A BROWN PAPER PARCEL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3393, 24 January 1920, Page 2

A BROWN PAPER PARCEL.

____.——O.._._...— BROOKLYN CAR 3/[YSTERY UN-

R 4\_V'ELL—ED

It was just an :1-I‘dinal‘_y little brown‘ p:l‘p(‘l' ‘parcel and it was can-‘led, by -:1. rory iiisignificant little man,i but it imniecliu-to-ly »attracted the at-l'.L-fltion of all the other lmassengers in 3. Brooklyn. car. The car had just left the Manners street stop when the man in question entered. iThe owner of the parcel had '3. look of complete satisfaction on his face, and it was plain from the outset. that his satisfa.r:.tion was wrapped up in the packug" he <“.ll'rie(l so C'3tl‘(‘,flllly. As he sat down in his seat he gaathered his possession in his arms with all the tenderness that a mother would bestow on her firstborn. Soon everyone was Watching him, or ratlier dividing their 'cltten’tion between him and his parcel. When the new '.lrri\'al took his bundle from under his arm -and balanced it lovingly in his arms in front of him, and when he almost shivered with apprehension: as a clumsy conductor nearly knocked it out of his hands, the interest of the passengers increased. With infinite care the owner of the parcel replaced it tenderly under one arm, the while he caressed it witith thhe other hand. He evidently noted In-any eyes centred on him but instead. of being embarrassed, he beamed on all, his smile finally resting lovingly on his parcel. Once more he balanced it on his hands in {front of him.

Just then another passenger enter~ ed the car. He nodded to the man Witll the Phreel and sat down beside him. ‘They spoke about the weather and other things andteveryone strained their ears. ‘Surely the conversation would turn ‘to the parcel which Iru.d also plainly attracted the attention of the newcomer. Then all bent forward. Many ears were listening futently. “What. do you think I’ve get. hel'e‘3” asked the man with the parcel with a chuckle of infinite satisfnction.

“No idea, old man, but it seems to be mighty precious by the way you’re holding it,” came the reply. “Have a guess,” persisted the oflaox‘ rgl‘oCfiillly. ' “Oh, I don’t know; ‘it might be a. couple of flasks of whisky, or perhaps a present for the wife.” “N 0; spmething bettox‘ than that.” Every ear in the car was strained to catch the answer.

The little man with flle’parcel subbled with joy. “I got it this morning,” he cried; “it’s two pounds Of sugar.” . "