The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1921-08-26
UPTON 2992-M
BY CLAIRE X. ALDEN.

There was nothing within reach but
his violin, book, the telephone and
the telephone directory. He threw the
dull novel viciously across the room
the violin was too precious to follow
suit. He glared at the telephone. 1t
was a stupid, commonplace instru-
ment through which came familiar
voices with the same old common
place condolences. He wished it could
transmit a new message in an unfa.
milar voice.
why not? he said. "There are
thousands of names listed. ! can't be
arrested if | do speak to someone ]
do not know. I'll venture. Choose a
pretty name, of course, and a wem-
ans"
He scanned the columns eagerly,
Il know what I'll do; try the trick we
tried when children-open the book
at random, with eyes shut, and III
pick the first name my first finger
touches. Margery Swift! Romantic
and rapid! Here goes! Central con-
nected him with the magic name.
Hello, Margery.'
"Helloi You have the advantage.
cannot identify your voice, but you
are awfully good to call me up, who
ever you are. Life is stupid with a
broken arm" Her voice was sweet
and low-clear as a bell.
His was tender. poor child! Didn't
you know the minute / heard Of it
would call you up-and call you
down. too, for carelessness?"
Il wasn't careless, truly! But who
are you, anyway"
You've heard of The Man Who
Laughs Well, I'm not he. I'm the
man with the broken leg; confound
it !"
II hadn't heard that any man /
know had met with such an accident.
Tell me, please (pleadingly) Hurry
She'll cut us off presently"
Even a voice is "a companion to
fond of me when you We're well. If
you will be good, tomorrow I'll play
on my VIOLIN"
"Hellol Hello! Hellow
The unromantic operator had cut
them off.
He refrained from calling her up
again until the following day. With
the assistance of small boy the line
was opened, and a love song foated
on the wire to Margery. When it
ended he drove the small boy from
the room. He resumed conversation.
"Well-"
The girls voice eagerly responded.
at was splendid! so embracing that /
forgot my broken arm Tell me who
you are.'
"a bandit; bad man. I was go
ing to say a highwayman with a
broken leg?
So they fenced verbally from day
to day, while Time, the healer, mend
ed the broken bones. Surprise pack
ages were left at Margery's door each
day; she had to accept them, as she
could not return them to the owner,
and Cupid smiled at this new way of
drawing a bow at venture. A few
months later a limousine stopped at
Margery's door, A distinguished-look
ing man, with slight limp, descended.
'Yes," said the maid, Miss Swift is
in, your card, please"
''Tell her the telephone man would
like to see her.
The maid protested. He triumphed.
Margery descended the stairs grace
fully, her arm in sling. She was
bright enough to know that the I'M
known was the telephone man and
unconventional enough to admit him
without society credentials. To tell
the truth, she was devoured with Gu
riosity. She entered the room, held
out her hand impulsively, and made
him welcome with her eyes.
you're the mildest looking bandit
l ever encountered"
He tried to look fierce and failed.
He could only look determined.
"Will Mrs. Grundy hold up her
udHuS III uOIEOI IL hluldp you III lily
limousine?" he queried.
Margery looked at him, looked at
the limousine, and-waited.
"She who hesitates is lost" he mis-
quoted, gravely.
"But-but-I do not even know you
now"
"Trust me, Margery."
'If-if, l knew your first name l
would be equally familiar" she re-
torted, with some show of spirit.
There was twinkle in his dark
blue eyes.
Il always accept challenge, fore
warned is forearmed. Your forearm
has been broken. My mother called
me Alexander. 1 camel saw
conqueredr"
Maybe she said, demurely; and
she risked ride in the limousine. 1t
was the first of many. He plagued
her so much about woman's curiosity
that she made no effort to discover his
identity. She bided her time. 1t
came when he asked her to marry
him.
Then she answered, roguishly: Il
am 100 per cent American and can