Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1921-01-18

duced him. Ellis was an instantaneous
success with the girls. No one under
stood that he possessed fortune or
was ns yet fully settled In a business
way, but his father had some means
and ut this first little journey OF his
son out into the social world had APP
parently provided for his enjoyment
OF the same literally.
ut is almost sin to encourage
him." said Elsa Words. "You know and
myself and the r. Of our group that
he Is simply stray wanderer into our
circle whom we must forget before
the season is over"
"Why should that bel" challenged
Myra Warden. III he is good enough
TO invite to our homes and Introduce
to our friends why is he not eligible
for full recognition at any timer
Don't be heroic, Myra. as you alone
Of all OF us with your wealth and pres
tige can afford to be II you so elect.
Do you think Mr.. Bortell would pass
muster at the grand reception and
other high social functions down at
Wadham's beach?"
"Mr. Bortell simply lasks knowing
the ways OF the artificial life we lead"
insisted Myra. "He is a trihe crude
will admit, but thorough gentleman
In every sense of the word. The girls
find him inclined TO spend money free
~ and he Is really royal entertainer.
but is II right TO encourage him In
spendthrift ways? The last one OF
you. to be plain, will drop him the
minute his bank roll gives out, as the
saying is"
'You talk rs though we were a set
of girl pirates Indignantly retorted
Elsa.
well, don't lead the poor, artless
fellow to believe that any OF you are
In love with him. He Is a good deal
Of a man, despite his rare delight at
being noticed and taken up by you
pretty girls"
"And Your inslnuated Elsa, but
Myra shrugged her shoulders careless
ly, a slight flush on her delicate fea-
lures, however.
Somehow Ellis had been more
reticent with Myrp than with the 9th.
ers, probably due to her prestige OF
wealth and position.
Elsa Woods laughed TO herself
when Ellis Bortel announced that he
Intended TO round out n month OF the
most substantial pleasure Of his life
by taking n week ut Wadham's beach.
II was there that the girls paired OF
with more chosen friends and lovers,
and Ellis found himself somewhat neg
lected, but he was always willing and
loyal TO contribute In free money way
TO what was going on, and the wise
and worldly ones allowed him TO join
their circle, merely rs a hanger on,
as Elsa cruelty expressed II.
Miss Warden was neither engaged
nor very partial to the opposite sex
and she and Ellis often met, and the
sterling worth OF this as YET unin-
formed member OF society was daily
more and more recognized by her.
There were elements of candor and
good impulse in the young man that
attracted her She refused to allow
him to spend his money in automobile
rides and expensive dinners, however,
and warded OF the exactions OF her
self-seeklng girl friends whenever
possible.
There was a picnic 10 an outlying
island one day and Ellis was particu-
larry happy to be chosen as the special
escort Of Miss Warden. They re-
manned until after dusk, notwlthstand-
Ing the fact that a storm had lowered
on the horizon for some hours.
I'VE had better start for home"
Ellis, who was considerable OF
weather prognostlcator, had told the
Others several times, but his sugges-
ton was not followed until after the /
wind had arisen and II had begun 10 !
rain. They neared the mainland with |
the frail yacht mere playthlng at the |
caparlce Of the tempest. Ellis was the |
only one among the young men who !
seemed capable OF managing the craft. I
"The boat is past contrOlr' he l
shouted finally. "The rudder has
broken and we must take to the surf" /
Ellis seized Myra and sprang over.
board as the craft capslzed.
II was with difficulty that he brought
her ashore. Faint, weak. exhausted as
she was, he placed Myra beyond the
reach Of the waves, tore OF his cont
and dashed back INTO the roaring
surf.
Precious lives we're at hazard and
the frightened escorts Of the girls LOST
both courage and manhood Il would
seem, for Ellis had the rescue Of the
shrieklng half-drowned girls all 10
himself When the last one Of them
had been brought safely ashore there
was not one OF them who did not have
he brave, bold Ellis to thank that they
we're alive.
II was after that when Miss Warden
ook up more than ever with the com
)any OF Ellis BOrtell. She thanked
lin only once for his manly efforts
n her behalf, but n new sense Of pro
ection had come TO her regarding him