Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-01-07
MISTAKEN IDENTITY.


age, with brown, curly hair, shoulder
slightly stopped, wearing light over
coat and a dark felt hat.
was young man about twenty
six years old, with brown, curly hair
shoulders slightly stopped, wearing
light overcoat and a dark felt hat
! noted with some interest these
several points of coincidence, ant
finally, in order to get square look
at the strangers face, / passed him
in going for drink of water. A
twin brother could not have resem
bled me more closely in feature and
expression. The likeness was won
derful.
He looked up suddenly and my own
establishment was reflected in his
face.
'tMy double" he exclaimed pleas.
antly, 'even to the hat and coat.
You almost frighten me. / am John
Lloyd Evans, Of Boston"
'tAndI L" as we shook hands, sam
Parker M. Leonard, Of New Orleans. y
$780," he laughed, ''if only our
names got mixed there would be
tangle, eh?"
He had handed me his card, and
this, after glancing at it, l put in
my pocket, The name was printed
in old English type on thick bevel
and gilt edged white cardboard.
We soon became quite confidential.
He told me that he was a stock
broker and man Of leisure.
told HIM that / was senior book
keeper for a New Orleans cotton
firm, that I had fallen in love three
years before with an Ohio young lady
and was to marry her next day.
'1t's pleasant to hear you talk
about it, he said thoughtfully; 81
wish you all happiness"
He was silent for few seconds,
busy with his own thoughts. Then
he asked abruptly:
Don't you stay over in Cincinnati
until morning."
''Yes, leaving at 9 and reaching
there at H."
81 never liked CINCINNATI" he re-
Joined, shut your dreams there to-
night will be pleasant enough"
eyes" said; "but don't you go on
to Cincinnati with me?"
'tNo; my ticket is for Cincinnati,
but I won't go that far, Leonard-or
Mr.. Leonard-will you humor fancy
of minep"
''In reason" 1 assented readily.
"What is it,"
"Register tonight under my name.
Call yourself John Lloyd Evans Of Bos-
ton, and let me register as Parker NJ.
Leonard"
thought he must be joking, but
his face was quite serious. 1t seemed
a silly request, but after some little
hesitation 1 consented.
Five minutes later I left him to re-
turn to the rear car in which L had
left my valise and parcels
"No," he had replied to my invita-
tion, 81 won't go back now. I must
enjoy another cigar or two here. How
ever, will see you again presently"
He didn't. though. Just before the
train reached Cincinnati went for
ward to look for him, but my double
had disappeared.
In Cincinnati 1 registered accord
ing to promise as John Lloyd Evans,
Boston.
For an hour or two lounged about
the hotel, meeting no one with whom
! was acquainted, and was finally
upon the point Of going to my room
and to sleep when,I noticed stability
dressed man at the clerks desk star
ing at me.
Just then another man joined the
one at the counter and both stared at
me. After a seconds conversation
about me, / thought-they ap-
preached me together.
'Good evening"" said one Of them.
t'What is your name, sir?"
Leonard" / answered, thought
lessly and rather curtly.
The shabby man laughed bolster
ousIy, nudging his companion.
That's good" he said, that's
clever. But isn't your name John
LLOYD Evaus?"
II am registered by that name" 1
had to admit.
'SSo-we want you, Mr.. John Lloyd
Evans We want you bad"
Before / could protest ! was hand
cuffed They started out with me.
one on each side.
''Come, come, said the shabby
man, you're too old bird to be
taking on like this. Come along
quiet"
/ pleaded and threatened, but to no
purpose. A crowd Of street arabs
following at our heels and people
passing by stopped to look and smile.
81 have been a fool" 1 protested
frantically, "but no more than that
'1t was rather lame in You," said
my shabby captor, ''but the smartest
OF you slip once or twice in life
time"
was finally allowed to order a
double carriage, so that all three OF
rs might ride to the central police
station, in this manner avoiding the
humiliation Of being dragged along
the sidewalk.
E