The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1942-03-03
KIN GS ROW

sv HENRY sEllAMANN

~
s,o,,ss sns looked hack toward
home Almost he wished ne DIDN'T
have 10 90 TO school He HADN'T
he.n promoted last year and he'd
have 70 stay in the same class
with the very young kids. Most
~ me boys would 60 on 10 an
other room THIS yesr snd ne q
have to stay with Miss Fenaos
again.
When no came in sight of the
playground he forgot all about IL
Lots and lots OF the kids were
there already. He hurried. He
paused on top Of the stile ana
looked at the boys running about
They caught sight Of him. Ful-
mer Green shoute "booky!
There's Benny. C'mon. or crazy
Ben He winked. screwing his
mouth TO one side so that his teeth
showed all the way back. "Cmon.
A crowd gathered around the
stile. Their grins were derisive,
but Benny did not know that.
Their eyes were eager for some
chance 10 make fun OF him-wait-
ine for him TO say something silly,
but he did not know II. They
pushed closer-it was the pack
gathering-sensing a victim, but
he knew nothing of packs or their
WAYS. Benny was glad 10 be back
at school where there were so
many friendly faces.
He stepped down from the stile.
Hello, everybody" he said hap
PLY.
The next Two years were not
exactly pleasant ones for Paris.
School itself was less interesting.
He had a new teacher. Miss Mar
tina Colt. None of the children
liked her.
Paris was not unaware of the
changes in himself or unobservant
Of the changes in others. But al
most without noticing it he and
his friends began to think OF
themselves as an older crowd. The
children in Miss Vensble's room
seemed very young, Drake, who
was nearly IS, kept his friend-
ship with Paris, who found the
association flsttering.
Only his friendship for Renee
remained unchanged. She still
waited for him after school and
walked home with him, but she
talked more now than she used to
mostly about the other girls and
what they said. She was less of
a tomboy now in her walk and
behavior-more girlish. He real
lied that she was really very
pretty. Other people spoke of it.
On his 14th birthday Paris had
his usual birthday supper with a
cake and candles. Renee was his
only guest. Renee gave him three
handkerchiefs with crooked mi
tials worked in the corners. She
had made them herself.
After supper Anna, the stout
German maid, gave him ID play
full spanks-one for each year
and another to grow on.
It's after eight, Paris" Mad
anne reminded him. You'd bet
ter walk down to Renee's house
with her. It's moonlight. You're
not afraid to come back by your
self, are you"
He flushed. His grandmother
didn't seem TO realize he was Il
and would have to shave next
year. of course not" he an
swered impatiently.
AS they went down the terrace
steps Renee took his hand
i guess l ought to give you IA
licks, too, like Anna did"
He laughed. but the laugh died
quickly and his throat tightened.
He swallowed. I'd rather you'd
kiss me" he said.
All right" she said readily.
I'll kiss you IA times" She placed
ner hands on his shoulders and
kissed him on the mouth. counting
each time. II ID
"a and a big one to grow on"
he returned the embrace awk-
wardly and they stood for a mo-
ment little GREATNESS. The moon
shone full on her face.
That's the best birthday pres
ent ever had" he said. The gal.
lantry of his speech surprised him
but ne was pleased to have said
II Il love you. Renee"
I'd like to be your girl. I suess
you re my sweetheart, too"
Lets be sweethearts forever.
Renee, you and me-"
All right"
Cross your heart?" h. ia
manded.
| :. And hope to die" sh. re-
piled.
Good night, Renee"
Well, see you tomorrow Par
ris " al
Good night, then"
. night Her voice traiIAd N.
words softly. He watched h.r 90
up the short walk 10 her door ne,
orlght mar looking more silver
man gold in the moonlight
ITO Be Continued
your postmaster can tell you
no" 70 invest IN L. e. Det.n..
Bonds.