The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-08
Epening Story
Finders Keepers.
BY HENRY FRANK.

Ronald Young was bored. He had
been at the Lakelands Summer hotel
for three days, and had exhausted the
much advertised pleasures of that re-
sort on the evening of the second
twenty-four hours. He had tried the
golf course, to discover that it was
under construction" for most or its
extent; there was no one. apparently,
plenty OF places to ride, but no horses,
and the swimming. despite the fam
buoyant title Of the hotel, was negli
gible.
Hence the ennui OF Ronald Young.
He sat in the lobby. which was mainly
children, and wished that he had new
er decided to come to Lakelands for
his vacation.
As his pessimistic gaze roved over
the rocking chairs and potted green
cry of the lobby 1t was arrested by the
sight of girl-a remarkably pretty
girl-who was wandering about with a
peculiarly vacant look on her face.
Her eyes roved this way and that,
on the floor, the many chairs, the
green pots. even the children. From
time to time she approached one of the
tenants of the rocking chairs and put
a question, to which, apparently, she
received always a negative reply. for
her air of bewilderment deepened and
the little wrinkle of worry between
mere eyebrows grew in intensity.
Ronald watched her with interest.
Evidently she had lost something
All! She had addressed him.
beg your pardon, but-have you
noticed handbag lady'S handbag
around the lobby anywhere? 1 lost
1t yesterday, and I can't seem to find
1t, or anybody who has seen it. lit
has some valuable papers in it. You
haven't seen it anywhere, have your
Ronald Young hesitated for just the
traction of second, then he replied,
NO, haven't seen 1T. I'm afraid you
won't get much help from the rest of
the people here. Have you notified
the hotel officials?"
Yes, but they can't find it. II
must have it back" Her eyes filled
With tears. Ronald sprang into action
energetically.
Now you go to your room and III
find that bag II it's to be found any
where within two miles of here" he
said. Don't worry about it-just go
ahead and leave it all to me-
The masterfulness of his manner
carried her with it.
Thank you so much!" she breathed.
I'm tired-I've been looking all over
the hotel for that bag, and I'm afraid
it's gone. People haven't helped me a
bit-that Is, until you came along. But
I'm afraid it's an awful trouble for
you"
mot in. the least" declared Ronald,
wondering why the entire force of the
hotel as well as all the guests hadn't
sprung to alleviate the distress of this
charming person. It'll find it-and
when do, to whom shall return it %
my names Majorie Warren" said
his new acquaintance I'm living with
my mother in room 413. And now tell
me whom have to thank for being so
k'nd?"
I'm Ronald Young-but you'd bet
ter keep your thanks till return in
triumph with the guerdon I go to
seek"
She laughed a tiny, delicious laugh.
Every well, then, I'll wait. Butt
hate to be kept waiting long!' A flash
ing smile ani she was gone
Left alone in the lobby Ronald
Young did not Immediately set about
indulging in any violent exertions in
search of the missing handbag. Instead
Of 1eaping up and running violently
about overturning chairs and spill1ng
indignant old ladies on the floor,
which is what one might be expected
to do when sent on quest OF that
sort, Ronald INDUCED in most unusual
tactics.
He sat quiet for a time; took a
cigaret, lit it and took two or three
quiet puffs; then he threw the cigaret
accurately into the pot which support
ed one of the palms. Then he rose
and did a couple of fancy clog steps,
to the great admiration of the sur
rounding children, humming to him
self the while; after which he left the
room, his face wreathed in smiles.
This is not what might be naturally
looked for from young man con-
fronted with a problem.
In fact, Ronald Young seemed
rather like a young man who had
solved some tangle than one who had
one to solve. His actions on leaving
the room were equally mystifying. He
betook himself to the bosky dells that
were to be found near the hotel. and
abode there until nearly dinnertime,
smoking cigarets and apparently adj
miring the beauties of nature.
That evening he went to the piazza
in search of Marjorie He found her
a disconsolate little figure seated in a
deep wicker chair. Her mother, ap-
parently, was nowhere to be seen.
Ronald approached. 1--WE found