The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-07-07

| objected very much to being looked upon
in the light of victim. Then he didn't
want the affair to get into the papers, for
then his legal friends would he sure to
hear of it, and there would be no end OF
jokes at his expense. And then, again
his beloved Adelaide would surely learn
of it.
mo, no, it won't do he said to him
SELF 81 wouldn't have Adelaide know
of this for the world and her father-oh!
wouldn't it be nuts to him! With such
foundation, how easily the old man
could concoct story, or at least, give
his opinion regarding the real facts in
the case, in such a way as to ruin my
character in her eyes forever. No, it
won't do
Mr.. Toodleman sighed, surveyed him
self in the mirror for one moment, as if
to take farewell look at his mothers
only son, and then reluctantly began to
attire himself in Mrs. Gildad's apparel.
For a wonder that ladys gray travel
ing dress fitted him remarkably we'll !;
but that was easily accounted for by the
act that she had probably taken his
clothes in preference to those of any
other guest be cause they fitted her.
81 don't look Dad" cried Dick, once
more surveying himself in the glass after
dressing.
Luckily, like Dickens Fascination
Fledgedy, my face is as smooth as a
girls; and my hair-why, can part it
in the middle just so,' suiting the action
to the words, with a little Quirl-up-
what-d' ye-call-um on each side, and who
the deuce would ever supect that this
was Richard Toodleman? Why even
Adelaide would not know me-"
In truth our Dick would make re-
markably handsome woman; and it was
really wonder that he did not, like
Narcissus, fall in love with his own
image reflected in the mirror.
Fortunately, his pocketbook and watch
which he had placed under his pillow
before retiring, had not been molested,
as Mrs. Gildad had probably been too
anxious to secure a perfect disguise to
run any further risk than was necessary
to obtain that alone.
And now Dick, having completed his
toilet, rang the bell and called for the
clerk.
The CLERK came, and Dick asked for
his bill, and expressed wish that a car
rage might be called to convey him to
the depot.
"All right" said Mr.. Snodgrass, al
though he didn't look as if he thought it
was all right by any means, for you see
he was positively sure that he had
} booked gentleman for that room the
night before.
"All right" repeated the clerk. 81
suppose you'll have breakfast before you
go. maam.'
mo, have hardly time to reach the
train now" repeated Dick, in the softest
voice he could assume. MY bill, if
yon please
| "Ah, yes, your name is
"Mrs. Richard Toodleman."
"Oh, l remember"
But he didn't; and the name only con-
fused him the more, for it was Richard
Toodleman on the book, and he could
have sworn. five minutes before, that he
had seen a gentleman write it.
After another pause, i'll which he was
vainly trying to clear his puzzled brain,
he retired in great bewilderment.
But the clerk was as much puzzled as
ever. when, after paying his bill, our
hero left the house for the railroad sta
ton, and all that forenoon he was asking
himself how it was possible that he could
put gentleman into a room at one
night, and find no one but lady there
in the morning.
Dang it. this thing isn't all right"
muttered Mr.. Snodgrass. Il don't like
the looks of It, There's q mystery
about this affair, and l must get at the
bottom of it."
But meantime, Mr.. Toodleman had
reached the station, got aboard the cars,
ana was speedinp toward Millikinyilla
SIS this seat engaged, ma'am?"
Dick looked up to find a corpulent,
red-faced, white-haired old gentleman
smiling down at him in a paternally
affectionate way, who, having attracted
his attention, repeated his question.
''No, sir, I am travelling Alone" an
swered Dick, at the same time remarking
to himself in the language of Jennie
Wren, Il know your tricks and your
manners"
The corpulent gentleman crowded
down into the seat, in such way as to
face his companion, remarking, as he did
SO, on the severity of the late storm.
Eyes, / was detained at Umbagog last
night on account of it" said Dick.
"Ah, indeed! l remained at W,
fearing that should not be able to reach
home before to-day, even if 1 had made
the attempt. Are you travelling far?"
mo, sir"