The Mineral argus., 1885-01-22
A HOLIDAY MYSTERY.

and, what was really wonderful, their
respective wives had rather cenentod
the intimacy BY becoming violently at-
tached to one another. The conse-
quence was that tho two families lived
ON the closest terms Of friendship and
good will. and not unfrequsntly went
to the same holiday resort for their
summer vacation. This year they took
adjoining houses ct Eastbourns, and,
according 10 custom, Mr.. Battledore
and Mr.. Newell remained in town on the
plea 81 business. running down 70 the
seaside from Saturday 70 Monday, and
occasionally staying for . few days ct
time. The fact Wa that these old
gentlemen made business IN excuse for
little mild dissipation in the absence
Of their excellent helpmates The
la'lics naturally viewed the arrange
ment with some uneasinesa, and each
had nm uncomfortable suspicion that
the Others husband might lead her
spouse astrsy. But nothing ever trans.
pired Of the old gentlemenis proceed
ingx which wss calcul ,ted to disturb do
mestic harmony. though they were both
subjected to . rigorous and search
ing cross examination during their
periodical visits to their families 1t
the expiration Of each week spent in
town.
Mr.. Battletlore and Sam Newell--for
It would he afFectation TO speak of him
a. Mr.. Samuel Newell. since everybody
called him Sam, though he was well
past sixty-were seated after dinner
enjoying their wine one Monday eve
ming. having returned from Easthourne
Ia the morning, when Mr.. Battledore
remarked:
I'm not sure they haven't got the
best of it down there" nodding vag-
uely over his shoulder in the sup.
posed direction Of Eastbourne. 1T is |
rare holiday weather-much too hot for |
town."
Precious slow ct the seaside" re.
joined the other. - he shifted ct his |
claret.
Well, yes; certainly" scquiesced
Mr.. Battlcdore.
Jolly in Paris. though I expect"
suggested Sam. insidously.
Hot" ejaculsted Mr.. Battledore,
with an abstracted air.
pooh! It WAS hotter than this when
We went together three years ago and
yet contrived to enjoy ourselves.
Mr.. Battledore coughed uneasily and
helped himself ~ wine. The occasion
referred to called forth mingled re-
Elections. He and Sam Newell had
crossed the Channel for . short trim
with the full consent and appreciation
Of their wives, and had what the Ameri-
cans call 50 high old time" But after
their return Sam Newell, through un.
due appreciation Of his own claret, has
suffered himself to be beguiled into max.
ing unguxrded admissions Of rather an
awkward nature. which he endeavored,
with only partial success. to explain {
away the next morning. The wives nc.
cordingly LAID their heads together. and ,
shOugh no unpleasantness ensued, il ,
was tscitly understood that an edict
had gone forth which he effectually ban.
ished from the breasts Of the delinquents .
the smallest hope Of ever being again
allowed to visit the Continent without {
IN escort.
Il feel very much inclined to run 8
said Sam Newell, tentatively. G
II couldn't get away" returned Mr.. il
"Why?" 3
oh! business. of course" answered
Mr.. Dattletlore. q
won't do. Joey. Won't come the 8
humbug over me-" said Sam, with q
wink. q
Mr.. Battledore frowned slightly and
then suffered bis features to relax into
} smile. He was FATHERS pompOus and q
1ignified old gentleman, but he knew p
rom experience that il was no use be-
ing pretentiOus with Sam. u
my wife wouldn't hear of il, ;" he said. n
lfter pause. I'm sure yours wouldn't q
sitlier." a
"whv should she?" inquired Sam, Il
With another wink. b
"Eh!" exclaimed Mr.. Battledore, n
Itarting. b
Let us go and say nothing about it. m
We could start to morrow morning and g,
'ome back on Friday night. in time 20 Il
20 to EastlpOurne ~ usual. We should h
get three clear days over there" d
Mr.. Battledor. leaned back in his d
hair. fairly amazed by this audacious le
Had he been staying ct home h,
he suggestion would have appeared i'm. W
practicable on the face OF It, but he had b
KEEN fortunate enough 60 let his house. 70
MI was for the time Sans honored lie
NEST. Now, Sans household were de- ca
Oted to their master. who did not dis d
lain TO bride them to hold the ir tongues ed
bout lis abnOrmally late hours when Oh
lis vile was absent. Sam might there VI
pre- safely leave for . week without fear pt
{ being betrayed. and this circumstance ve
emOved a great danger. There would
e no difficulty ~ regarding his Office, ca