Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1924-09-26
Irene Chooses
Husband From
Three Suitors
By GEORGE ELMER COBB

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90, 1924, Western Newspaper Union)
THE worst sores Of life are caused
J. by crumpled rose leaves Instead
of thorns. SO at least realized Jas
per Warren.
He was pacing Q glorious stretch OF
woodland along the hill overlooking
Reedville.
az won't complain nor give up all my
ambition In life," he said bravery,
"but I may as well give up Irene"
Jasper Warren really and devotedly
loved the fair girl he had named. SO
did his rivals, It appeared. They had
the advantage of him In one respect.
They were scions of wealthy families.
One day, an eventful one for Jas
per Warren, a circumstance occurred
which brought out In bold relief the
characteristics of the three young men,
and in the future something more.
They were walking down the street
together, when half starved slip OF
a girl approached him.
"Will you give me a trifleT she said,
not all in the whine Of professional
beggar, but as IL driven by despera-
ton to hopeless solicitation for aims.
Winters drew his purse. 1t was
filled with banknotes.
mo change" he said indinerently.
apply to the relief committee"
Here" spoke Girton. rendering four
pennies, the return from a nickel just
given to newsboy. "Come on, War
rem"
But Jasper fingered behind. He
scanned the girl and asked her a few
questions. Her answers, blnntly,
cheerlessly given, convinced Warren
that here was case indeed worthy of
sympathy and succor.
"Just make my excuses at the ten
mis- party, will your he spoke to Win
tiers.
POUNDS, mani" exclaimed Girton,
"you can't be thinking Of dlsappoint-
ing Miss BartonT'
81 must" replied Warren. This
girls story appeals to me vitality.
am going to investigate 1t. I may be
later at the park"
The case of the little child and the
scene she had led him to that day
were forgotten now. At the time,
however, all that was noble in him
had come to the surface. The girl had
led him to a sQualld hut on the fats
where the big factory employees lived.
He found a man, John Little, pros
trate on a bed Of sickness, his wife
also Ill. three small children nearly
famished. Warren provided for their
wants, saw Little restored to health,
and hoped the family could now man
age to get along.
81 shall try to see Irene once more"
Warren now told himself. IF she
still acts indifferently as of late,
shall go away and try to forget her."
At that very hour his dear one was
in the critical peril of her life No
body was at home but herself.
A ring at the door bell sent her
down the stairs.
Electric light man." spoke gruff-
NOlttu lidllt WIN iith a liANAN Stah~ANhs
want to take the meter"
"Oh, see," said Irene quickly. ut
is in the attic. Follow me-"
She led the way up the stairs, but
as she passed the open door of her
room the man pushed her across its
threshold roughly.
This will do, mum. Now, no out
cry, or its-this,' and he extended a
deadly looking revolver.
Irene shrank and paled. She knew
that if she shrieked the burglar would
use violence.
"what is it you want" she palpi-
tated.
THAT jewelry and what money
you've got" was the prompt reply.
Then as she turned to gather up the
plumber demanded. she was startled at
the swift exclamation from the bur
glar!
"HellO"
The word was so emphatic and ex-
pressive, that Irene dropped the jewel
ry she had gathered up. She glanced
at her fierce visitor. He was staring
at the three photographs,
"Say," he broke out roughly, "who
are these fellows?'
"They are friends of mine" faltered
Irene, wondering at the strange inter
est displayed.
"Thls one particularly" pressed the
man. his pudgy finger indicating the
portrait of Warren.
IAN esteemed friend, yes" replied
Irene.
al don't want your jewelry," spoke
the burglar Lady, forgive me for
the fright and trouble have caused
you. That is picture of Mr.. War
rem, yes He is your friend, that's
enough. He was mine. He saved my
family from starving He started me
on the right path but | got out Of
work and desperate and-to think
was so near to ruhhirg friend of
his | am ashamed, but-Tll die be
fore go back TO stealing again"
He wandered on IN his story now,
with tears shame and contrltion, and
Irene knew why Jasper Warren had
not Kept his engagement the day OF
he tennis party.
she did not wait fur him to come To
her she WAS glad of the burglar
episode as an eNr,iS" to 60 to him
Warren al once IL nticd the burglni
as John Little. The next day ne told
irene tina; he la3 secured work fos
Little, and bell. Nr, he would abando-
MS evil Ways future.
He told her -laehing else-of hi,
iove, And Treas i'arion went hon,
md put away iu { the photograph
IN an OH s.rLL