West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1877-09-08

fN."n 'S w hiS iuentltI. Ills Wig! lie
had forgotten all about Il. That ex-
planned their singular demeanor.
Ihe bald man in stockings, trousers
and shirt caught hiding in the library
after an attempt on the silver quite
naturally failed To recall To their
minds the youth of rather foppish attire
and luxuriant locks who bade them good
night few hours previous. As this
fact and its explanation broke upon
Bob's mind he felt an immense sense of
relief, instantly followed hy more
poignant perception of the inextricable
falsity and cruel absurdity of his posi-
tion. lie had little time to think.it over
and determine his best course.
John stepped forward, and with the
point of his cane sword motioned him
into corner, thus leaving the way clear
for the ladies, who ut once hurried into
the dining-room, throwing glanccs of
fear and aversion upon Bob ms they
passed. Angie paused at the doorway
and asked:
What are you going to do with the
dreadful mang
Bob even then was able to notice that
he had never seen her so rayishinrly
beautiful rs now, with her golden hair
falling over her dcShabHie, while her ewes
sclntillated with excitement. She would
have blushed To have been seen by him
IN such an undrcss toilet, hut. with an
odd feeling of being double, he perceived
that she now regarded him as she would
have nm animal
George and / will attend TO him.
You had better go 10 bed" replied
John to her question: and then he sent
George after some cord, meanwhile
quietly standing in front of Bob with
cooked revolver. Had he scanned his
prisoner closely, he might have detected
something familiar in his lineaments,
but In careless contempt he took him i'm
win sweeping glance as an average
burglar, whose identity was a question
for the police.
Bob had not uttered word. I'm the
complex falsity of his position he could
not indeed muster presence of mind To
resolve on any course, but regarded with
kind of fatuity the extraordinary
direction events were taking. But when
George returned with rope, and ordered
him to put his hands behind him, he
said, in tone so quiet that il surprised
himself
Hold on, MIR. McI.anc this Joke has
gone too far. | am Robert Withers, at
your service, and respectfully decline TO
he considered in the light of burglar
any further"
Georges Jaw dropped with astonish-
ment, and John WAS scarcely less taken
aback.
Hanged il he isn'tp calculated the
former, after moment, in a tone Of i'm
creduious conviction, as he recognized
at once the voice and now the features
OF Bob; "but where's your hairT
Bob blushed painfully.
g ! wear wig" he replied, and to-
night coming down stairs after you were
all abed to get my ring which had left
on the table here, did not fully dress
Going back il was my luck TO stumble
over that cursed stand in the other
room !"
"But what did you hide for?' asked
John sharply.
Bob just touched his bald head and
replied
81 heard the ladies up"
John pitched the revolver on the sofa
and stood pensive. Finally he said, with
sardonic smile:
Mr.. Withers, how do YOU propose to
get out of this? Shall ! call the ladies
in and let you explain? They will pres
emily be wanting to know what we have
done with the burglar"
Bob made no reply. Already bitterly
humiliatcd, he saw no way of avoiding
indefinite and yet bitterer humiliations.
John thought n few minutes longer,
and then he said:
Take seat, Mr.. Withers; have a
proposition 10 make"
They sat down.
You are aware" continued John, i'm
the calmest, most imperturbablc tone
-" that don't like your match with nv
sister, and have done my best 10 break
it off. But she is an obstinate girl. and
i had pretty much given up hope. These
peculiar circumstances have most unex-
pectedly put you in my power, and
propose TO make the utmost of my advan-
tage. If j were 10 call in Angie now
and introduce you, feel tOlerably we'll
assured that il would be the end Of your
matrimonial expectations i'm that quar-
ter. Still, you have r chance for your
life. ] will call her if you say so?' And
John rose.
For Gods sake don't let her come in
here" gToaned Bob, in abiect panic.
John grinned, stepped toward the
door, and then turned back irresolutelv.
muttering:
. W ondcr if IL wouldn't be the short
est way out of it 10 call her down ?o
Then, with a saving reflection upon the
uncertainty Of woman's course under
any given set Of circumstances, he came
back, and reseating himself opposite
Bob, said, with n sardonic smile: $50
you don't like my little suggestion Of
giving you one more chance with Angler
On the whole, think you are wise. The
other alternative is to leave the house
at once, rclinquish your engagement.
and never sec her again. Make your
choice, and as quickly as convenient, for
I'm. getting sleepy" and he yawned
lazily.
Bob sat in au attitude Of utter dciec-
ton, staring at the ashes of the fire.
which an hour ago had blazcd ~ brightly
as his own lOvc-lit fancics. He was
completely dcmoraizcd and almost in-
capable Of thought or resolution. There
was something 50 pitiable IN BOb's odd
looking, dismantled figure, half-dresscd.
with that queer, white, bulbous head.
dimmed, black eyes, and expression Of
crushing shame and defeat, thatit would
have moved almost any one to compass
sion II did stir cOmpunctions i'm
foOTOo but fharo ttag No ,,,o-,.. l..