The Washington herald., 1922-01-01

walked through the park. up and across to the
street OF the girls little apartment Lanham
talked of roundup days on the range, OF the
country where his ranch lay on the Broken
Trigger, and OF how to roast Wild turkey over
an open FIRE. Responsive to the girls eager
interest. he talked well and found many half
forgotten things OF unexpected interest to
himself. But OF the thing he had come to
speak TO her about be could not talk at all:
and the girl knew that something had
slipped. She wondered IL her manner had
been too social to impress him fsvorably as
one suited for sscrctArial duties.
Upon leaving her n the steps of the apart
ment LAnham managed a vague beginning.
My little boy is with me. He IN more
lonely than any boy should be. 1 should
like mighty well to have you know him. n
you couid-that is. II you~would care
And now the girl understood It all. she
thought. Busy MANN town for few days
no Htends-week-e end coming. and boy on his
hands. But why this seeking of a private
interview and this elaborate leading up to
so simple a request7
Tomorrow is Saturday she answered
interestedly; let me have him for the after.
Bronx park and have no end OF a good
time"
That's good OF you" I4anhsm said. grasp
ing her hand. and again there was that pc
culiar earnestness in his manner as he added
Il hope you viii ind him Hkable and
good company"
The next evening Danham waited for them
at the subway station. They raced down
the platform toward him with a burst OF
happy Laughter Helen Maitlands eyes were
bright. Adorable" she breatbed in a whis-
per, with nod toward the small head
hugged under her arm. And then. aloud.
We're going back tomorrow 10 finish up
They dined together, and aftsrward took
the boy to the Hippodrome His body was
limp with fatigue but his eyes were still
alight and sparkling as Lanham helped him
unbutton and unbuckle for bed.
How do you like Miss Maitland. old
SON." Lanham spoke quietly seemingly
with the most casual interest. in order that
the answer should not be colored to meet
any suggestion Of expectance
%, can't tell you how much, dad! She
Just makes you feel glad, sort OF.
About this racket tomorrow. son-did
you speak OF It first, or did she1-
We'll, 1 don't know exactly We stood
looking back toward where the monkey.
were, and then she looked at me and I
looked at her, and then she laughed that
glad way and I laugbed--and then 1 reckon
we both said it right together. sort Of
Let's come again tomorrow
At their meeting to start the exp-tition
the following day Lanham asked to Join
them. At the zoo he loaded Don with pea
nuts and turned him loose upon the mon
keys, taking the girl to himself sudden
panic had seised him, to have the affair over
with as quickly as possible: either to declare
himself fairly and sauarely before this IN
suspecting young creature and to face her
probable amazement, or to abandon the idea
forthwith. He had decided. abruptly, TO sec
It through.
Leading her 70 a bench In the open.
where the least attention would be attracted
he leaned forward With his elbows on his
knees and waited before speaking untr a
jumpy pulse reat In his throat subsidized.
In the West, Miss Maitland. a man res,
into . way Of 'rssding sign a. IT is called