The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1893-10-14

NOW, cOulu 90 anything else tina
press Dawson's umbrella upon her?
She took it and, with last bewitching
smile, vanished from sight. l turned
and almost ran back to the Cafe de
Luxe. determined to make a clean
breast of it to Dawson. When was
fifty yards off l saw him under the
portico. The manager and four wait
ers stood round him in disconsolate at
titudes. One or two of his remarks
he was talking very loud-reached my
ears. changed my mind. I would
wait till he was calmer. turned away:
but at that instant Dawson caught
sight Of me. A second later he was
pouring the story of his wrongs into
my ear.
Here came my fatal weakness. / let
him go on. He took me by the g.
and walked me off. could not escdIo
him; and all the way he Numbered
against the thief.
IF it costs me twenty pounds, I'll
bring him to justice!' he declared.
Really, i dared not break it to him
just yet.
DudOCniys u Sl0ID CORNER,
there came upon us-alrnost running
into us-Lydia Lovelock herself, with
Dawson's umbrella In her hand. He
had been narrowly scanning every UNI
brella we passed. He scanned this one,
and cried, darting forward:
MY umbrella!'
With little scream Lydia turned
and f7ci To xreop ,vas of<o~ ho~ III.
an arrow. Ipursued Dawson. Why, oh,
why, did she run away? Surely she
must have recognized me.
1t was very quiet street we were
running up, and our strange procession
attracted little notice. The chase was
soon over caught Dawson just as he
caught Lydia For moment we all
stood painting. Then Dawson gasped:
My umbrellal Thiefw
Lydia seemed very agitnted. OF course
! came to her rescue. Avoiding Daw-
sons eye, l hastily told my shameful
tale. Lydia's face frightened, but still
there was apprehension in her looks.
This lady, believe me-" / said, "is
entirely blameless. 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 thief"
preserved dignified silence.
However, he continued, "if this
young lady has quite finished with my
perhaps she will be good
enough to give it me back
Lydia did not take the hint Sho
chung to the umbrella.
tiff you would be SO kind" she
.'as to lend 1t 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 IL
threatening and want my umbrella.
Kindly give it me-"
Really. Dawson. to oblige lady"
began.
'Why don't you buy her an um-
brella?" sneered Dawson
IF she would accept it, / should
be-" I stopped. To my surprise,
Lydia laid her hand on my arm and
said: "Oh, do, pleased And may keep
this till we get to the shop?"
l did not understand her; but we
turned round and began to walk, look
Ing for shop. She was very strange
girl. She Jagged behind; had to wait
twice for her. Once she took turning
as though to leave us, and when /
called her back she pouted. /
Suddenly Dawson looked up
ut rains." he said.
1t did.
Put up the umbrella" said Dawson, ,
LET the lady have It," said 1. indig-
nantly.
"We'll share it." grinned Dawson.
you can get wet" /
But Lydia did not put 1t up.
THE rains not much,' she faltered.
Z was now pouring. With muttered
bath, Dawson snatched the umbrella
rom her. Lydia shrielxed and ran away
ike frightened rabbit--ran at the top
If her speed up the street again.
"Stop. stopr' cried. stop, my dear
Hiss Lovelock."
Holy powers!' exclaimed Dawson.
He had opened the umbrella; as he
lid so there was thud on the pave
nent-two, three thnds. In amaze
ooked down. There lay silver cigar
tte-case, two purses and gold watch.
DAWSON burst into maniacal laughter
s he pointed at Lydia's retreating fig
ire. That girl could run
For moment stood dumfounded.
What revelation! Dawson chuckled
n Satanic glee. Sadly stopped down
nd picked up the purses, the cigar
tte-case and the watch.
"Great -!" cried; and my hand
ew to my waistcoat-pocket.
1t was my watch.
! did not prosecute Lydia, because I
ould not have overtaken her, and for
Their reasons. 1t was altogether too
i'd. too disheartening, too disappoint-
,g a discovery. Dawson, however,
bserved that it seemed to him an ex-
client example of poetic justice in real
fe.-St James Gazette.
Dust In tho Air.
Natural science is not only occupied
18th great and important problems,
ut devotes considerable attention and