Dodge City times., 1888-12-27

he kept them to himself. He lay dova on Z
lounge. with q speculative look at the jeWcb
box which Sidney had shown him. and Ae.
cided that the night marauder fortunate
enough to secure Blanche's costly Christ
mas present would have Q lucky haul in
deed.
Then he nodded and dozed. and awoke
with start. 1t was just daybrcak. Some
one was at the tree.
white-robed figure. that Of a woman,
| was there. He saw hand reach for the
jewei-case. and sprang to his feet.
He was out into the corridor in moment,
but the thief was too quick for him. He
sat down in the hall. Who was the ma
rauder?
Merry Christmas. Captaini-
-Eh? Hello. it's you. Sidney! Awake so
soon? I've something to tell you. The tree
has been robbed!-
WHAT
Yes
who by?"
"A woman-dressed in white-ran up
stairs. took the jewel-box-
-Ha. ha. Captain. you've been dreaming!
Why. there's the jewel box. safe and
sound!-
They had entered the room as Sidney
spoke. Yes. the jewel-box was intact. The
Captain marveled.
Il saw some one at that tree he began.
Captain" remarked Sidney. with quiz
zical look. did you sit up all night?-
I dozed. OF course"
And had a steaming tumbler Of groe,
sailor-fashion. to begin with. and dreamed
it all. You sea-faring men are always see
ing spooks. you know"
Sidney's bantering did not change Captain
Tarble's opinion one whit. however.
L saw her. and-rll watch was the
grim decision Of the Captain; so discussion
OF the theme ended for the time being.
That was morning Of pleasant greetings
and surprises. Mrs. Danforth electrified all
but Captain Tarble by informing them that
Miss Vernon had received summons from
sick friend. and would not appear at break
fast. as she must hasten away on an early
train from the city.
--Oh! you dear, good brother!- cried
Blanche. in an ecstasy Of delight. as a jewell
box was handed to her. -Diamondsi-
Everybody had to look at them. Captain
Tarble started as his turn came.
Pastel" he almost shouted.
What! Are you joking. Captain?- cried
Sidney, alarmed at his guests excited face,
NO. sir understand it all,- And he bolt.
ed from the room unceremoniousIy
Has she gomez he gasped to Mrs Dam
forth; has Miss-Miss Vernon gomez
Just leaving
"One word. my lady!-
Grace Vernon. just in the vestibule. paused
and paled.
L have word for you.- spoke the Cap
tain. in low but impressive tones.
Miss Vernon shrank from his ominous
face. and tried to assume an air OF offended
dignity.
Your manner is inso,ent." che began,
with chilling hauteur.
And yours assumed to frighten the truest
friend these people have. Miss Vernon.
ALLOW me to pass"
Captain Tarble's eyes emitted q grim
glow.
DO you insist?' he cried. Then so be it.
l wish TO avoid e scene here; but. If it must
be. the police"
-Sir,"
-Ah. you palo and tremble. my lady. I
saw you this morning"
Miss Vernon did not reply. but looked as
if she could annihiate the stanch mariner
there and then.
4 have but one demand to make of you.-
he continued.
lndeed!
Return those diamonds!- ordered the
Captain sternly.
What diamonds?- stammered the siren,
pale and alarmed.
That you stole from the Christmas tree
this morning. substituting paste ones. made
in clever imitation Of the set!-
Shamefacedly. Grace Vernon handed over
a package. Then she left the Danforth man.
sion. never to cross its portals again.
Captain Tarble." said Sidney. that morn.
ing. later.
We'll. Sidney2-
What was the row about that womanf
She didn't leave here because she wanted
to-"
DO you wish to known asked the Cap.
tain.
Il do
The truth7'
Entire
He told him. emitting no detail. Tho
worried expression left Sidney's face at the
explanation.
i feared her. he murmured. She was
dangerous woman. a siren. whose fascin.
ating smiles nearly won my love. only to
mercenary motives"
'alse ones: that hour. too. Sidney Danforth
Knew that he was free to WOO the shy and
ovely Ethel: and he shuddered as he real
zed how pity and interest had nearly en-
neshed him in the wiles of siren adveu-
uress,
Pretty Ethel biushed like schoolgirl
when he caught her under tho mistletoe at
midnight and claimed the privilege of a
Christmas kiss.
She fiu':ered like a coy dove. but the light
n her shrinking eyes showed o tinge OF that
emotion which borders on the deepest.
rucst friendship Of a woman's heart.
1t was something more-the caress Of deep |
md honest love-and she knew it long be- |
ore her visit at the Danforth mansion was !
nded. |
The whole story was soon known. and. |
vhen Christmas cheer rang high under the |
.reen mistletoe. they all voted the doughty |
md cieser Captain Tarbie veritabie Santa