The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-11-24
CHAPTER XII.

Inc next OaE after the events re-
corded in the last chapter, DeVries had
to 90 to Chicago on some business con-
nected with the Montford property. Co
inc down Lake street and just opposite
the City Hotel, h saw n man coming
towards him. He started, grew pale.
and turned abruptly and went into a
shop opposite. CHANGING back over his
shoulder as he closed the door. he saw
the man just d sappeariug in the hotel
He drew long breath OF relief and
sauntered up 10 the counter and made
some slight purchase When he gave
the man his change his shapely white
hands tremhled so that the shop-keeper
noticed it, and with sharp look at his
face said:
Hadn't you better sit down. sir, You
look ill?''
"It is only coming into a warm room,
suddenly: | was 4 good deal chilled;
the air is penetrating to-day" he said.
with little SILVER, coming and stand
ing by the stove. and holding out his
hands, which still trembled visibly, and
had pallid look with faint purple mark
ings At the base of the long, well kept
nails.
Mr.. DeVrieS was acquainted with the
clerk at the City Hotel. and that even
ing. while the guests and boarders
were at supper, he dropped in to see
him moment.
by the way" he said. after few
common places, Il was expecting some
to find friend of mine here, but
glanced into the dining room and saw
nothing of him. May be he hes been
here and gone"
What names' asked the clerk. turn
ing over his book.
Morley" said DeFries, coming and
looking over the clerk shoulder. H.
L. Morley. Turn back day OF two, ii
you please"
The obliging clerk turned back page
after page till he got to October, but no
II. L. Morley was registered there.
1T is the more strange because |
thought [ saw him come in here to-day,
DeVries said. his eyes still running up
and down the columns of the book
with sort of feverish eagerness.
To-day? Let me see. There has
been but two arrivals to-day--that is.
gentlemen; several ladies came in in the
morning trains. What sort of q looking
man was your friend?"
"Tall. with black hair and eyes and
heavy beard-a rather good looking
man"
There has been a man answering
that general description stopping here a
day or two-that is his NAME pointing
with his pen, H. AlbertSon. New
York. He left this afternoon for home"
did he wear 4 light Oyercoat, and
light felt hat?" DeFries asked, look
OF relief growing in his face.
Yes. and black pantaloons. A very
handsome man, thought"
Probably, and that was why mis-
took him for my friend. as l see now
that l must have done. | was some
such mistake. Fortunately | was so
engaged that could not come directly
here: it might nave been annoying to Mr..
Albertson. Sorry 1 have troubled yoa
so. my dear fellow. with my blunder,"
he said, apologetically. pray don't
mention it; it annoys me to think / was
so careless as 10 make such mistake"
20, the trouble is nothing. and as for
mistakes, every one makes them. some
times" was the good -humored reply.
There was moment or two of con-
versation concerning the storm, and Mr..
Deyries babe his friend goodbye and
went out into the street
What an idiot | was to 1t such an
absurd fancy get possession of my
brain.'' he said, turning his c3Iar about
his ears and hurrying along. HHeavensl
what an afternoon this has beenm and
the cold sweat started to hisforehead at
the bare recollection. But what re-
semblance if wasr' he gasped under his
breath Il hope most devoutly that 1
shall never set eyes on Mr.. H. Albert
son. again.
When Alfred DeVries reached his
hotel he ordered and drank two glasses
of strong brandy, but even then. when
he went up to his room his blood felt
like ice in his veins. and his feet and
hands were cold and clammy, almost,
as dead ones.