Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1894-10-04
CHAPTERW-cocr1Sr-n
ECoFYRMEI. 1851

are all friends. lou are to change
your garments Immediately. My serv-
ant will help you. Explanations and
further directions must wait"
She called the negro servant and
said to him: Now. then. Fan. be as
quick as You can. We are fifteen min
utes late"
This way. professah,' said the serv-
ant, with grin, as he pointed to the
old mill.
Laport, without further words. made
bow and followed the negro into the
dilapidated structure. Here, in one of
the recesses where there remained
clear space and flooring. there was a
hamper such as is used at picnics.
There Were one or two plates and a
napkin conspicuous on its strapped lid.
The negro brushed them away and
hurriedly tore open the basket. 1t was
packed tightly and carefully with
complete outfit of clothes. which the
man lifted out and spread in Il pile
upon a clean newspaper. LapOrt was
watching him with curious interest.
Excuse me, sah.'' said the servant,
'.you amt got no time. You got to
git dem duds off lively. Use goin' to
dress you. Take 'ern off-tale 'em off
Use got to put EN- in dis yere wicker
works.
Thus recalled to the urgency of the
moment Laport began at once todivest
himself of the disguise he wore. AS
fast as he relieved himself of his cloth
ing. the negro placed it in the hamper.
and when it was full he excused him.
self and carried it away.
He was not gone more than five min
utes. and when he came back he was
empty handed. What he did with it
Laport never knew. But even then he
had an instructive feeling that its COM
plete destruction or effectual hiding
had been provided for.
Fan then proceeded to dress him in
the most expeditions, but the same
time the most scrupulous, manner. In
spite of the nervous anxiety of La
port, he could not help wondering at
the systemati. provision that had been
made for a thorough and complete
change of appearance. The linen,
cuffs. collar. studs. sleeve buttons.
finger ring, watch chain. had not been
forgotten He was quickly dressed in
handsome suit of gray tweed. an i'm
maculate vest and fine soft black hat
with broad brim. He was shaved
with marvellous dexterity. fitted with
flowing gray wig and gold glasses.
pair of silk stockings and riding
boots with spurs, field glass thrown
over his shoulder and rouge given to
his face; and when Fan held up little
mirror before his eyes, Laport saw
himself transformed into comfor-
IL 4 4
face that indicated good living
Excuse me, sab" said Fan, as he
admired his work. You'll hav' to sojer
up; jess frow out your bress and put yer
shoulders back. Yer got bad sag in
yer backbone. Der buds amt made
for it. Jess one more pint-good huff,
if yer can hold him dar.'
Fan ran his eye over the details and
looked at little watch that he carried
in his vest pocket. Laport saw that
1t was exactly like the one Kent had
given him and that the woman had ex-
hibited while he was on the milestone.
Indeed, it reminded the servant to re-
place in Laport's vest pocket the time
piece that Kent had given him. He did
this with the remark: Oats de gen.
erals time. T'other ones for to make
q gallus show"
A moment later he had gathered up
all the evidences of his work and sum-
moned the lady who appeared to be his
mistress. She came in flushed. as if
she had been riding, looked at Laport
critically and said:
You are DIR. Samuel Franklin. of
Cincinnati, and 1 am your daughter.
You are to assume, to the best of your
ability, the manner of a rather per-
emptory but kind-hearted parent. You
can scold me for my extravaganza
little if you like. You are to carry
this roll of bills and when called upon
pay our expenses. You are also to
take this little checkboolz and draw
your check as l direct. Further direc-
tions l can give You as we journey.
The horses are at the door
Five minutes later Laport was on the
back of a handsome horse. riding by
the side of jaunty and spirited COM
panion. Immediately behind them
rode three others, who made up the
group. The way for some distance
was across fields. but presently they
came into one of those grass-growl
lanes that divide farms, and a little
Id Ter StIUcN COHiiilou toGHtTL HIGH
way running southwest. Not a word
was spoken by Laport's companion
for mile or two except an occasional
direction as to speed. But after an
hours ride they came to 4 group of
houses. when she said: 1T is neces-
sary that we show ourselves here. You
are to preserve the air of the father
of the family-that is all
AT the largest of the houses the party
drew up and asked for drink of wa
ter of man at the door. While it was
being served Laport remained in the
road-the rest drew up chatteringly at
the door and managed adroitly to tell
the man how they had been disap-
pointed in their ride and were hurry
ing back to Shirleyville. Some Iues-
tions were also asked about better
roads: and then, with fippant jests,
some coin was flung to the man and
they started off again. 1t was row
half-past three o'clock and a ride of
half an hour brought them to an inter
secting and evidently not rluch travelled
road I'VE turn south" said Laport's
companion. The rest go on to Shir
leyville. Do You understand? There
is no telegraph on our route
The moment they were in the new
road she said: Il shall have 90 ask you
to make the best time you can for the
next five miles, until we come to an
other highway. Your horse has good
pait-let hira have his head"