The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-05-11
Shirley Paton's
Adventure
BY A. W. PEACH.

Shirley Patton, waiting Tor the local
train that would carry her to her sub
urban home, found two persons to IN
terest her among the hundreds IN the
great station. One was tall, clean
featured young man whose grave eyes
stole a glance in her direction now
and then-a glance of approval 50 i'm
personal that Shirley could accept 1t.
The other was tired little mother |
at her left who seemed to be on the !
verge of fainting. In her lap she held
q small, rosy mOrsel that was gurgllnS
and cooling, Oblivious to her mothers
distress.
Suddenly the little mother turned
and Shirley found herself questioned
"Will you hold my baby until l see
about my train?'
Shirleys first thought was to re-
| fuse. Then she scOlded herself; no
| mother would ever leave such win
some little witch of a babe. Shirley
held out her arms.
| She was so interested In her new
charge that she did not think Of her
| young man. When she did glance
| up blush came softly to her cheeks;
for If eyes were ever saying anything
| his were saying: You are very at
tractive to me as you hold that
youngster so materially and ten
Derby"
II suppose l do look bit mater
nal, and do love babies, but don't
want to advertise it," she thought to
herself
Busy with the happy mite. she did
not know the passage OF time until
it dawned upon her that soon her
train would be leaving. She looked
the tired little figure did not appear.
Shirley's heart thumped. Had she
been fooled after all? Was she here
with a strange babyf What could she
do. She glanced about in her dis
traction and her eyes met the grave,
fine eyes of the man opposite. She
saw that he understood, and with a
bit of quake inside she saw him rise
aud come toward her.
Pardon me, bur will see if l can
find the mother" he said, smiling en-
couragingly.
BLESS his yellow head" Shirley
said to herself, and then thanked hin
aloud.
But when he came back after max
| ing trip through the station, she
saw he was worried, too. He ex
planned that he could find no trace o.
the mother.
They stared at each other, the sam'
thought in each mind; what was to b,
;. done?
The crimson flooded through hi
tanned cheeks as he said haltingly
''If you give the youngster to me, II
take him to the police station
though l hate like thunder to be seel
carrying a baby round here wher
some Of my friends may see met
She laughed at the sudden boys
exclamation. Il understand" sh
said. Lets see." She thought
moment and a quick decision forme
in her mind She could not bear tn
thought Of the bahy's going to
police station, and then to some found
ling home-such dainty, fragrant
happy bit Of humanity. She woul
leave word in the station and tax
the baby home. She smiled as sh
thought of the dumb establishment @
her family. But how could she eve
get the baby home and also all he
shopping booty?
She glanced at him. He was ga;
ing with anxious eyes down the lon
lobby. She made up her mind-tha
mans frank face was the face to
trusted
II am going to take the baby hom
If you will help me to the train,' sf
suggested. "And we must hurr
: too"
He caught up her bundles quick
and they trailed away to the gate, 81
In the lead. the baby snug in hi
arms; he, tall and serene, followir
her. Eyes turned to glance at theI
She blushed, but he seemed impe
viOus
He saw to 1t that she was seatt
and then hesitated. you will new
be able to get off with you-er-
impedimenta. May go with you?
should like to see this adventu
through"
She hestated In turn. then nodde
thinking to herself, II really want
see a little more of him."
The ride was not eventful in son
- ways: but she found herself, as tn,
talked of the situation, turning h
eyes from the broad shoulders to Il
gray. protecting, honoring eyes Qui
a distance above hers. 1t was an a
venture surely. but worth it, just
know him for a short while.
When the station came he aided h
to the platform, and again they car
% a halt.
"You will really have to help me
the house, and then I'll excuse you
that is, II yOu-you care tor S
questioned.
He was already gathering up