Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1921-08-13
"BIRDI0LA"
BY LILLIAN cYR.
g. Is2I by Mcclure Newspaper syndIcate1

tS' 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndIcatel
Theed. in spotless white nannels.
sauntered aimlessly down the sun
baked sidewalk in Newspaper Row. 1t
was June, and the adhered quest for
education was temporarily suspended
In September ne would enter Worces-
ter high, as a junior, an estimable ae-
QUESTION IN rhted's opinion. He slowed
down 10 bait in front Of hitching
post, and, having languidIy reached out
for its irGA ring he twirIed it absently.
H. was in one Of those day dreams
boys have. His eyes remained open;
bu, he saw nothing. Ii has 10 be adj
mittea that three-quarters of Theeds
dreams. waking and sleeping. were of
Anita the girl Who Wore his fraternity
pin, and whose lovely hand he had
kissed in a pageant in which they had
been the star performers.
He turned back up Newspaper row
and down Old South to Anitas home.
He hesitated with bewildering indeci-
sion at her gate. shyness or some 9TH
er boyish attribute. having seized him;
then he walked away He soon re-
turned, playing melancholy air on
newly bought small instrument Of
baked clay, called "Birdiola.' said
instrument containing ten holes for ten
fingers and capable Of series of
Wierd and depressing whistling tones.
He had nearly passed the house
when Anita hailed him from the piaz-
"a.
"C'm on up. and have some lemon
AIDE" she invited
He pocketed his instrument and
sank down in comfortable wicker
chair, while the little hostess presided
over the drinks and edibles.
what is it?' asked Anita, not with
cut some curiosity, that thing you
We're blowing?"
This" said Theed, holding up the
instrument, and adopting the manner
and the fluency of the young clerk in
the music store who sold it to him, lis
birdiola, an instrument of rare
qualities. From it one may induce the
calls, the whistles Of any bird, or all
birds -
Here comes Fred. Hello, Freddie"
called Anita sweetly. ooh. I'm SO glad
you brought your clarinet"
Hello, Laurie, OF top" said Fred,
gayly.
How d'y do Theed responded,
stilfiy- lie thoroughly disliked Fred
and his clarinet.
A bit later the two boys rose to go.
I'm glad you boys are coming to my
party" smiled Anita, land Freddie,
bring your clarinet
The day for Anita's party arrived
Theed made an elaborate toilet and
proceeded to Anita's.
A few minutes before TIE dancing
began Theed made his way to Anita's
side to claim her first dance.
Il just promised Fred said Anita.
you promised it to me Monday aft
ernoon when we were sitting in the
hammock. Don't you rememberY
asked Theed, panied that she should
have forgotten that wondrous Incident.
NO"
"Well, this is my dance, Anita. You
promised me first" Theed declared
stubborniy.
Here comes Fred. Hurry, Theed.
Find partner before the dance be-
gins"
Theed stared at her in amazement.
VERY Well" he said coldly.
And he did find a partner A visit
ing girl received him tenderly.
At first he was a bit bored, his mind
more on Anitas behavior than the
lively talk Of his companion, but she
really was interesting, and Theed
could not help coming out of bis sad
mood.
Great was Anitas indignation to find
him SO absorbed in that visitor that
he had not returned to her for a single
dance.
During an intermission Anita had
Fred play his clarinet At the first
soft tentative toot Theed rose and
slipped out Of the room.
Fred was part through his ovation
when he was startled by the wild trlll-
ing of a hoboiink, which was repeated
at intervals 10 the end of his recital.
in several parts of his song sheeplike
beats and ''moos" suggestive Of COWS
exchanged places with the short, tenta-
tive toots and issued from bis clarinet
In rural dlscord At the end of the
song, however, polite ciapping greeted
Fred.
Anita, be begged, explain TO them.
That bird outside on. my reputa-
tons lost He was breathess and
his complexion assumed Il bright pink.
Just then through the open window
there doated melancholy air. Both
Fred and Anita recognized the dread
ful whistling tones as those Of Theed's
"brdioia' Fred was angry. Anita
was pleased al Theed's fare Of ieal-
ousg
The mournful tone was touching,
even If the tones were depressing. AM
TIA ran ont On the piazza and shut the
screen door softly behind her.
"Theed, size called tremu oHelF