The Lamar register., 1923-02-28

Standing by the fence.
civilian Theodore Curtis. Jr.," was
the dignified response.
II suppose you must belong to the
folks just moved in the big house on
the hill, William
"You needn't call me william If you
don't want to-" said the boy. taking
iack-knife out of his pocket and
whiting a willow stick he was hold
ing Nobody calls me that except
the teacher. I'm Billy to most folks"
well, then. Billy'-Shirley came
nearer nearer and looked intently at
the small face with Its freckle-pow-
dered nose-'I wonder whether you
have anyone related to you named
Thomas Curtlsr'
You probably mean my Uncle Tom.
He's down Ia Panama" Billy. with
his whistle nearly completed, did not
notice the color that came with
binding rush TO Shirley's face. "Do
you know" he continued, what
honeymoon couple is?''
For moment Shirley was taken
blankly by surprise.
Well" she answered slowly, "a
honeymoon couple are two very happy
people, generally, on their wedding
trip. What made you ask that, Billyr'
"Oh. nothing much. | was just kind
Of wondering When Dad read Uncle
Toms last letter he laughed and said
he didn't know what we'd do with
honeymoon couple. You know, Uncle
Toms coming home In week or
two"
Shirley looked as II she had received
blow. Billy. bidding her good-by,
started down the road. his whistle
sounding shrilly.
Such slight misunderstanding had
sent Tom Curtis to Panama and lost
10 her all chances Of happiness.
For Shirley the following weeks
were trying ones She and Billy be
came fast friends. but she dreaded
the day when he would tell her Tom
and his bride had arrived. William
Theodore Curtis. Jr., In his character
lstic manner. abruptly ended her sus-
pense late one afternoon as he met her
returning from the post office.
They've come" he shouted, when
he was within calling distance.
They're what you said they were and
dad says she's pretty nifty"
Shirley stopped short and sat down
rather quickly on n convenient rock.
We'll. Billy" she said. trying to re
gain her composure, II suppose you
won't have time to fish for while"
"Oh. yes, WILL" exclaimed the lad
quickly. IAN they want to do Is to sit
In the hammock or dance to the old
photograph. They don't pay any at
tention to me. They did say" he add
ed. that we might 20 on picnic next
Saturday In our car. | wish you mi ght
come. too"
Shirley smiled rather forlornly. It's
my own fault that | can't" she said.
whimsically.
Late Saturday, walking through the
village, she passed group Of people
talking eNcitedly. Fragments OF their
conversation made her pause suddenly.
The young married couple were taken
10 the hospital terribly hurt" Yes
Curtis big car-they'd been on II pie
ME somewhere"
Shirley hurried on. Her whole being
seemed permeated with the tragedy
that had entered her life. Down the
road came the hum OF big car. II
came up, but did not pass her. aud
somebody jumped out and clasped her
in pair uf strong arms She looked
up with white face and clutched
their owner convulsively.
"Oh. Tom, Tom 80 was all she could
say. Everything had been clean-swept
from her mind except the outstanding
fact that he was there. Tom wus re
turning the clutch with interest.
shirley" he said. what luck I've
been up to town every day since |
came. doing regular detective work
Your house was closed. your folks
gone, and nobody knew where you were
except In the country somewhere for
your health"
To Shirley suddenly came the reason
for her rundown state and shattered
nerves. She tried to draw herself
away, but It was useless.
TON, you mustn't. You're married,
you know. And thought you and your
little wife were in the hospital"
Tom sat down on the running z board
OF the car, but he did not let go his
hold OF Shirley. Now. Shirley Dins-
more, will you kindly tell me where
your wires are crossed7'
Shirley felt ready to cry when the
realization that all the tOy of meefin o