Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1892-03-31

CHAPTER N-Continued.
"Humph," commented the bewildered
Mrs. Shrimp, Il have my idea of that
young man. He's beginning mighty
young, but he'll end up like John, sure's
my names Matilda"
Meanwhile Jack had been literally
pulled up the stairs and into Mr.. Bever-
ly's room.
Now" said the latter, closing the
door, "are YOU really Jack Bevcrly?"
Positively. I wish [ was sure OF
everything as I am Of that"
well, then, all I have to remark is
that we are a fine pair of Jacks. [
dare say it was fellow feeling that drew
me toward you when you came in to-
sooner, but my feelings were really so
worked upon by the pathetic Story of
Mr.. Miller that speech was impossible.
Suppose I had not spoken at all? This
revelation would not have been brought
about. I'm beginning to see now. You
are me. But who in the devil am II"
Beverly looked so perplexed over this
problem that Jack was forced to laugh.
Il don't believe l put that straight, J"
remarked the former. LET me see.
I'll get it right presently. Sit down,
and I'll follow suit. I'm upset, like the
worthy John. Now, you are Jack Bev-
crly, and I'm Jack Beverly. That point
seems to be firmly established. But
somehow we don't progress. Oh, I
have it. You've been staying-where?"
South Weston"
Precisely. just the place I started
for. It isn't quite as clear as daylight,
but mighty near it. [ suppose you
have been staying with Mrs. Millard?"
mo; Mr.. Willard"
Beverly jumped up and sat down again.
Just as l said. You are me, and
hang me if I don't believe I'm you.
You have friend Frank and another
John, and you had an idea Of marrying
Mrs. John, and Miss Harry is pining
for you; and you bought an evening
suit and a pair of gray trousers from
Thomas Bailly, tailor, and haven't paid
for the same?"
These questions were put with rapid
ity that was ludicrous, and Jack, slightly
unnerved by what he had lately discov-
cred, could only pass his hand over his
brow in perplexed way.
Il know the people you MENTION" he
answered, land J. have patronized MIR.
Bailly, but can't understand"
That just it. I'm getting it, how
ever. All that's clear just yet is that
you've been visiting my friends and I've
been dancing attendance on yours. Now
we'll go at it again. I'll tell you a few
facts which may help to unravel the tan
gle. To begin, then, [ live in New
York, where practice law. I'm lone
orphan, with no memory of either father
or mother About three months ago [
received letter from a gentleman sign
ing himself James Willard. According
to his statement, he had been q warm
friend of my fathers, and, having heard
through another friend of my existence,
he was anxious to make my acquaint-
ance, and so on. Well, the upshot of it
was he invited me to visit him at his
home in South Weston. I had the name
of the place pat enough at the time,
but, being thoughtless fellow, as my
friends have often kindly told me, was
scarcely surprised when [ met a gentle
man on the train who told me Mr.. Mil
lard lived in Weston. l naturally thought
I had made the mistake, and there was.
I confess found my welcome much less
cordial than expected, and [ have been
rather surprised at Mr.. Millard's silence
regarding my father and our letters.
Lately have suspected something, but
for certain reasons did not feel anxious
to investigate. That's my side of the
story. Yours, know, will enlighten us
still further.
Jack looked his thorough bewilder-
ment, and it was some seconds before
he could gather his thoughts.
"Well," he said at last" how plain it
all seems now. You see, I left New
York with the intention of vacating for
o month or so. One of my friends sug-
gested Weston as a delightful place to
rusticate. He had some friends there,
he told me, and he would write to them
Immediately. He assured me I would
like them, and that they would make
my visit pleasant.
Under the circumstances I set out
for Weston, but through inattention
when the station was called I left the
train at South Weston. Imagine my
surprise upon finding Mr.. Millard's car
riage waiting for me. I could not
understand it, and I could only conclude
that Franks letter had brought about
this unexpected welcome. l confess |
have been surprised at number of
things, but I usually found, or thought
I found, reasonable explanation.
1T is curious, to say the least, re-
marked Beverly. Il don't regret the
mistake, however. I have had some
fault finding letters. and been threat
ened with lawsuit, but forgive all, as,
I don't mind telling you, have found
the happiness of my life.
Jack sighed.
why that sigh" inquired Beverly,
slapping him on the shoulder. 1t
strikes me you are rather down in the
mouth. Now I am a thoroughly jolly
fellow. I can't stand the blues in my
presence. Out with the trouble if you
have any"
Jack was about to sigh again, when
his face suddenly frightened.
Tell me-" he said eagerly, is your
engagement known here?"
My dear fellow, Weston is village.
Need l say more? My affairs are proba-
bly, canvassed from one end of the town
to the other. don't say this is the re-
suit of greatness. 1t Is merely nat
What's the matter now?"