Nevada County picayune., 1891-09-24
All of sudden Michael broke out

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 But Mir. Smith had fallen into a gen tie sleep, and took no heed.
 A week later, in response to an invi- tation from bis prospective father-in. law, Dr Charles Curious ran down for weeks shooting to Rabnet Manor. Mir and Mrs Smith and Lama would be away at Eastbourne, the invitation had said, but Michael Careless would be there to do the honors So it was that the accepted suitor and his rival found themselves tete-a-tete at breakfast on an early day in October There had been plenty of rain, and Michael en. larged upon the boggy state of the ground which they were destined to en. counter that morning He proposed an early start, and breakfast was no sooner over than they retired to get into gait. CTS and shooting boots But Michael, alone in his room, seemed in no hurry to get ready He had left his door sjar, and was eagerly listening After few minutes he heard the doctors bell ring violently, and this was shortly followed by animated conversation with the footman who answered the sum mons
 Anything the matter, Cariousl" he called across the passage
 Why, yes; it's most extraordinary thing could have sworn l packed some shooting boots and what's more extraordinary, John here says he could have sworn that he unpacked some, but devil a pair t,5 be found sup. pose they can't have got with yours"
 Come and sfe," said Michael but search though they did high and low Dr Curious boots could no: be found.
 And ] an. afraid mine would be rather tight for you" finally said Michael "Ill tell you what, though" " as happy thought seemed 10 strike him, there are rows upon rows of boots of all kinds in my uncle's dress ing room; suppose we see if bis will fit you.
 No sooner said than done, and in an. other minute two pairs of stout boots had beer selected, and Michael stood by while the doctor sat down to try them on. The left foot was excellently accommodated and he forthwith set himself to negotiate the right boot But here he was doomed to meet with disappointment. When half way on his toes were baked of their expected lodging
 "Hallo," he cried, this boots got something in 1t, It's blocked up at the end"
 By love-" said Michael, how in formally stupid of me forgot all about that.
 Forgot all about whatf said the doctor quickly.
 Why about my uncle's toes, of course Surely you know he has none on his right footf"
 No toes on his right foot Why, what's become of themf
 Well there, you ask me what good many people would like to know I'm sure l don't"
 Do you mean to say, seriously. that all your uncle's right boots Ire padded like this because he's got no toes"
 Well, you can go and see for your self He's supposed to have lost them just before he went to New Zealand about forty years ago, but, of course, nobody ever refers to it.
 Now you mention 1t, of course Mir Smith does walk bit lame al. way. assumed that the old gentleman was gouty Indeed, he's said as much more than once"
 That's what the lawyers call legal fiction said Michael laughing. as he led the way back into his uncle's room.
 A further examination showed that the boots and shoes for the right foot were one and all blocked up inside for about one-third of their length from the toes.
 During the whole of that day Dr Curious mind kept recurring to the subject and, do what he would. Michael could not prevent him from constantly dwelling on the mystery.
 The next morning at breakfast the doctor announced his intention of re turning forthwith to town He had, he said, received news which made it impossible for him to trespass longer on Mir Smiths hospitality He was evi dently in a perturbed state of mind and, when Michael hoped he had slept we'll he answered shortly that, on the contrary, he had passed very dis turbed night indeed.
 The following day Miss Lamia Smith received this letter
 HARLEY STREET, w., Oct. c.
 DEAR Mss SMITH-By an extraordinary concatenation of circumstances l have be- come the depository of a most tragical secret having very intimate connection with your family 1t is a secret which from its very Ia ture l know you to be ignorant of-a soCre' which. if you ever did become aware of it. would hopelessly imbitter your existence. but still it is a secret which need never be mada known, and in being unintormed Of whicG yoI will be most happy,
 As have more than once told you consider that brtWecu those who are destined to be united in marriage there should be no conceal meut You will therefore am sure. realize with me that. terrible though 1t Is to utter these words of farewell, am bound to ask yoT to release me from an engagement which uu' toward circumstances render practically im- possible l pray you not to ask me 10 be more explicit It would only bo under tho most stringent compusior that could be induced todivulge what by such an extraordinary CO., incidence has come to my knowledge l am, yours sincerely CHARLES CARious
 Lamia promptly handed the letter to her father and watched his face.
 Why, what the bazes is the fellow rnfnrrinrr tn ~ rnnrnd Mir Smith when