The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1921-05-06

CtsSLu preparations, TINS nFSE business
position but a stepping stone TO a
greater. When the greater was won
Jimmie felt his future assured. Then,
10! His castles fell in ruins. Jim
mics services were no longer required.
The great plant which during the war
had prospered was now reduced to
economic necessity, and Jimmie, one
Of many satisfactory employees to be
dispensed with.
He was stunned by the unexpected
ness Of it, as he stood in the spring
sunshine.
But the prettiest girl that he had
ever seen sat on the seat toward his
right, among the bus passengers. Her
checks had caught the singing caress
Of the breeze, and her eyes were the
purply hue of the country violets she
wore. The girls hat was not modish-
ly new like those about her: It was
still evidently winter hat, which had
weathered many storms.
Jimmie saw the light Of adventure
glow in the girls eyes. as she viewed
the great boats on the river He noted
her wondering surprise, as they passed
the marble palaces OF the rich. And
with every mile Jfmmie's observance
and Jimmfe's blissful interest grew,
until past misfortunes seemed Of no
concern at all in face Of this marvel
Gus event OF love at first sight.
Jimmie had scoffed at the idea be-
fore. Now his one overwhelming fear
was that the girl should descend pres
emily those twisting bus stairs and be
lost TO him forever. A man on the
seat beside him was obliged to nudge
him twice in order that he might pass.
Jimmie nodded alphabetically; he rec
ognized I'm the white-haIred man an
occasional companion at his favortte
restaurant table.
The man usually boarded this bus
at the noon hour and sometimes again
at night Jimmie was desperate when
he realized that the next stopping
place would be his own, For a mo-
ment he was tempted to ignore its
significance, but Mr.. Brothers would
be In his Office at this hour, and it
was with Mr.. Brothers that Jimmie
hoped to find employment. If he de-
layed, the position offered might fall
to another.
With a sinking sense Of loss Jimmie
made his way to the Office building
and entered an elevator. At the fifth
floor he stood. ascertaining his dfrec-
ton.
Then, unbelieyably, a girl came from
a later arrived elevator to breathless-
iy face him. 1t was rhe girl! Jimmie
gasped Her cheeks were pfnker from
her haste and her eyes seemed bIuer
in their earnestness. She thrust Il
bill purse toward him.
There =" she exclaimed. in the soft
sort of voice Jimmie had known she
should have, lis your purse. You
dropped it on the bus seat: followed
you all the way here"
Jimmie looked speechlessly down on
the weII-hlIed purse; absentIy he read
name on the Identification card
within.
1T isn't mine" he remarked dis
couragingly.
The girl stared; her bright salts
faction vanished.
Then. whoseT' she began.
Jimmie came to himself with a Joy
full start Here was the one girl in
the world at his side Here was a
glorious springtime afternoon before
them. Opportunity sometimes knocks
but once. Jimmie grasped his oppor-
tunity.
81 think he said. that It probably
belongs to the white-haired man who
sat beside me. He often takes dinner
"a night in the restaurant where do.
II you'd let me take you there later,
and we could ride down on the bus on
our way, you might be able to restore
to the man his property"
The girl hesitated. Frankly she
studied Jimmie's face; then, evidently
assured, she smiled and a friendly dim
pie peeped forth.
"An right" she agreed. "You do
not need a recommendation as to hon
esty, at least"
The white-haireti man was seated
at the restaurant table when tive smil-
ing young people abruptly Joined him.
'sWe know this is your purse Jim
ME greeted. for the waiter has told
US your name. But, perhaps, as a mat
ter of form you had better identity
the contents"
The rightful owner looked back
queStiouingly from his regained prop
eFty.
Il have inserted an ad In the Lost
Column Of this evenings paper" he
said, offering a reward for return OF
the purse. May hand that reward
to you now?"
IF you please" the pretty girl inter
posed. We have learned. Mr.. Ware.
OF your great business interests. MFR.