The herald., 1893-09-21


Iere came my fatal weakness. 1 let
him 20 on. He took mo by the arm and
walked me off. could not escape him.
end all the way no thundered against
the thief.
"If it costs me eco. I'll bring him to
justice!' he declared. Really dared
not break it to him just yet.
Suddenly from round sharp corner
there came upon us-almost running in
to us-Lydia Lovelock herself, with
Dawson's umbrella in her hand. He
had been narrowly scanning every um-
brella we passed. He scanned this one
and cried, darting forward:
my umbrellal'
With little scream Lydia turned and
fed. Dawson was after her Ike an ar
row. / pursued Dawson. Why, oh,
why, did she run away? Surely she must
have recognized me.
1t was very quiet street we were run
ming up, and our strange procession at
tracted little notice. The chase was soon
over. caught Dawson just as he caught
Lydia. Tor moment we all stood pant
ing. Then Dawson gasped again: My
umbrellai Thiefv
Lydia seemed very agitated. Of course
l came to her rescue. Avoiding Daw-
sons eye, I hastily told my shameful
tale. Lydia's face frightened, but still
there was apprehension in her looks.
'.This lady, believe mo-" said, lis en-
tirely blameless. OF course she thought
the umbrella was my own. My sole con-
ISOLATION, Dawson. is to think that had
you been in my place you would have
done the same"
II don't see," remarked Dawson rude
ly, "why it consoles you to think me a
thief"
preserved dignified silence.
However" he continued. "if this
young lady has quite finished with my
property, perhaps she will be good enough
to give it me back"
Lydia did not take the hint. She chung
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-I
would return it tomorrow"
"Your request, madam, is a modest
one," answered Dawson sarcastically,
"but, as you observe, tho weather is
threatening, and 1 want my umbrella.
Kindly give it me-"
Really, Dawson, to oblge LADY,
began.
"Why don't you buy her an umbrel-
lai" sncered Dawson.
eff she would accept it, should be-
stopped. To my surprise, Lydia laid
her hand on my arm and said: ''Oh, do,
please! And may keep this till we get
to the shop?"
Ibid not understand her, but we turned
round and began to walk, looking for a
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.
''It rains," he said.
1t did rain.
PUT up the umbrella" said Dawson
roughly.
''Let the lady have it," said l indig-
nantly.
well 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 muttered
oath, Dawson snatched the umbrella
from her. Lydia shrielsed and ran away
lilso frightened rabbit-ran at the top
of her speed up tho street again.
''Stop. stop" cried. stop, my dear
Miss Lovelock."
"Holy powers!" exclaimed Dawson.
He had opened the umbrella. AS he did
so there was thud on the pavement
two, three thuds. In amaze looked
down. There lay silver cigarette case,
two purses and gold watch. Dawson
burst into 1naniacal laughter as he point
ed at Lydia's retreating figure. That
girl could run.
For q moment / stood dumfounded.
What rcvelation Dawson chuckled in
satanic glee. Sadly stopped down and
picked up the purses, the cigarette case
and the watch.
Great Scottv' l cried, and my hand
few to my waistcoat pocket.
It was my watch!
did not prosecute Lydia because
could not have overtaken her, and for
other reasons. 1t was altogether too
sad, too disheartening, too disappoint-
ing discovery. Dawson, however, OBJ
served that it seemed to him an excel
Ia,,+ o,-,-,p1o ~ ,,oo4;c i,,etico -, reo1 Efa