Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1894-06-04
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over the fire at my chambers In the
Middle Temple, and my friend, Frank
Bowser. was pacing about the room.
Arthur" said he, stopping suddenly
and tossing a bag of gold toward the
ceiling. Il shall soon claim the hand of
Alice Darrell now.
Again he pitched the bag of gold into
the air, and the pieces of money, clink-
ing together, sent forth low ringing
sound.
"Bowser" said 1, drawing my arm
chair closer to the fire, this is a dan |
gerous scheme 1t will end in disaster.
Take my advice, and don't pursue it
further"
In the old college days Bowser had
gained a reputation for recklessness,
and he had not changed in character
since. AS l expected, his answer was
laugh.
His infexibility irritated me, but our
conversation was cut short by pecu-
liar knock, on the arrival of 'Scroggie, "
NY old schoolfellow Scroggie was one
of the strangest characters | ever met.
Nobody knew where he lived, or how.
Nobody saw him in the streets until
after dark, and then he was usually
walking at quick pace, with slouch-
ing swing about the shoulders which
distinguished him even in the
dark streets or in crowded
thoroughfare. He wore low felt hat,
and at all times and in all seasons a
thick rough overcoat, buttoned tightly
about his neck, giving him more the
appearance of a sailor than of a lands
man. He had, in fact, since our school
DAYS, passed most of his time upon the
sea; at least so | gathered from his
conversation. For many a night we
had sat together over the fire in these
chambers while he recounted to me
the shipwrecks and other perils and
dangers he had experienced He had
quick, bright eye, a red beard, which
he had habit of sometimes stroking
with his small, nervous hand when he
talked. His hair, thick and curly,
always looked to me as if defying a
brush and comb. and his coat had in
variably that dusty appearance so sug-
gestive of the wearer having tramped
over country roads. Why | had re-
sumed my acquaintance with this man
having met him accidentally in the
streets some two or three years ago
and why | at once became as intimate
with him as had been in our school
days, is mystery in human nature
which | will not attempt to solve. He
was amusing, which may account for a
good deal. and | had known him at
school to belong to good family,
though remember his education had
been much neglected. 1t was of little
consequence to me that he was peculiar
in his dress and manner, for we never
met, except on rare occasions, in any
other place than my chambers.
Now, Bowser," said l, when linked
a glass of whiskey fer Scroggie, and
had resumed my seat by the tire-"Now,
Bowser, put that bag of gold into your
pocket and listen to me. | am going to
explain your scheme to Scroggie, and
show him how very unsatisfactory |
consider your conduct. Now, Bowser,
for goodness sake, sit down"
Bowser bestowed upon me half
amused, half-impatient glance, and,
giving his bag parting toss dropped
it into his pocket, and sat down away
from the fire, in the shade beyond the
reading-lamp, and with his arms folded
on the table, He was large, powerful
man. and / remember thinking how
gigantic his shoulders looked in that
semi-darkness, as he leaned forward to
listen.
THE facts of the case, said |, "the
facts of the case are somewhat as fol-
lows. Ny learned friend has fallen in
love, if am not mistaken--
Bowser nodded
Has fallen in love with young lady
named Darrell" | thought Scroggie
had spoken. He had started and NUT
tered something beyond doubt when |
mentioned the name of Darrell.
Nothing" said Scroggie, returning
with quick glance the inquiring look
which | gave him.
And moreover, then resumed, iii
am not mistaken, my learned friend
and Miss Darrell are engaged"
Again Bowser nodded.
But" I said-"but there is clause
In the engagement Miss Darrell has
lOSJ utl lhLllHlr w llb illtl MS Nl'dLu All-
der circumstances Of very painful
nature. In word, Miss Darrell father
was murdered,
At this moment l happened to be
looking straight at Scroggie, and darl
shadow seemed to gather over his face
The expression startled me and van
ished.
"Stayr said Bowser as l was abou
to continue. Let me tell the story a
Iheard it from Alice Darrell.
said, "By all means;" and leaning
back in my chair waited for Bowse
to proceed,
Miss Darell's father" said Franl
Bowser, was chief cashier at a banl
in large market town in the north 0
England. He lived on the premises
and his daughter Alice lived with him
His position was an arduous one. H
was frequently engaged over the cash
or in examining the ledgers, until lat
into the night; especially on evening
preceding market days. 1t was part {
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