The Warner weekly sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1885, 1885-01-16
A HOLIDAY MYSTERY.

respective wives had rather cemented
the intimacy by becoming violently at
tachii4d 20 one another. The o0use-
uuence was that the two families lived
on the closest terms Of friendship and
good will, and not unfrequently went
to the same holiday resort for their
summer vacation. This year they took
adjoining houses at Eastbourne, and,
according to custom, Mr.. B]attledore
and Mr.. Newell remained in town on the
plea of business, running down to the
seaside from Saturday to Monday, and
occasionally staying for a few days at
q time. The fact was that these old
gentlemen made business an excuse for
a little mild dissipation in the absence
of their excellent helpmates. The
ladies naturally viewed the arrange
meat with some uneasineSs, and each
had an uncomfortable suspicion that
the others husband might lead her
spouse astray. But nothing ever trans
PRED of the old gentlemen's proceed
ings which was calculated to disturb do
nestle harmony, though they were both
subjected to a rigorous and search
ing cross examination during their
periodical visits to their families at
the expiration of each week spent in
town.
Mr.. Battledore and Sam Newell-for
it would be atfectatiOn to speak of him
as Mr.. Samuel Newell, since everybody
called him Sam, though he was we'll
past siXtv-were seated after dinner
enjoying their wine one Monday eve
ming, having returned from Easthourne
in 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. ut is
rare holiday weather-much too hot for
town"
Precious slow at the seaside" re-
Joined the other, as he shifted at his
claret.
We'll, yes; certainly" a~cquiesced
Mr.. Battledore.
Jolly in Paris, though l expect"
suggested Sam. insidouslv.
"Hot," calculated Mr.. B~attledore,
with an distracted air.
pooh! 1t was hotter than this when
we went together three years ago and
yet contrived to enjoy ourselves"
Mr.. B%attledore coughed ~uneasily and
helped himself to wine. The occasion
referred to called forth mingled re-
Elections. He and Sam Newell had
crossed the Channel for a short trip
with the full consent and appreciation
of their wives, and had what the Ameri-
cans call ga high old time" But after
their return Sam Newell, through un-
due appreciation of his own c%laret, has
suffered himself to be beguiled into MAX
ing unguarded admissions of rather an
awkward nature, which he ~endeavored,
with only partial success, 10 explain
away the next morning. The wives ac-
cordingly LAID their heads together, and
though no unpleasantness ensued, il
was tacitlv understood that an edict
had gone forth which he effectually ban
ished from the breasts of the delinquents
the smallest hope of eve being again
allowed to visit the Continent without
AZ escort.
81 feel very much inclined to run
across" said Sam Newell, tentatively.
II couldn't get away returned MIR.
Battledore.
"Why?"
"Ohl business, of course" answered
Mr.. Battledore-
won't do, joey. Won't come the
humbug over me-" said Sam, with a
wink.
Mn. Battledore frowned slightly and
then suffered his features to relax into
a smile. He was rather a pompous and
dignified old gentleman, but he knew
from experience that it was no use be-
ing pretentious with Sam.
my wife wouldn't hear OF it," he said,
after a pause. "I'm sure yours wouldn't
either"
why should she?" inquired Sam,
with another wink.
"Ehl" exclaimed Mr.. Battledore,
starting.
Let us 60 and say nothing about it.
We could start to morrow morning and
come back on Friday night, in time to
go to Eastbourne as usual. We should
get three clear days over there"
Mr.. Battledore leaned back in his.
chair, fairly amazed by this audacious
proposal. Had he been staying at home
the suggestion would have appeared inn
practicable on the face OF st, but he had
been fortunate enough TO let his house,
and was for the time Sans honored
guest. Now, Sans household were der
voted to their master, who did not dis
dain TO bride them tohold their tongues
about his abnormally late hours when
his wife was absent. Sam might there
fore safely leave for q week without fear
Of being betrayed, and this circumstance
removed a great danger. There would
be no difficulty as regarding his office,
for Mr.. Battledore had an easy and ac-
sommodating partner, who could be