The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-06-20

ed ms eyes ana ray Dack IN an easy
chair while the twilight stole in
upon him.
He heard Allie enter the house,
but he did not stir. He would have
to put on the mask soon enough,
for, of course, she must never sus-
pect. on Buddy's account. The room.
which had grown agrceably dark,
was suddenly Illuminated, and he
lurchcd to his feet to find the girl
facing. him from the door. She was
neither startled nor surprised at his
presence, and when he tried to smile
and to greet her in his accustomed
manner, she interrupted him by
saying:
Il knew you were here"
80? Then Ma is awake again"
Allie shook her head viguely ~
knew you We're here the minute !
came in. can most always tell"
There had been shadow of 4 smile
upon her lips, but it vanished;
look of growing concern crept ove1
her face. whats the matter?
Whatever has happened, Mr.. Gray?"
why, nothing. l was feeling
tired, worn out. Indulging myself
in a thoroughly enjoyable fit of the
blues" His voice broke when he
tried to laugh.
Allie uttered quick, low cry,
worthless, sympathetic sound Her
dark eyes widened, grew darker; she
came forward step or two, then
she halted. would you rather be
dissent, and she went on: 81 know
what the blues are like. | ST. alone
il the dark good deal"
She busted herself about the room
for a few moments, Strengthening
things, adjusting the window shades.
Allie had the knack of silence,
blessed attribute in man or woiNan,
and to Gray's surprise he found that
her mere presence was comforting.
She startled him by saying, sudden
ly:
you're hurt! Hurt badly"
He looked up at her with an in
stinctive denial upon his lips, but,
realizing the futility of deceit, Ne
nodded. Eyes, Allie" :
The girl drew Il deep breath, her
strong hands closed, harshly she
said: II could kill anybody that hurt
you l wanted to kill Buddy that
time. Is it those Nelson's? Have
they got you down." There was
something fierce and masterful in
Allies concern, and her inquiry car
lied with it even more than a prof
fer of help, she had, in fact, flung
herself into a prote ctive ai.il 1I..
She suggested nothing SO much as a
lisness reused.
''No, no! 1t is nothing like that.
merely fooled myself-had
dream. You wouldn't understand
my dear" .
Allie studied him soberly for a
moment. ooh yes, l would! | do! l
understand perfectly. Nobody could
understand as we'll as l do?"
What do you mean by that ~
"I've been hurt, too" She laid
a hand upon her breast. That's
why l sit in the dark"
my dear child! Tn sorry. Gus
said you were unhappy, but l
thought it was merely-the new life.
You're young; you can forget. It's
only US old ones who can't forget.
Sometime you must tell me all about
it," The girl smiled family, but he
nodded, positively: ooh, it's a relief
to tell somebody! l feel better al
ready for confidng in Ma. Yes, and
your sympathy is mighty soothing,
too. 1t seems almost as if l had
come home" He closed his eyes and
laid his head back.
Allie placed her hand upon his
forehead and held it there for a mo-
ment before she moved away. 1t
was cool and tranquilizing palm
and he wished she would hold it
there for long time, so that he
could sleep, forget
Allie Briskow went to her room,
and there she studied her reflection
in the mirror carefully, deliberately,
before saying: "You can do it.
You've got to do it, for he's hurt.
W "SH q gin Is HuTL hkG that. lt
makes woman of her, but when a
mans hurt it makes him a little boy.
II guess it pays to keep on pray
ing" "
1t was perhaps a half ho,l later\
that Ma Briskow heard a sound tina.
caused her to rise upon her elbow
and listen with establishment. 1t
was the sound Of low, indistinct,
but joyous singing; it came from
Allies room. Allie singing again!
What could have happened? Slowly
Mas face became wistful, eager.
"Oh, Mister Fairy King!" she whis-
pered. "Please build up his castle
again. You. can do it. There's magic
in the world. Make him duke
again, an her queen, for yours is
the power an the glory for ever an
ever, Amen!"
THE END.