Evening star., 1933-09-03

New York attorneys that sometimes handled
his affairs Now the telegram that had just
arrived definitely ended her hopes.
Lenny and Jean sat silent in the hail. too
saddened to speak for the moment. They had
grown up together almost as brother and sister,
gone through high school together, and laid all
their plans to attend the same college. By work.
ing during the Summers, Lenny had saved
enough money to help his father finance his
education. But it is not easy for . girl to
earn money, and Jeans modest savings were
not enough to be of any help. Moreover the
college authorities said 1t was useless for her to
try to work during her first year, even though
she might get some sort Of job later on.
THEY had refused to believe that something
would not happen to make it possible for
Jean to go. She had even made all prepara-
tions, was duly entered in the university and
ready to start packing on a moments notice.
But now she would do no packing unless she
relented and helped Lenny with his.
Lenny picked up a sweater rolled It into
ball, and relieved his feelings by throwing It
viciously into the trunk
"Doggone the doggone luck!" he fumed- He
looked at Jean. saw that her big gray eyes were
perilously moist, and looked hastily away
We'll, never mind, JEAN" he said bravely.
Things will be better by next Fan, and you
can go then. And I'll have you up for some
foot ball games and dances this year. But it
little while before 6ying!"
Don't talk like that, Lenny." replied JEAN
Il feel awfully sorry about Uncle Peter, and
I'm selfish to be thinking only Of what this
means to me. He was so nice to me when he
was here and know he would have helped me
if he had lived to do it,
~ lE surely was a queer old duck" mused
! Lenny, smile Of recollection on his face
Remember how he took us to the circus and
all the crazy stories he told us about the ami
mails? And remember how he used to make
jokes and then laugh so hard at himself?"
They were still talking about Uncle Peter and
his visit when Is minutes later Jean heard her
mother calling her. There was q note Of ex-
citement in that voice which sent Jean hurry
ing down the stairs with Lenny after her. From
the veranda they saw Mrs. Holloway standing
on her own front porch and waving package
in her hand.
Come here, JEAN" she called. "A package
Just came for you-from Inda!'
From India!" Jean across the lawn In
half dozen bounds, with Lenny at her heels
From her mothers hand she took the package
examining it breathlessly. It was postmarked in
Calcutta several weeks before, and was COW
cred with foreign stamps red sealing wax and
off1cial-looking notations.
NA/HAT can it be?" Jean gasped as her
w fingers fumbled in their efforts to open
IL. Inc OuCer cover removed, Sne came upon q
note in an envelope addressed to her Breath
lessly she tore it open, and read the fine, old
fashioned writing:
my Dearest Niece:
"An old man whose life Is drawing to q
close counts among his happiest memories
the few days he spent with you several
years ago.
II am sending you little token Of my
love. Keep it forever, guard it well, and
may it always bring you good luck. And
if ever you feel particularly downhearted,
remember my little joke about the greedy
elephant learning to pack his trunk and
you will be able to smile once more.
Your affectionate uncle,
PETER HOLLOWAY"
ooh, how nice Of him!" Jean gasped Then,
in response to the impatient urgings Of Lenny
and her mother, she opened the inner wrap
pings Of the package. The paper fell away,
and in her hands she held beautifully carved
elephant Of purest ivory.
Continued next week0