Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1892-10-06
TbQ Great Composite Novel.
THE JOINT WORK OF

ment, every performance of which he
had attended. He had cultivated the
acquaintance Of the theatre manager,
and through him secured an introduc-
ton to Herr Rudolph Opper, whom he
had wined and dined at the hotel. He
had smoked, walked and driven with
him, and as a last resort to win his con-
fdence begged the impresario to sit for
portrait.
"Now, would like very much to have
you and Mrs. Henshall meet my little
star, but have nothing to say about it.
1t rests entirely with her, and she has
positively refused to make any acquaint-
ances. These professional women, you
know, have to be humored, but Miss
Neville, lam convinced, has a reason for
wishing to avoid people, and as she is
not well, feel compelled to respect her
Wishes"
Henshall was pretending to portray
the musician one morning when this
conversation took place, and at this re-
buff his brows knitted, his heart sank
and his brush fell from his hand.
well, of course, Herr Opper. l don't
wish to seem impertinent, but l met
Miss Neville several times in New York. :"
"You did?" interjected the musician.
THAT is, 1 saw her-heard her play,
and have Seen her every night during
this engagement. My reason for asking
to be presented Is that wish to make
picture Of her for the next Academy.
She is the most beautiful creature ]
have ever seen or dreamed of, and if ]
could only paint her l believe the pict
ure would make me famous"
The model, who was playfully dove
failing his fingers, offering no answer
further than a mild Endorsement of the
compliment to the girls beauty, it sud
denly occurred to Henry that it might
be policy to get the assistance of Lena,
and excusing himself he went to call
her.
While he was away Opper got up to
improvised studio came upon small
folio, which carelessly opened revealed
sketch done ON a business card that fair
ly took his breath away.
"Miss Neviller' he muttered to him
self. "Then this is the william she has
been trying to avoid ever since we left
New York! My God! and have been
telling him about her. Another Three!
Two more! AS live, there is nothing
else. And I was seriously thinking to
have this man paint her from life. Well,
well, well this is great luck. l must go;
this is something remarkabler'
A few moments later, when Henshall
returned with his wife to propose an in
vitation for supper party, he was sur
prised to find the room vacant.
There was no sign of Herr Opper in the
hall, and as the elevator was at the bot
tom of the shaft he wisely concluded
that his visitor had gone. The next
thing was to send playfully petulant
note after him by messenger, and urge
the Importance of an early sitting for the
next morning. The reply dumfounded
him.
Herr Opper would not be able to keep
the appointment nor make another until
his return to New York.
At the concert that night the manager
could not be seen, and when he had been
repulsed a third time Henry fell to
thinking with such fierce energy that he
did not notice the burly detective in
evening dress who followed him into the
hall and occupied the seat adjoining his.
When DR.. Watson reached Chicago
and came face to face with his wife and
his antagonist he was momentarily
stunned.
Course the luckv' he thought to him
self. There are four sleepers in the train,
but only one dining car, and no matter
how calculated it would be awkward.
There's no use figuring. can't do it."
And he instantly became solicitous for
his patient.
"My dear sir, what is it? Speak" put
ting one hand on the old mans shoulder
and taking his pulse with the other.
"You are pale, your eyes are CLASSY and
you're chilled. Forgive me, dear Mr..
Crawford, the run from New York has
been too much for you. We should have
laid off at Detroit. But we'll make
amends here"
And before the astonished old gentle
man could recover his senses at this un-
expected burst of interest DR.. Watson
signalled a porter to conduct him to the
waiting room while he went to over
take Miss Brown, who had already ar
ranged her section for the journey.
MY dear" he said, taking her by the
arm, "Ive changed my mind; come out
on the platform, want to speak to you,"
anxious to avoid the possible recognition
of his wife. "Mr. Crawford is not well.
and / have decided to stay over until to-
morrow, but you can 20 on alone.
Here's the letter and the tickets. and
here's some money for your expenses.
$50 to Miss Crawford at once. and
$500 spot cash if you catch the bird
and hold her until we arrive. If any,
thing happens TIL wire you and sign the
message Brother, so as not to arouse
any suspicious in the mind of Miss Edna
should she chance to see it. That's all.
guess. Good-by, sister Won't you
shake hands? Well, have it as you like.
Be good to yourself and look sharp"
The bags and travelling blankets were