The Elk Mountain pilot., 1920-09-16
uPAIREE
BY JACK LAwron.
DC. Is.o. wes,srn N.r.pspsr &

For exactly three years Billy had
loved Roberta from afar. And among
his associates Billy was known either
as bashful or different youth. But
when girl wears upon her finger q
ring that cost more than a years sal.
ary to buy, and when a girl Is sur
rounded by other admirers who might
go on purchasing for her just such
jewels, well. Rillie's demeanor under
the circumstances was becoming and
sensible. Yet-he loved her; there
was the trouble.
And Bobby" the gay. the popular,
seemed not averse to poor Bibles
homage. even while she Haunted cI.
rectly after some favor Of companion.
ship-anOther fortunate attendant"
In Billie's face. Less and less, as time
went on. was Billy able TO understand
himself or his own behavior. For as
sure as he started out determinedly
to give the pretty Bobby hint at
least Of his feelings, that he might
judge thereby the possibility of con.
tinuing further devotion. as certain
was Billy to return home respondent.
ly. in the realization that the words
had been switched-so to speak-from
his very lips Bobby had an innocent
way of turning conversation which
verged on the serious into lightnesa
and laughter. which the lovelorn man
construed his discouragement. And
then. Billy was allowed so little OF
Bobbie's undivided companionship. A
third party seemed always inadvertent-
ly or purposely present. It was when
the Struthers invited Roberta for
week to their farm, that Billy con.
ceived the idea of pleading for an in.
vitation to spend Saturday in that
same delightful spot. The invitation
was easily obtained through viii
Struthers, his friend, and Roberta's
brother-in-law. In this pleasant prox.
Unity. Bib hoped to find. and take his
chance. He had fancied new soft
ness or shyness toward. himself late.
ly, in the girls usually frank and
friendly manner. Could it be, he asked
himself palpitatingly, that his silent al.
legiance was at last to be rewarded
But when, upon reaching the Struth.
ers' farm the following Saturday, Bill.
ly found assembled there jolly week.
end party, his hopeful spirits sank
Here again was to be the usual Ro-
berta-admiring. usurping. .rthrong. With
as good grace as possible, he entered
into the various out-of-door games,
with Bobby always just beyond his
reach. When he retired at last for
lornly to rest his broad shoulders
against a hay mound, Roberta regard
of his gloomy eyes Billy saw her
Then. with a thrown back inviting
smile. the girl ran straight through the
orchard. Billy waited until her pink
frock had disappeared before he alert
ly but stealthily followed. No one
must forestall him here. But Billy
had reached the end of the orchard
before he found her. and then 1t was
the threatening sound of bull dogs
growl which showed him Roberta's
plight The dog. an ugly beast. stood
snarling and showing his fangs. be
meath a spreading apple tree, while
perched precariously on high limb
sat, or rather clung, the girl.
20, Billyr she cried. and even IL
his moment of terror he was aware
of the sweetness of the sound Of his
name upon her lips. 1t was the frst
time that the fair Roberta had called
him Billy.
what shall we do3" she questioned
tremblingly.
With flying leap that did credit to
his athletic college days, Billy caught
the tree limb over the astonished
brute's head, and as he crept cautious
ly on to ROberta's side. Billy drew a
sigh Of relief and pride. In the glow
of that pride his arm with new assur.
ance and strength clasped the girls
waist.
There" said Billy jubilantly. "Now.
you are safe. When I'm steadIed a
little I'll frighten the beast away.
Poor little girl, how did you ever man.
age to climb the tree when he chased
your"
Bobbie glanced down at the dog who
settled back on the ground as though
resigned to wait indefinitely and mer-
cilessly for. his prey. "Ohl l got up
all right" she said, her eyes with
promising softness looking up into his.
Its so nice" murmured Bobby, ito
have protector" d
Bobby" Billy said. "Ohl Bobby,
darling won't you please take me for
your protector always"
The blue eyes regarded him. specu-
latively.
II believe" said Miss Roberta calm.
iy. 81 really do-that you'd make
good one. 1t was brave of you
to face the ferocious growls of that
threatening old dog for my sake. OF
course you couldn't know. being a
stranger, that Bosco has hardly "A
tooth in his head. and he's so full of
asthma that he'd drop dead If he