The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1922-03-03
The Mislaid
Basket
By MALCOLM BROWN

~SbS'sNs es~ss "S~tehh ANoWspebsE OhaoA
It was n festal eve everywhere. The
ground was covered with snow and
thick flakes were still falling. A biting
wind blew John Lane before 1t, but his
heart was warm and he smiled as he
buffeted the tempest, bearing a goodly.
stored market basket.
Stu bachelor at twenty eight, John
Lane was pursuing a brief journey
that had a rare tinge Of romance to 1t.
He had come to Brookville, near
suburban town, upon the Invitation of
some old friends, the Ward family.
John had known these worthy people
for long while--Miss Muriel Ward
particularly. She was two years young
er than himself, still she classified In
the group Of "spinsters."
II don't know that I am doing q
wise thing" mused John, as he strobe
along. "It's opening up the lost past
lost, because have never been able
to put enough aside to offer Muriel the
home she should have. All, mel" he
sighed resignedly, "the little savings /
put by are small, indeed. Now they
have asked me to spend holiday
with them. shall see Murlel."
John had brought a genuine holiday
Offering with him-a noble turkey, a
parcel Of toothsome fruit, several box
es Of bonbons, some toys for the chill
dren.
II declare" he said. hating and
putting from his undue exertions, "Tm
quite ut sea. This can't be Magnolia
terrace. believe I'll inquire"
John started towards little isolated
house where he observed light in its
rear rooms. He rested his heavy bas-
ket on the stoop and knocked at the
door several times. No one responded
and leaving the basket where he had
placed 1t, John started around the
house to pursue his inquiries at the
kitchen door.
1.-THE mischief" exclaimed John, as
he passed near frozen water spout.
His feet gave way, he was conscious
Of heavy fall, and then lost sensi-
bility.
He must have soon aroused, but In
q dazed condition. He was seated on
street curb and village watchman
was shaking him.
"Rouse up, my man." urged this lat
ter individual. "You'll freeze to death
here. What's the trouble?"
u have had fall and lost my
senses, guess" responded John weak
ly. Il was bound for the Ward hBme."
I'll help you there" and In desper-
ate faintness and pain John was wei.
coined with concerned faces by the
family ten minutes later.
"You will not be able to use TINT
arm for full three weeks,p waA the
dictum Of the physician who was
called. tliil
SBUt my work In the c,ty!"
Friend john" said Mr.. Ward quiet
~. you are going to be patient and
happy among US until you are all
WE'LL"
So John Lane settled down Into the
fair groove in which circumstances had
placed him. Muriel, his solicitous
nurse. fitting about him with her
sweet wOmanly ways, and deeper and
deeper grew his love for her.
Meanwhile the festal basket which
had been left by John on the door.
step OF a house he could not now To-
cate had performed a glorious mission.
In that humble cottage lived a Mrs.
Bernard and her three little children.
For over n year her husband had been
lost, missIng-dead. she now feared.
With the family ON the verge of
positive destltutlon and Ill, dlscour-
nged, nearly henrtbroken, when John
Lane knocked ut the door of the house
that stormy night the mother lay very
near to the point Of dissolution and
the children huddled over a smOlderIng
fire In the kitchen stove. The next
morning the eldest boy discovered the
basket.
What magic Of Joy It proved to
them And then two nights later there
burst In upon them the husband and
father, returned. He had been lost, de-
s"yVu u'iu GiVul uuukcIs Uut iluu
come back to the happy home fold
rich man.
The evening after that John and
huriel were seated cOnversing In the
coy parlor Of the Ward home.
II am asking so much OF you, dear"
John was saying lovingly. "After wait
Ing so long. we must be patient for
another year or two"
"What Is that to woman who
truly loves?" murmured Muriel.
There was ring at the door bell.
Muriel answered the summons. A
stranger confronted her.
us there Mr.. Lane here?" she was
asked, and the caller was led into the
parlor, where he grasped Johns, hand
warmly.
"You are the gentleman who left
basket at my home a few nights
ago?" he asked.
"UnintentIonnuy." replied John, "but