Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1920-07-09
WILL-O'-THE-WISP
BY A. MARIA CRAWFORD

4 SScSrcccccSSSsSSSseSc ScScSSSSScSs&cSa
&c. 1920. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
Your job is waiting for you, my
boy" said Telford McGraw, patting the
broad shoulder Of cOnva!escent pa
tfent in St Luke's hospital.
Jim looked up, little smile twisting
his wide straight mouth. you've been
d great boss, Mr.. McGraw."
tut, tut" said the old man. His
merry round face was wreathed in
smiles. "Ill he glad when you are well
enough to come back to the office.
Girls were all right duriag the war
when we couldn't do any better hut
give me Il boy in my place of business,
every time. Now that girl who took
your position when you had to come
out here to the hospital. She's a clever
little thing, but you know, sometimes,
! actually forget that | am debating
because | am SO busy watching the lit
tie brown curls around her face and
wishing that had a daughter as pref
ty. Well, here she comes! didn't
tell you, did |, that she asked to come
along with me? Pretty little thing,
isn't she2"
He beamed in fatherly fashion on
the girl who was walking slowly to-
ward them. Here's Jim, getting as at
as n fiddle" he called to her. This Is
Miss Mary Sue Le1oir, Mr.. James Nc
Council. formerly Sergeant Mcconnell
with the A. f. F. In France"
81 hope that you will soon be able
to come back to the Office" she said
soberly.
Jim flashed her quick look, half
curiosity, half unbelief Sure you're
glad?" he smiled. f
"Yes indeed" she answered. II
would like to get out of the office by
April"
shes on the level, jim" said Nc
Graw, as ne left. "She's told me the
same thing"
You're making a pretty nice sal
airy for girl" suggested Jim, after
McGraw had gone.
Don't you like the work."
She shook her head, turning to look
out of window.
Jim leaned forward a little, looking
at her. Mary Sue seemed sympathetic.
al can't hold down a desk job for O.
long time. maybe never again. I've de-
vel0ped nerves. I'd rather have lost
q Leg or an arm" He leaned back in
hts wheel chair, closing his eyes, half
ashamed Of himself for disclosing his
secret. She said nothing and presently
Jim opened his eyes. She had taken
off the sailor hat and was leaning her
head against the ledge, looking away
at the trees. Again Jim felt subtle
little thread of sympathy between
them. 1.-The doctor thinks that six
months on a farm will fix me up but
] don't know thing about farming.
You know what farmers expect of
hired help, Drawn and musclel And
I'll have to do sOmething-to live"
Mary Sue got up, smiling a warm,
friendly little smile at him. "There are
some pear trees In bloom down the
path. I'm going to wheel you there and
Wen plan something together" Once
under the trees, Mary Sue sat down
on the grass at his feet. isn't 1t lovely
hereT she cried. Look There's
white throat building her nest in the
crotch of that tree, with the white
bloom all over 1t, like Towering vine
on q tiny cottage. | love the country.
the birds and the flowers, the green
fields, with daisies and buttercups.
You'll love 1t, too, when you go"
Jim smiled. mot much" he said.
Ozark, old muddy roads, have to car
ry an oily, smelly lantern. I'm through
with the dark and candles-had
enough of 1t in Picardy and Flanders.
Rats, too! They're always in barns"
mot our barn! I've a lovely plan
for you. It's-it's just fate" she lifted
her eager. dream-filled gray eyes and
Jim admitted that she was pretty. 81
live with my Aunt Fanny and my
Uncle Silas Lenoir You'll like him.
He's fine. He wrote to me only today
that they need a young man on the
farm this summer and they want me
70 find somebody for them before | go
back. Uncle 81 said that he wanted
somebody who was good at figures,
who could help him carry out some
plans to improve the stock, to make
the farm pay maximum amount. You
see. You're 1t! And Aunt Fannie's
cooking It's too good to talk about.
Your get fat. Sergeant"
"Oh say Jim," he pleaded. the sha-
dow on his young face lifting for the
first time.
She clapped her hands and, as If
In fairy-Iike answer, little furry of
snowy pear blossoms sifted down on
her head and shoulders.
"Will. o'-ihe-wisp-O'-s spring." he whs-
pered ut sounds great, the farm,
Aunt Fannie. Uncle Stand yOu-but
you'd get tired of Your job. ! can't let
you fool yOurself-and me-"
Mary Sue moved very close to him.