The Little River news. (Ashdown, Little River County, Ark.) 1897-current, 1920-11-13

cTeIlce 10 JllS OIHeT man, HOWcNeT, !
have no such code to consider. I'm
pretty well convinced I'm out of the
running, but I'll give that lad a race if
It's the last act of my life. He's a
stranger to me, and he isn't on the job
to protect his claim, so why shouldn't
I stake it if / can? But are you quite
certain yoWaren't making grave mis-
take in refusing Billy? He's quite
boy, my dear. / know him from soul
to suspenders, and he'd be awfully
good to you. He's kind and gentle
and considerable. and he's not a molly
coddle, either"
II can't help it, Caliph. Please don't
talk about him any more. know
somebody who is kinder and nobler
and gentler' She ceased abruptly,
fearful Of breaking down her reserve
and saying too much.
"Well, if Bills case is hopeless
his hand came cropping for hers, while
he held her with his searching, wistful
glance-"I wonder what mine looks
like. That is, Dolores, IL"
eyes, John?"
"I've played fair with my friend" he
whispered eagerly. "I'm not going to
ask you to marry me, but I want to
tell you that to me you're such very
wonderful woman I can't help loving
you with my whole heart and soul"
IT have suspected this, john" she
replied gravely.
'I suppose so. I'm such an obvious
old fool. I've had my dream, and I've
put it behind me, but IL just want
you to know love you; so long as l
live, I shall want to serve you. When
you're married to this other man, and
things do not break just right for you
both-if I have something he wants
in order to make you happy, I want
you to know it's yours to give to him.
I-I-I-guess that's all, Dolores"
"Thank you, John. Would you like
to know this man I'm going to mar
ry?"
Eyes, 1 think I'd like to congratulate
the scoundrel."
"Then I'll introduce you to him, John.
| first met him on train in Death
valley, California. He was shaggy
old dear. all whiskers and rags, but
his whiskers couldn't hide his smile,
and his rags couldn't hide his man.
hood, and when he thrashed drum
mer because the man annoyed me,
just couldn't help falling lin love with
him. Even when he fibbed to me and
disputed my assertion that we had met
before"
"Good land of love -apd the calves
get loose!" he almost shouted as he
held up his one sound arm to her. my
dear, my dear
ooh. sweetheart" she whispered lay
ing her hot cheek against his, 'it's
taken you so long to say 1t, but love
| you all the more for the dear thoughts
that made you hesitate"
He was silent a few moments, digest
ing his amazement, speechless with the
great happiness that was his and
then Dolores was kissing the back Of
the hand Of that helpless. bandaged
arm lying across his breast. He had
a Tightening In his throat, for he had
not expected love; and that sweet, be-
nignant, humble little kiss spelled ado
ration and eternal surrender; when
she looked at him again the mists Of
Joy were in his eyes.
Dear old Caliph John!" she
crooned. Hes never had a woman
to understand his funny ways and ap-
preciate them and take care of him.
has hep She patted his cheek. "And
bless his simple old heart. he would
rather give up his love than be false
to his friend. Yes, indeed. Johnny
Webster respects No Shooting signs
when he sees them, but he tells Abs
and pretends to be very stupid When
ne really isn't So you wouldn't be
false to Billy-eh, dear? I'm glad to
know that, because the man who can
not be false to his friend can never be
false to his wife" -
He crushed her down to him and
held her there for long time. "My
dear" he said presently, "isn't there
something you have to say to me?',
II love you, john she whispered,
and sealed the sweet confession WIN
q true lovers kiss.
"All's well with the world" John
Stuart Webster announced when he
could use his lips once more for con-
versation. "And," he added, lowing
to the fact that started trifle late
in life, believe I could stand little
more Of the same"
The door opened and Ricardo looked
in on them.
"Killjoy!" Webster growled. ''Old
KilI1oy the Thirteenth, King of So
brante. Is this surprise to your
"Not bit of it. Jack. knew 1t
was due"
"Am j welcome In the Ruey familyY'
Ricardo came over and kissed his
sister, Don't be lobster, Jack" he
protested. II dislike foolish ques-
tions." And he pressed his friends
hand with fervor that testified to his.
pleasure.
"I'm sorry to crowd In at time
like this. Jack" he continued, with a
AFv. An -vN