Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-04-06

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EAWsXlMAHI and stood sur
HETtIIMIAP veying the soli-
VTNHE tary fare whom
yN11IS6US he had triumph
HNk/nN oH antly captured
IVUM<S at the railway
1~ station fifteen
minutes before.
The fare started up as if from fit Of
profound abstraction.
''The Clement house?" he repeated,
glancing up at the hotel with its wide
stone portico supported by massive pill
lars and ornamented with its usual
quota of smoking, staring, well-dressed
idlers.
''Well, driver, what did we agree
upon? Seventy-five centss-and here
it is"
The money, in glittering silver pieces,
was handed out and eagerly transferred
to the hackman's pocket; then the gen.
tleman, with small portmanteau in
his hand, emerged from the carriage
and walked leisurely up the steps of
the hotel.
He was a handsome man, tall, slen-
der and elegant in figure, and he car
ried himself with a condescending air,
as very handsome men are apt to do.
He was enveloped in a long, loose ulster,
evidently donned to protect his expen-
sive broadcloth from the dust of travel;
soft black hat rested upon his auburn
curls. His dark gray eyes were keen
and slightly quizzical in expression; his
whole countenance, though delicate in
features and complexion, denoted
strength, determination and reckless
daring, with touch of genuine mirth-
fulness to which, however, the dark
sweeping mustache that he wore gave
an odd contradiction by the indescriD-
ably mournfu1 droop that it took.
He had scarcely assembled the hotel
steps when he was accosted on all sides
by the assembled gentlemen.
North! North! Ye gods and little
fishes, if it isn't North back again.
arose a chorus of astonished voices. as
the group of idlers suspended all other
conversation in order to question the
newcomer.
..Why, what does this mean, North?
Back before anyone has had time to
miss you'll" said one, as he held his cigar
aloft and hastily adjusted his eye
glasses.
''Come back to get better start?"
afraid your friends wouldn't be able
to survive your absence?"
Forgot something, perhaps?" sug-
gested one brilliant genius, thus bring
ing himself out in bold relief against
the background of vague and unsatis-
factory conjecture.
''Was it your heart, North? Inquire
up on Delaplaine street, and it will no
doubt be returned and no questions
asked.''
Thus the running fire of banter went
on. The victim of it, halted thus I'M
tremendously on the very steps of the
hotel, stood in bewildered silence for a
moment without attempting any re-
Spouse. But after the first pause of ut
ter establishment he recovered himself
and found voice to speak.
Gentlemen" he exclaimed, in tones
that expressed well-bred surprise and
annoyance, this is curious misappre
hension! / assure you it is case of
mistaken identity. / am not the person
whom you evidently think me to be. I
have not the honor of knowing you,
and indeed never saw you before"
The gentlemen addressed looked
blank in their turn for an instant; then
a derisive laugh swept around the cir
Gle.
Hear! heart" cried two or three, APP
plaudingly.
mistaken identity'-'not the person
ly from lip to lip.
Didn't we bid you good-by only four
hours ago, fairly bowed down with
grief because you assured us that you
would be gone for two whole weeks?
And now here you are back again like
the proverbial penny"
What do you mean?" demanded the
newcomer, with a perceptiblc increase
of bewilderment and Indignation. Il
never was at the Clement house, never
was in " before in my life!''
Upon this declaration the laughter
and protests broke out afresh.
''Oh, say. North. you've carried this
far enoughI' cried the brilliant genius
who had previously distinguished him
self. Have you suddenly lost your
senses, or do you imagine that we have
all taken leave of ours? 1t is no use,
you know, your trying to deny your
own identity, when here are dozen of
your daily associates and intimate
friends all ready to swear to it."
~ assure you, gentlemen" the Toice
had the infection of rising anger, but
it was quickly drowned in the laughing
comments of the others.
Come, come, North" testify inter.
posed the gentleman with the eye
glasses, you've perjured yourself quite
enough. Where's the use, YOU know?
You surely can't think OF carrying this
poor little farce any farther. Aren't
you Ollin North, attorney at law? An
swer me thatr'
ALLAN North, attorney ut law?" re-
peated the gentleman, an additional
wave of perplexity sweeping over his
fa,e. "Why, yes, to be sure 1 am;
but"
A roar of laughter interrupted him.
'sWell done, North! Capital!" cried
the applauding crowd. "When are you
going on the stage? That facial ex-
preston is fine! You'll make your mark |
as first-class conedian!"
Really, this is preposterous-I pro-
test" began the stranger, rallying once |!
more; when suddenly a voice thin and |
weak, but evidently the voice Of one in |
authority, interposed: