Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1921-02-03
CHAPTER !.
"ronY,-For Short.

0VY-F or ShoFT.
Another winter had lifted It's ICY
fingers from the Storm Country and
Lake Cayuga, and an early spring had
brought from the South the red-breast-
ed robins and thousands Of other birds
to build their homes In the Forest
city. as Ithaca. N. T., Is well called,
for to the south. the east. the west
and even to the north where the lake
cut sharply around a corner broad
forests stretched their lengths and
heights OF leaf and bOugh on minIa.
lure mountains.
One evening on the western side Of
the railroad tracks. IA girl stood before
a small building over which, like ropes
Of green. draped the branches Of a
weeping willow tree. This building
was different from any OF the other
habitRtlOns near 1t In that 1t was well
painted. and the door stood open all
day.
Twas a strange little girl that
gazed up with searching eAgerness at
the two lighted signs that had arrest
ed her attention In her arms she
held diminutive guinea pig, and the
way she Rugged 1t close demonstrated
her love for 1t.
THE SALVATION ARMY" she
spelled out and thOughtfuily consid.
cred II.
Everybody is welcome here" she
read slowly. That meant that anyone
could enter II he wanted to. she de-
cided. and as Tonnlbel Devon did
went TO 60 IN, she softly tiptoed up
the steps and peeped into the room.
As there was nobody in sight, she
sided In and looked about.
Welcome" was curved in letters of
red above table, and the silent young
stranger sighed. She couldn't under
stand how girl could be really well
come anywhere. OF course her moth
er liked her and missed her when she
was away, but Tony knew Of no other
place where she was really wanted
but the canal boat, called Mary and
Dirty Mary for short, which had been
her home ever since she could re-
member.
"GlOry be to God in the highest"
swung In letters OF gold across the
right wall. and to the left, stand Still
and See the Salvation OF the Lord"
kept her attention q little longer. She
didn't know what they meant, but the
varied colOrs shining brilliant In the
bright light Gained her turbulent
spirit and, made her happy. She
Rugged the pig closer, bent her head |
and kissed the top Of It's ear
II guess we're in church. Gussie."
she said aloud. and you mustn't grunt
or squeal like you do on the Dirty
Mary. It's awful nice and quiet. amt
II, hOney2"
Were you speaking to mel" said a
voice from near the door.
TonnIbeI Devon struggled to her
feet, turned around and saw a young
man looking at her. A flame of red
rushed over the tanned skin, hut be-
cause he was smiling and kindly, she
smiled back, dimple coming TO life
at each corner Of her mouth.
Nope" she flung ont in confusion.
Il was talkin' to Gussie-Plglet here.
hebbe her and me hadn't ought to be
here. You can kick us out If you
want to-
Philip MacCauiey, the captain Of
The Salvation army In Ithaca, bowed,
and then ne laughed.
Every one is welcome here" he
quoted. coming forward. "Whered
you come frOm1 I've never seen you
before"
Ppm staying up HoghOIe way" re-
1lied Tony. Il amt been around
ithaca long. This Is an awful nice
'Oom. amt II. huhY"
''Yes, very. We like it." replied the
'Oung man. "Sit down; don't be in a
urry. want 10 talk to you"
nOnnibel did cit down bit not very