Evening star., 1935-10-27
12%&''fSyes''
lln1a Sioux ScerLerrv

other time when you are feeling a
little better. Well just work on our
own clues and give you rest. since
you assure me you know nothing
about the childs parents"
For moment Scoop thought Moth
er Friddle was going to break out
in a fresh burst of tears. But she
squared her shoulders and got up
Her knitting dropped to the floor
Scoop handed it back to her.
Mother Friddle put hand on his
arm. She seemed to have aged 10
years in a few minutes. Scoops soft
heart ached for her. and he felt sud-
denly ashamed of his deceit.
Young man." she sought his eyes
then, you must make a promise to
me. A sacred. solemn promise that
must not be broken"
Perhaps I might" Scoop relented
with a smile. I'm fact, think I'll
be glad to after all the unhappiness
I've caused you"
II knew you were man of honor
when I saw you" The old maid put
her hands on his shoulders and looked
into his face.
THANK you" Scoops eyes fell.
I'D like to be worthy of that"
Then hold up your right hand"
the old lady said solemnly.
Reluctantly Scoop raised his hand.
wondering what he was letting him.
self in for. and why he was going to
make a bind promise. Perhaps it
was because Miss FTiddle had been
the only mother Sugar had ever
known-because he knew such a
strong bond of love existed between
them.
Promise me-" Mother did not take
her eyes from his face, that you will
do nothing further concerning this
matter for at least month; that you
will leave Sugar where she is until
then. You will hear from me at the
end of that time. If, in the meantime,
nothing has happened to change your
plans. I will communicate with you
anywhere you say"
Il promise Scoop echoed SOL
emnly.
Mother dropped YEARLY into her
chair.
Thank you" she sighed feelingly.
Now I feel better. Do you believe
in the hand of Providence, young
man?"
Il do Scoop nodded. "No doubt
our religions are different. But our
Gcd is the same"
Then leave this to Him" Mothers
eyes filled with ears again. Il was
raised a Presbyterian myself. But
I've grown strictly neutral here Boys
and girls of all faiths come to me
teach them only to believe in God
and obey the Golden Rule
Il knew you we're wonderful
woman" Scoop felt strangely like a
small boy in the presence of the
woman who had raised the girl he
loved. I've heard many good things
about you."
I'm Just fussy old maid" Mother
smiled then for the first time since he
had shocked her. And don't you let
any one tell you anything else"
Out in the sunshine again Scoop
felt like man who had committee
a crime. For more than an hour he
walked by the river and worried over
what he had done
But in the final summing up he de-
cided one thing. There was little doubt
that Mother knew more than she had
told him. That she had found some
clue that might lead to the solving
of the enigma that was Sugar Frid-
die.
Why. he pondered over and over,
did she insist upon Sugars being left
in a house where she was so unhappy?
And what had she meant by begging
that the problem be left in the haros
of Providence?
In a month she had promised to
get in touch with him. What would
she reveal?
Sugar was summing Skeeter by the
lily pond tnat afternoon when the
powder barrel upon which she mad
UcTi oAtltilS SliiSc iIcl uAiioi tuiAoto ca
perience at Patch's was set off. 1t was
Eurasia who brought the news. There
was concern written all over the
Wrlnkled old black face of the cook.
"MiZ jamie Lee, she want see you
in de nussery," the darky told Sugar
in hushed tones. She say TO me
keep Skeeter down heah. LaWd. child,
she look lax she all het up lax a
pancake griddler.'
TO be continued)