The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-03

real friends he had in Exburg, come to think of it.
 F 'He>slung a wicked ball even in those days and it's just his luck that some manager saw him and grabbed him. | Say, but I'd like to see him again {! l III bet old Rocky has come through all right! !'
 Look him up," suggested the inter- ested roommate. Seems to me he'd be tickled to death to see you again, es- l pecially somebody from the old home town. Why not ask him out to dinner with us !"s
 / ''He can't have many friends with his rowing life," agreed Artie Billings. And your boyhood chums always stick to your mind, no matter how many years go by. I'm going to see that game and get hold of Rocky if have to jump the railing !"
 All through the week before the game the thought of Rocky Henderson was much in Artie's mind. Little flashes from the past chased themselves across his memory-he and Rocky dab bling bare brown toes in the creek, the leaves in the ash trees rustling over | lhCAh SHOpPCu HnJnltElOuS chirping and chattering in the green ness above; the time the sand bank caved in and only his helping hand dragged Rocky from the river; the tramps through the hickory woods in the fall and the bags of hickory nuts, the shrill-voiced plans for the future, varying from an Aladdin's cave success to the presidency His heart warmed. One lived in such rush in big city that memories came rarely like this.
 The day of the game Artie Billings l shouted himself hoarse and was a ner- YOus wreck in his excitement over the marvellous playing of the Red Ties new pitcher. There were others with him. 1 The grandstand was a wave of human beingsf up and down throughout the excitement of the plays. Why, I knew him!" he felt like telling the men about him who were talking about Rocky's famous twist. He's a regular guy !" Even at the distance he had recognized in the tall pitcher his old playmate Wriggling and punching his way through the crowd when the last inning was ended Artie fought his path toward the Red Ties and up to the tight little bunch of people surrounding Rocky Henderson, He had difficulty in re- straining his smiles. Wouldn't the old boy be surprised? Eagerly he grabbed a muscular arm when near enough to the idol of the minute.
 'Hey, old scOut!" he cried jovially. Glad to see you! Member me? Art Billings? Exburg?"
 The tall pitcher finished what he was saying to a reporter and then turned in an annoyed way to what was clutch ing his arm. Looking Artie fairly in the eyes, there was no welcoming gleam on his face.
 'Tm Art Billings" repeated the oth- CT a trifle dashed. You and 1 ran around together a lot back in Exburg, you know-yOu remember-and all that Wanted to see you again and have you out to dinner!"
 Rockhouse Henderson's face was patiently waiting man with large dia- impassive. Don't remember" he half grumbled. "SOrry-'nOther date" Nov ing decidedly in the direction of an im- mond on his hand, Artie heard his words trail away More of those guys claiming to be acquainted" he grum- bled. Bother me to death! CmOn, let's go!"
 Artie Billings stood stock still for several seconds, needless of the amused glances of those near. He was beyond embarrassment. Something kindly and impulsive in his nature dried up and died on the spot. He moved away slowly.
 "Oh, yes, I saw him." he answered the queries of his expectant roommate. "No, he isn't coming Rocky is-say, it's funny what life does to people, isn't it"
 THE SHEEREST OF PARSOLS
 Very feminine is parasol of blue