San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-02-20
The dwarf opened the door quietly.

The dwarf opened the door quietly
The sunshine of that fresh June morn
ing lay bright upon the roses in the win
dow. Mr.. Clitheroe was sitting up in
bed, lifting teacup with his left hand.
His long, white beard drifted over the
cool bedclothes. An appetizing break
fast, neatly served, was upon table be-
side him, and there in this safe haven,
lowering about him tenderly as ever in
the days of his Grant voyaging in the
hapless time gone by, was his minister
ing angel, that dear daughter, the sister
of my choice.
She turned as weentered.
The old, steady, faithful look in the
gray eyes. The same pale, saddened
beauty. The unblenching gaze of patient
waiting
She looked at me vaguely, while life
paused one pulse. Then, as l stepped
forward, the eloquent blood gushed into
her face-for she knew that the friend
could not long outrun the lover. She
sprang into my arms. Forgive me, John
Brent, if did put my lips close to her
burning cheek. 1t was only to whisper,
"He is in London searching for you. He
mas never rested one moment since you
were lest to us. In an hour he will be
here"
There is hanson cab horse, now or
late of London, who must remember me
with asperity.
But then there is cabman who is my
friend for life, if giant fare can win a
claimants heart.
By the side of the remembrance of
my gallop down Luggernel alley have
picture in my mind Of myself, in
cab cutting furiously through the can
yons of London in chase Of lover. The
wolves and coyotes of the by streets
there are no antelopes in London-did
not attempt to follow our headlong
speed. We ratified across Westminster
bridge, up Whitehall, and so into May
Fair to Lady Biddulph's door.
The footman-why did he grin when
he saw me?-recognized me as the fam
lily friend of yesterday, and ushered me
without ceremony into the breakfast
room, where the family were all assem-
bled
Why did the footman grin? I per-
ceived, as entered. A mirror fronted
me. My face was like Sioux's in his
war paint. There had been flies in Padi-
hams shop, and / had brushed them
away from my face, alas! with hands
blackened over the lathe.
All looked up amazed at this truculent
intruder. 1t was:
ENTER Orlando, with his sword
drawn"
"Forbear, and eat no morer
An injunction not necessary for poor
Brent, who sat dreary and listless.
The rest forbore at my apparition.
Egg spoon paused at eggs mouth. Sugar
sank to the floor of coffee cup. Toast
silenced its crackle.
Brent recognized me in the grimy
pirate before him.
He sprang to his feet. "You have
found her" cried he.
"Yes."
He looked at me eagerly.
"Well and happy" said; Gin safe
haven with faithful friend. Lady
Biddulph will pardon me, bringing such
tidings, for rushing in in my war paint,
American fashion"
"You are always welcome, Mr.. Wade,
in what costume you please" said she.
"Doubly so with this happy news. My
dear Ellenl | must see her at once-as
soon as closer friends have had their
hour. But, Mr.. Brent, you are not go
ing without your breakfast"
Everybody smiled.
"Come! Gomez" cried Brent.
"Come!" and as we hurried away there
was again the same light in his eye-the
same life and ardor in his whole being
as when in that wild Love-Chase on the
plains we galloped side by side.
THE END.