadn't spoken to
Adelaide Eliza half dozen times-nor
for that matter. much more than with
any of the girls except Louise, who
had seat near him. and walked as
far as her home on the same sidewalk.
As he trundled his wheelbarrow out
through the edge of the village, where
there were more vacant lots and larger
gardens. sudden mild. protesting
squeal rose directly in front.
Rank weeds and bushes grew out
side. some of them nearly as high as
the fence. Calvin ran his wheelbarrow
u few more feet. then stopped abrupt
ly. A path had been worn through the
weeds TO the fence. and crouchlng in
the path, strainlng back, her feet
braced against rail, was Adelaide
Eliza. her two hands clutching the hind
legs of a pig. The rest of the pig was
beyond the fence. and he was strug-
Cling and squeallng with all his force.
At Calvin's appearance the girl twist
ed her neck TO look at him.
80 sir knight" she cried. with
mock pIteousness. "come to the help Of
q poor distressed maid. l can't hold
on, and l daren't let 60"
Cal dropped the barrow handles and
hurried TO the fence.
what shall l do?" he asked.
Il don't know. It's our pig. He's
been through this hole into Mr.. Wits
garden twice. Mr.. Witt swore he'd Kill
him and sue mother for damages the
third time. This Is II. 1 chased and
chuknt Hlkky ut the cEilichi lnoLhtnt.
He Isn't all In the garden. Now what
shall do. Solomon OF the booksi He's
too heavy to carry. II we cut him in
two there'll be only half to give moth
er. while the other half will eat the
garden and bring n suit for damages.
Think up something"
mo need. Got II in my pocket"
laughed Cal. AS he vaulted the fence.
What partf"
Just TO your left-those cabbages.
See. there's one half eaten. He'll 20
straight to that. Its piggy's nature"
Cal drew package from his pocket
and bent over the cabbage head for
moment. As he yentured back over
the fence he sneezed.
Now let him 60" he said.
Adelaide Eliza looked up at him
questionIngly. She was accustomed to
tricks. But Cal had never played her
one. OF all the schoolboys he was the
only one In whom she felt confidence.
But the issue with the pig was critical
"Polsonf" she said, doubtfully -
damages"
Neither. Let him 60"
She released her grasp. Cal caught
her arm and assisted her up quickly.
"Give him full right OF way" he ad.
vised. ale may be in hurry Now
watch"