Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1893-11-08
.BAFFLED CONSPIRATORS
By W. E. NORRIS.
CONTINUED

Little Nj. soci4.4eiuer looked much fiat
tered. He was pleased that his social
advantages should be recognized, and
still more pleased that he should be in.
yited to take any sort of engagement
upon him in such good company. He at
once signifed his willingness to do as he
was requested, and Eustace Moreton fol.
lowed suit. with the remark that he was
always grateful to anybody who would
take care of him. Only Thorold, whose
attention had wandered little during
the last few minutes. demurred
"What is this desperate practical joke
that you want to play upon rs. Guisey
he asked.
ut isn't practical joke at all; it's
practical earnest, and have already ex-
planned my object" answered Lord
Guise. In case of necessity we are to
have the power of insuring each other a
breathing space Of six months, that's all
Now I'll administer the form of oath
or, if you prefer it, you shall be at liberty
to affirm. Perhaps it will be sufficient
for us to bind ourselves by our honor as
gentlemen.
The smoking room was now all but
deserted, the members of the club who
had been dining there having gone away
while those who were spending the even
| ing at theatres or parties had not yet
come in In one of the far corners a
fat man, with his hat tilted over his eyes,
was slumbering stertorously: little
nearer another was nodding over the
evening paper.
II think" said Lord Guise, that we
may proceed to business without fear Of
being betrayed.
Accordingly the four men drew their
chairs close together and each in turn
solemnly repeated the following formula
81 promise upon my honor as gen.
tleman that if from this day forth |
should at any time form the intention of
asking lady to become my wife will
at once call meeting of this society to
consider my intention. and make such
inquiries as may be thought necessary
| also promise upon my honor as gen.
tleman that in the event of majority
Of the society deciding against the lady
in question will abstain for the space
Of six clear calendar months from the
date of such decision from holding any
communication with her, whether YER
bal or written, direct or Indirect
THAT about finishes me-" observed
Eustace Moreton; 81 may now look for
ward to a lonely old age. Hitherto
have always thought that. if the worst
came to the worst, l might fall back
upon the customary elderly heiress; but
now that bright vision must be dis
missed. No heiress, however elderly,
could be expected to stand total deser-
ton for six months at stretch"
my dear fellow" said Lord Guise,
why should you take it for granted
that the society would decide against
the elderly heiIess? For my part, if |
believed her to be a sensible, we'll con-
| Quoted person, should give my vote in
her favor. Our object is to promote
one another's happiness, and nobody who
knows you can doubt that you would be
happier with an elderly woman than
with young one Sensible elderly
women make allowances-which you are
pretty sure to require"
Thorold rose to wish his host good
night In doing so he thought it neces-
sary to mention that it was from pure
ly unselfish motive that he had Joined
the newly constituted society He him
self, he declared, was non-marrying
man, and proposed to remain So II,
however, he could be instrumental by
voice or vote in restraining others from
the commission of an act of folly he
should, of course, be very glad.
II wonder" chuckled Mr.. Schneider,
after he had gone, (which of us will be
the first to call meeting? | shouldn't
be surprised if it were Thorold, in spite
Of what he says, and shouldn't be much
surprised if he were to contemplate pro-
posing second time to Lady Belvoir."
THAT only shows, my dear Schneider
remarked Lord Guise, that, notwith-
standing your natural acuteness, you
haven't quite taken Thorold's measure.
He has had a thorough sickener Of wom-
en- Of the world: the next person with
whom he will fall in love will be pious
little girl who goes to church on week
days and makes undergarments for the
poor"
Schneider and Moreton walked away
together.
"ls Lady Belvoir really as bad as she
is made outy' asked the former of the
latter with some curiosity
Worse" answered Moreton lacon-
ically. Il only know her slightly; but
have heard quite enough about her.
can forgive woman for being wicked"
he added; mot being over and above
good myself, am able to sympathize
with the failings of others. But III be
hanged if can forgive woman who
has no heart!"
CHAPTER IL
MISS LESLIE