Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 152, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1918 — LOST-A CAT [ARTICLE]

LOST-A CAT

By VINCENT G. PERRY.

(Copyright, 191 S, by the McClure Newspaper Syndicate.) Bart Chalmers had not spoken to Pauline Randall for over a year. Of course, when they had the quarrel that had caused all the trouble he believed he didn’t love her and, for the first two or three months, could even pass her on the street without feeling a desire to renew the friendship—for Bart had pride, too much pride. That was why they had quarreled _ln the first place. The first inkling he had that he really loved her came the time he saw her at a dance with another boy—a fine-look-ing fellow, too, who monopolized her company for every dance. She seemed so wrapped up In her new escort that she didn’t appear to notice that he was having every dance with pretty little Bess Keener. Even if she had noticed it she would know that there was nothing to fear—for Bess’ reputation as a fickle flirt was widely known Bart reflected afterward. Although their quarrel had separated them for six months, he thought that it could be straightened out 111 some way. It required courage to speak to Pauline again. How would he go about it? Before he had decided a “Lost and Found” advertisement In the morning paper opened a road for him. “Lost—an orange Angora kitten, half-grown; answers to name of Angela; reward; apply Miss Pauline Randall, 347 Redan street!” The minute he read it he realized the opportunity offered him. At first he thought of going out In search of the stray kitten, but after contemplating, hit upon a better plan. After making a few Inquiries he learned that Mrs. Regan O’Dell dealt in Angora kittens, and lost no time in searching her out. Mrs. O’Dell had an orange Angora kitten that she assured him was only half-grown. He paid the price she asked for it without a moment’s deliberation, although it was a steep one. It was a timid Bart that approached Pauline’s home, the kitten in a basket under his arm. There was a man with a basket just leaving the house. Just his luck, he thought, the pet, had been returned. His spirits rose when he saw a yellow cat escape from the basket and the man Start in pursuit of it. There was a line-up of people with cats in baskets ahead of Bart. If the right one was in one of those baskets he was done for, but it was too late to back out. One by one the people were taken Into the reception room where," apparently, Pauline was waiting to inspect the contents of their baskets, and one by one they came out still with the cats. Bart straightened his tie and gripped his basket firmly as a servant showed him to the room where the Inspections had been held. Pauline, seated in the center of the room, looked worn out She looked up at his entrance. ‘Why—why!” she gasped, as she jumped to her feet in surprise. “Why, Bart —Mr. Chalmers!” “I have a cat here,” Bart hastened, as he clutched at “his breast to discover if his heart had flown to the roof of his mouth. “Yes; of course.” Pauline’s surprise still had the best of her, but she was doing her best to appear unconcerned. “I have had so many brought here today. Please let me see the one you have.” No sooner had Bart taken it from the basket than she had it in her arms. “Angela, dear,” she cried, as she hugged it to her, “where have you been, you naughty kitten? Oh, Bart, where did you get my cat? I thought she was lost for good,” “I—l—just found it,” Bart stammered, almost overcome by the success of his plan. “I did not think it was your cat—that is, not until I saw your advertisement. I have been waiting out there for nearly an hour.” “How good of you. I would not have let you stay there for an instant had I known.” It was surprising how many things they found to talk about. The restored "Angela” was forgotten for the time being, but it made itself comfortable on Pauline’s lap, where, most likely, it would have remained undisturbed for some time had not the servant ushered another person with a cat into the room. "Here Is your cat Miss Randall,” a voice that Bart recognised immediately said. “She just come home to me, half an hour ago.” It was Mrs. O’Dell. "Why, there Is some mistake! Angela has been returned. See?” Pauline said, as she held the other up for Inspection. “Why, this is Angela’s twin sister. This young man bought her from me this morning. They are alike, aren’t they?” "Oh!” was all Pauline said, as she took the real Angela into her arms. When they were left alone, Bart blurted out a confession. “It was all because I wanted to talk to you. Panline.” Pauline did not speak for a minute. “Aren’t the kittens splendid together,” she said at last. “They are both so pretty I think I wfllkeep the one you brought, too.” Bart felt that eluding a reply was her way of telling him that there could be no friendship between them again. "I will go then,” he said, as he arose. His feelings were expressed in hl* tone. “Sit down. I want you to stay* Pauline smiled, as she stretched out her hand to him. “Angela has brought me back the only friend I ever really cared for. Don’t you think TTappinMO' a good name for this now eat?”