The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-03-13

at the snowbank from whose inner
most depths the plaintive cry seemed
to come. Kicking gingerly dilapi-
dated market basket. From one cor
ner pair of bright eyes blinked up
at him.
AS he brushed the snow from the
furry waif, crooked smile parted
Cortrells lips.
"At that, little pal O. adversely, you
have something on me in the way of
shelter. What's that you prefer the
interior of coat pocket? All right
in you go!"
Stamping a semblance of life into
his cold feet, Cortrell resumed his
aimless tramp.
The northwest wind contested his
every step. The driving snow, fast
turning to sleet, stung his, facial
most blinded him. He might retrace
his steps-the wind at his back
would be less cutting-but because
he had always faced a foe Cortrell
trudged doggedly forward.
From one house he passed bright
lights cleaned, while music and gay
laughter sounded like cruel mock
cry. A block further on, another
house was shrouded in darkness
save for one room. Through the lat
ters drawn shades Cortrell glimpsed
tall candles and many white flowers.
To Cortrell the enigma of the ages
had never been more grimly symbol
ICED.
z life and Joy today" he muttsrsd,
"and tomorrow"
The somhrs soliloquy was never
aCiah9i.
Through the storm doomed ccm-
handing voice" 'Tenshun!"
Mechanically Cor.rell's heels cams
together under the snow. He raised
his hand to salute, but again the
voice spoke, this time close to Cor
trell's ear: We'll forget that part of
the game, Buddy"
Cortrell caught the CLINT of brass
buttons-then the friendly challenge
in the eyes of the laws representa-
tive.
We'll keep the old A. e. f. 'step'
together for bit, Buddy. Now, don't
start any clear conscience stuff! /
believe it-that's why picked you
for tie star part in little size
drama I'm scheduled to stage on wild
nights lIIe this" His voice grew
confidential! See that big house on
the corner? Some mansion, Ell?
Must be grand inside. You've said
it, Buddy! Every comfort and lux
ury money can buy in there-but it
means nothing to the owner. 1t did
once--before his only son for whom
he planned it all-fell in the Ar
COME"
They were within few feet of the
big house now. II have orders to
send any homeless lad / find on such
a night to him. Nothing in the way
of eats will be too good and for the
right sort, no benefit too great--in
memory of his hero son. When
trailed your gait tonight / says:
Denny, m boy, he's of st. Mihiel and
Belleau-hell deliver the goods
What say, Buddy-will you go
through"
Cortrells feverish bright eyes an
swered for him. Then he remem-
bered the kitten.
How about another wayfarer?"
The officer laughed. II don't re-
call anything in the invitation about
felines out of luck, but'-stroking
the kittens pitifully thin sides-"the
little tike is sure eligible for the
'eats.'" He thrust the purring black
mite back into Cortrells pocket.
Nov, snap into it, Buddy-and good
luck to you! Just say Orfcer Scan
Ion sent you"
He pressed the electric button and
the next instant disappeared in a
swirling cloud of snow.
"Twelve!" AS the sonorous strokes
pealed from an adjacent church tow
err, Officer Scanlon rounded the cor
ner.
A dazzling shaft Of light streamed
across his path-from the bay win
dow of the big house.
"The signal of approval! It's the
velvet trail for Buddy" AS he
spoke small but animated shadow
flashed across the radius of light.
after all, Tabby may prove the win
ming card. The old man once told
me his son was gentle with all dumb
creatures. l never was keen for the
cat-luck theory, but hereafter, I'm
thinking it's up to Denny Scanlon to
furnish some important data"