Smyrna times., 1893-09-20
umbrella we passed. He scanned this
one, and cried, darting forward:
my umbrella ="

one, and cried, darting forward:
my umbrella !"
With little scream Lydia turned
and fed. Dawson was after her like
an arrow. I persued Dawson. Why
on, why did she Iun away? Surely
she must have recognized me.
1t was Il quiet street we were rum
ming up, and our strange procession at
tracted little notice. The chase was
soon over. caught Dawson just as
he caught Lydia. For a moment we
all stood painting. Then Dawson gasped
again; my umbrella! Thiefw
Lydia seemed very agitated. OF
course l came to her rescue. Avoiding
DawsOn's eye, told my shameful tale
Lydia's face frightened, but still there
was apprehension in her looks.
"This lady, believe me" said I, sis
entirely Llameless. OF course she
thought the umbrella was my own.
My sole consolation, Dawson, is to
think that had you been in my place
you would have done the same"
II don't see," remarked Dawson,
rudely, "why it consoles you to think
me "a thief"
preserved a dignified silence.
However," he continued, "if this
young lady has quite finished with my
property perhaps she will be good
enough to give it back to me-"
Lydia did not take the hint. She
clung to the umbrella.
Tiff you would be so kind" she
stammered, "as to lend it to me for to.
day-the weather is still threatening
would return it tomorrow"
Your request, madam, is a modest
one" answered Dawson, sarcastically;
but, as you observe, the weather is
threatening and want my umbrella
Kindly give it to me-"
Really, Dawson, to oblige lady,"
i began.
Why don't you buy her an umbrel'
la ?" sneered Dawson.
'If she would accept it l should be, y
! stopped To my surprise, Lydia
laid her had on my arm and said /: "Oh
do, please! And may keep this till
we get to the shop?"
did not understand her; but we
turned round and began to walk, look.
ing for a shop. She was a strange girl
She Jagged behind; I had to wait twice
for her OAce she took turning as
though to leave us, and when / called
her back she pouted.
Suddenly Dawson looked up.
1t rains," he said.
1t did.
Put up the umbrella" j." said Dawson
roughly.
Let the lady have it," said L in
dignantly.
"We'll share it," grinned Dawson
"You can get wet"
But Lydia did not put it up.
"The rains not much" she faltered
1t was now pouring. With a muttereC
oath Dawson snatched the umbrells
from her. Lydia shrieked and rar
away like frightened rabbit-ran a
the top of her speed up the street
again.
stop, stop!" 1 cried. "stop, m,
dear Miss Lovelock."
"Holy powers !" exclaimed Dawson
He had opened the umbrella; as h,
did so there was a thud on the pave
ment-two, three thuds. In amaze
looked down. There lay a silver cigar
ette case, two purses and a gold watch
Dawson burst into maniacal laughter
as he pointed at Lydia's retreating fig
ure. That girl could run.
For a moment / stood dumbfounded
What revelation Dawson chuckleC
in satanic glee. Sadly stopped dOwI
and picked up the purses, the cigarett,
case and the watch.
"Great-w 1 cried, and my hanC
few to my waistcOat pocket.
1t was my watch
did not prosecute Lydia, because
could not have Overtaken her, and fol
other reasons. 1t was altogether too
sad, too disheartening, too disappointing
a discovery. Dawson, however, obser
we'd that it seemed to him an excellen
example of poetic justice in real life.-
st. James's Gazette.