The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1890-03-29
small glass full Of brandy, that looks

dogs through drink.
Brandy neat, dear boy, hey!- said the
old reprobate. Bad habits these young
fellows pick up abroad, hey Looks used
up, by Jove. Gal in it, dear boy, hey.-
oh, shocking"
So The Town Crier evidently did not
intend to give the returned wanderer q
good character.
Ellersbv was now tired of the ball, so
babe good-nigh to his hostess, who was a
queer, thin little woman, wearing wig
q low-cut dress, and many jewels. giving
one the general impression that she was
mostly bones and diamonds.
After taking leave of this bizarre figure
Ellersby put on his coat and went outside
into the street, where he stood for a few
minutes, undecided whether to take cab
10 his hotel or to walk. The fog was very
thick, and the gas lamps shone through
it like dull yellow stars, while the chill
breeZes of the night seemed to penetrate
the body OF the young man, accustomed
as he had been of late to tropical climates.
In spite of the apparent discomforts
offered by walk at such time, Ellersby
determined TO risk it, thinking it would
give him certain amount of amusement,
akin some what to the unraveling of
puzzle to find his way through the fog to
Jermyn street. Smiling at the oddly of
the idea of finding pleasure in a cool walk
ON fo2gy night, he lighted a cigar. and,
buttoning up his coat took his way down
Park lane toward Piccadllly.
There is strange feeling in the COM
plete isolation one experiences in fog-land
the thick yellow mist hiding everything
under its jealous veil until the pedestrian
finds himself adrift, as it were, on a lonely
sea, and though on every side he is envi-
roned by millions of human beings, yet
the fog creates for the moment solitude
as in those enchanting cities of the Ara
bian Nights.
Ellersby managed to find his way to
Piccadilly, and was soon swinging along
the pavement at good round pace. Every
now and then ragged figures with sinister
faces would come suddenly out of the fog
on the watch for unwary wanderers, but
the nomadic life of Ellersby having Won
derfully sharpened his faculties, he was
always on his guard against the evil add
vances of these night-hirds. Occasionally
he could hear a cab drive slowly past, the
driver cautiously steering his horse down
the familiar street, which, as if by magic,
had suddenly assumed an unreal appear
ance, transforming Piccadilly into a
vague immensely resembling the steppes
of Russia.
his eyes peei ing anxiously into the veil of
gray mist, Ellersby burr ed along, man
agei to cross the street, and by some
miracle OF dexterity, which he placed at
once to the credit of instinct, turned
down st. James street, and it was here
his first mishap occurred, for just as he
rounded the corner he came against a
Young man Fastening in the opposite d.
r, ction at rapid pace.
Il beg your pardon" said the stranger
quickly, but the fog is SO dense l could
not see-excuse me.
And he was about to hurry away when
Ellersby, recognizing the voice, stopped
him.
Wait moment, Desmond" he said
gayly, and give an old friend a word.
Desmond seemed annoyed at being rec
ogniZed, and looking sharply at she face
of the other, gave vent to an ejaculation
Of surprise, which, however, had not a
very delighted ring in it.
"Ellersby, by Jove," he sad, in hest
tating manner, L thought you were in
Persia or in Patagonia. Who the deuce
would have expected to see you in Picca-
dilly on such a devil of night"
I've been to a ball." explained Ellers-
by. and Thought I'd walk back to nv
hotel just to renew my acqua!nt tnce with
London fogs. 1t was mad freak, but
amusing. Come to my hotel and have a
nightcap."
Thanks, awfully," said Desmond, hur-
riedly. but | can't. I'M III in hurry.
Where are you stopping2'
Ghelph Hotel, Jermyn street"
Eli" said Desmond, with a start "Jer-
myn street all right; look you up to-
morrow.
Wait a moment" observed Ellersbv,
OBTAINING him. Tell me- where is Calls
ton: I want to see him.
Not much chance" replied Desmond
shaking his head. "Hes-gone off to-
night down 10 Shoreham-yachting you
know. Wants TO 20 to the Azores; well,
viii see you 10 morrow; good night N
III deuce of Il hurry.
He spoke rapidly, with nervous agita-
on qrite mt variance with his usual de-
meanor. as Ellersby knew, and as he went
off quickly and was swallowed up by the
fog. the latter resumed his walk with a
quiet laugh.
A woman. / bet" he said to mself,
as he made his way cautiously along.
Fancy Venus on such discouraeing
night as thistle rosy mlsts enveloping
the goddess are charming, but London
fog ali, BAH"
He stood on the pavement, wondering
how he could strike Jcrmyn street, and
was about to attempt to cross on a chance
of his luck guiding him when the tall
form of a policeman doomed out of the
fog and flashed the light of lantern on
him.
All. just in time, policeman. said
Ellersby, in relieved tone. I've got
slightly astray in this fog, so YOU must
guide me to the Guelph Hotel"
lust across the street, sir, 3" replied the
policeman, touching his helmet, and he
stepped Oft the pavement, followed by
Ellersby.
They soon got into Jermyn street and
went along the left hand side toward the
hotel. Though the fog was still thick.
Ellersby in the vanity of his heart thought
he could now find the way for himself.
He gave the policeman half a-crown, and
going along few yards, went up what he
supposed was the steps of the hotel The
policeman stood in the same place, ready
10 render his services as guide, shouid
he be required when suddenly he was
startled by cry from Ellersby.
The Young man had gone up the wrong
steps. and was standing on the top when
the policeman hurried up, while at his
feet was a bundle f what looked like
clothes.
i say, policeman, SAID EllefspE, III an
agitated tone, here is awoman-I believe
she's dead
Dead drunk. more like, Sir" replied
the policeman, skeptically, ascending the
steps.
NO, said Ellersby, Il have shaken her
ana she will not waken. Her face is quite
cold-just look
The policeman, somewhat startled out
of his professional phlegm. turned the
light down on the figure of the woman,
which was living in the doorway. 1t was
that Of a female with fair face and gold
en- hair. dressed in a long sealskin jacket
and a silk dress. with fashionably
shaped hat on her head Her we'll gloved
hands Were tightly clinched and her eyes,
Miln Il rirc, st "a h M Of til.