The log cabin Democrat., 1921-07-11
Minnie Solves the
 Problem
By WILLIAM FALL
(S, 1921. Western Newspaper Union. )

When Folsom was sent to the Philip pines he told Miss Ferris that he would have something very important to write to her as soon as he had es- tablished himself. It was something which he could not say to her then be- cause Ada Ferris was rich and Folsom had his way to make in the world. But when he looked into her eyes he knew that she would wait-that she was the kind that would walt years-perhaps forever.
 It was lonely in Manila, in spite of men friends who took one out to din- her and whom one entertained at ones bachelor quarters. In fact John Fol som had only one real friend-Minnie, his little monkey, who had been cap tured, tiny baby, in the forests of Mindanao. She was the tiniest and most affectionate creature that he had eyer seen. one day he found her ris' photograph, examining it, evident ly with approval, for she made q little chattering noise that signified happi- ness.
 Some day, Minnie" said Folsom, as she snuggled into his coat some day we three will be in a world of perfect happiness"
 Then he sighed, for he had not writ ten to Ada Ferris so regularly as he had been used to do. Perhaps it was because his promotion came slowly. It could not have been because of Lil- ith Aintree, Judge Aintrees daughter, who was the belle of the American col ony, and who distinctly liked Folsom
 The old life seemed very far away now. The new life was pleasant and alluring. He had been taken up by the colony; everybody believed that make his decision
 The day of his decision came. It was a perfect afternoon in the season of rains. John Folsom, his little com panion perched on his shoulder was seated in a swinging chair in Judge Aintree's garden. Lilith was seated in the hammock under the tree, and all the other guests had discreetly with drawn to a distance.
 She had meant to capture him that day and never had she looked more captivating He came to her side
 "Lilith," he began hoarsely, taking her hand. "I-I-" He choked; he could not continue.
 Just then he heard the judge calling him. Folsom, come here" he yelled. Come and get some iced lemonade for Lilith and yourself." Folsom hur- ried away and presently, coming back with the lemonade, saw something which ast0unded him.
 Lilith, in the excess of fury, had reached up and graSped the monkey, and now, holding her fast by the throat with one hand, was thrashing was nearly choked; she could not scream, but, with both hands over her head, strove vajnly to ward off that shower of stunning blows. Then Fol som came up as Lilith flung the crea- ture from her.
 4iiIliliV Nl'Pt SobbIbS lliIo JOIll arms. He turned and faced the girl who, disheveled and flushed with pas sion, stood gazing at him uneaslly.
 II thrashed the little beast" she said.
 What did she do to you?" asked John quietly.
 "She sat on the tree and made faces at me- Lillth answered petulantly. And l tell you, John, unless you get rid of the beast you must"
 She had meant to say "get rid of me" but something in Johns face checked her.
 "Im sorry if hurt her, John," she said. But the little wretch hates me and l can't bear to be hated. I want to be loved, John," she added, lifting her face toward his.
 A sudden oathing for her came with hls new understanding
 "Lilith," he said, "a woman who would beat a helpless dumb brute would beat a child"
 What do you mean?" she cried.
 But he said no more. Holding the monkey tightly to him he walked away. And Lilith knew. She knew that the mother instinct, which alone can hold a man, had failed her; she knew that she had irretrievably lost him. He had found her out at last.
 Little mascot" said John, when he set Minnie down upon his table. there's a long letter from some one in Boston that we haven't answered yet. Shall we write to her this afternOon?'
 And Minnie picked up his pen just at that moment and held it toward him.