The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1922-08-10
"BIRDIMA"
Dy LILLIAN cYR.
De. l1al. sy Nsclur. N.w.Dspsr syndle.tsl !

education was temporarily suspended.
In September ne would enter Worces-
ter high. as q junior, an estlmabie ac-
QUESTION In Theed's opinion. He slowed
down 70 halt In front OF hitchinY
post. and, having languldly reached out
tor Its iron ring. he twirled II absently.
He was in one OF those day dreams
lboys have. His eyes remained open
but he saw nothing. 1t has to be ad-
mitted that three quarters Of Theed's
dreams, waking and sleeping, were Of
Anita. the girl who wore his fraternity
pin. and whose lovely hand he had
kissed In pageant In which they had
been the star performers.
He turned back up Newspaper row
and down Old South to Anitas home.
He hesitated with bewlldering indeci-
sion at her gate, shyness or some 9TH
er boyish attribute, having seized him |;
| then he walked away. He soon re-
turned. playing melancholy air on
newly bought small instrument Of
baked clay, called a "Blrdiola," said
instrument containing ten holes for ten
fingers and capable Of a series Of
wlerd and depressing whlstllng tones.
He had nearly passed the house
when Anita hailed him from the piaz-
"a.
Rde." she invited.
He pocketed his instrument and
sank down In q comfortable wicker
chair. while the little hostess presided
over the drinks and edibles.
What Is itf'' asked Anita, not with
out some curiosity, that thing you
were blowlngf"
This" said Theed, holding up the
instrument, and adopting the manner
and the fiuency Of the young clerk In
the mpsic store who sold 1t to him, SIS
birdiola,' an instrument of rare
qualities. From 1t one may induce the
calls, the whistles of any bird, or all
birds"
Here comes Fred. Hello, Freddie"
called Anita sweetly. "Oh, I'm so glad
you brought your clarinet"
Hello, Laurie, OIL top" said Fred,
gayly.
How d'y do Theed responded,
sullly. He thoroughly disliked Fred
and his clarinet.
A bit later the two boys rose to go.
I'm glad you boys are coming to my
party" smiled Anita, "and Freddie,
bring your clarinet"
The day for Anita's party arrived.
Thee,; made an elaborate toilet and
proceeded to Anitas
A few minutes before the dancing
began Theed made his way to Anitas
side to claim her first dance.
Il just promised Fred" said Anita.
You promised 1t 10 me Monday aft
ernoon when we were sitting In the
hammock. Don't you remember
asked Theed, panied that she should
have forgotten that wondrous incident.
NO"
''Well, this is my dance, Anita You
promised me first" Theed declared
stubbornly.
Here comes Fred. Hurry, Theed.
Find partner before the dance be-
gins"
Theed stared at her In amazement
Very we'll" he said coldly.
And he did find partner. A visit
ing girl received him tenderly.
AT hrst he was bit bored, his mind
more on Anitas behavior than the
lively talk OF his companion, but she
really was interesting, and Theed
could not help coming out of his sad
mood.
Great was Anitas Indignation to find
him SO absorbed in that visitor that
he had not returned to her for single
dance,
During an intermission anita had
Fred play his clarinet. At the first
soft tentative toot Theed rose and
slipped out OF the room.
trvd was part through his ovation
when he was startled by the wild trill-
ing of u bobolink. which was repeated
at intervals to the end of his recital.
In several parts of his song sheeplike
beats and "mooS" suggestive of cows
exchanged places with the short, tenta-
i've tootS and issued from his clarinet
N rural discord. At the end of the
song, however. polite clupping greeted
Fred.
Anita" he begged, explain TO them.
That bird outside. Oh, my reputa-
ions lost Z! He was breathless and |
his compIexion assumed bright pink
AUST then through the open window
here iloated melancholy air Both |
Fred and Anita recognized the dread !
Iul whistling tones as those OF Theed's |
'hirdiola." Fred was angry. Anita |
Sas pieased at Theeds flare of jeal-
,usy,
The mournful tone was touching. |
wen il the tones were depressing. An
Ia ran out on the piazza and shut the t
screen door softly behind her.
'Theed," she called TREMENDOUSLY. |
Anita sat down In chair beside |
him. play for me-" she commanded.
Theed frightened vislbly and raised
he "hiryiiola' to his lips.
Light-hearted once more, the de- !
pressing whistling tones of the sbirdi-
No. ,rrata1 IN hpftafS sapcfhilitiaS