The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-11-02

would be putting 1t mildly. He was so
indignant and sstonished by the big de-
tective's TRADE that he could only listen
In helpless amazement.
He tool. the card mechanically and
asked stupidity:
''She said she didn't want TO see me:
Why, she don't know me"
Burns laughed sarcaslcally as he
turned away, saying:
Remember, young fellow, I'll keep
my eyes on YOU" and before Henshan
could gather his wits sufficient TO do
mand an explanation Burns had disap-
peared.
The young artist found himself in q
ridiculous position, the center OF a guy
ing mob. when he did recover himself.
'Get on TO the JohnnieI" Pipe de
patent leathers!" He would be n mash
er, would hep and other such uncom-
plimentary illusions We're showered on
him, so he hastily went around to the
front of the house and pushed his way
to his box, determined at the first OPP
portunity OF having an explanation
with Mr.. Jim Burns. detective"
Two minutes after he had gone away
from the stage entrance red headed
messenger boy showed his way through
the crowd that still fingered there.
He raped loudly at the door for sd-
mittance, while those around regarded
him curiouSly, and many asked him,
Whats up
"Nuthin', was his nonchalant reply.
After a delay Of several minutes the
stage door was cautiously opened few
inches. and portion of the good nat
ured Teutonic countenance of Herr Op-
per became visible.
Seeing the boy in uniform he admit
ted him at once, asking: Message? For
whom
Without any undue haste, and max
ing no reply. the lad unbottoned his
Jacket, showed his left hand carefully
into his inside coat pocket and pulled out
book.
Opening this carefully he took out
message addressed to Miss Louise Ne
vile, Baldwin's theatre, urgent" and
handed it to the impatient manager.
As he saw the address the latter
turned as if to hurry away, but the i'm
perturable messenger caught him by the
coat tail, showed his little black covered
book in his face and said:
Sign, please. And say, give fellow
a ticket, will yerY'
With a smothered execration the wor-
thy Opper signed for the message, and
never needing the boys other request
rushed off with the telegram to his stars
dressing room.
As he approached it he heard the low,
sweet strains of Home, Sweet Home"
played with touch on the violin which
made it fairly seem to speak.
The music ceased abruptly as he
knocked for admission, and the door
was opened by Miss Neville. who gazed
at her manager in a startled way.
"Oh, Mr.. Opper, is it time to go onl
had no idea that was late"
''You are not late. The curtain will
not go up for ten minutes yet, but this
dispatch just arrived and l thought it
best to bring it to you at once"
The girls face turned deathly pale.
Let me have it," she gasped.
He handed her the little yellow packet.
She tore the envelope hurriedly, and it
needed but glance to master the con-
tents:
Come at once. Your father is dying.
"DR. WATSON"
She did not totter and fall, but like .
thoroughbred she held her queenly little
head up high and said, quite calmly:
IL am sorry to forfeit my engagement,
Mr.. Upper" she said, "but / must leave
you now at once. Ny father is dying.
Read" and she held out the message to
him.
Hum, ah!' remarked Opper.
Much as he admired his fair sttrac-
ton he did not like TO lose the nights
money, even if be had already earned
big purse through he-.
Still, in the presence Of death he
thought it best TO throw no the sponge,
hoping by agreeing aniably to arrange
for her temperance later on.
In addition he had conceived sincere
and fatherly interest in the lonely girl,
and so he submitted to the inevitable
and said quite cheerfully: We'll, | sup
pose you must go, my dear. But there
is an awful big house. | don't know
what we can do. You must 90 alone,
suppose. could not get away tonight.
and you would not wait until tomorrow.
How long has your father been in
Chicago"
Il did not know he was there until
received this telegram, which II sent
from there" she answered, IS she began
70 collect her few belongings.
We'll, wait minute" cried OVper,
suddsnly rushing out.
He found Jim Burns around IN the
lobby Of the theatre and quickly ex-
planned matters 10 him.
Il am going 20 close the house and 70
turn the money tonight, bat want TO
get Miss Neville safely OF first; and now,
jim. you must follow her. IdOnt know
why, bat InistrusJ the telegram. VII
you go' Name your own terTnS.T
IN 20" said Burns, put / must Ell
plain &C the chief"
There il no time. Leave that 70 ne.
He'll refuse ne nothing Get cab aud
have Il al the side door. Firs; let tbs
girl kaow ven are following hsr. When