St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1895-01-26
CHAPTER Iv.-cosrrNuEp.
[CcPYRIGHT, lS94 /

Then we have no time to lose" said
the woman, calmly. "These people
are all friends. You are to change
your garments Immediately. My sery-
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 lates
This way, professah,s said the sery-
ant, with grin. as he pointed To the
old mill.
t.apoft, without further words, made
bow and followed the negro into the
tiilapidated structure. Here, in one of
the recesses where there remained g.
clear space and q flooring, there was a
hamper such as is. used at picnics.
There were one or two plates and a
napkin conspicuouson on its strapped lid.
The negro brushed them away and
hurriedly tore open the basket. Tt was
packed tightly and carefully with a
complete outfit of clothes, which the
man lifted out and spread lii d pile
s.r rS,r .slas.-s4..s.. sI,es per- Euporu waa
watching him with curious interest.
Excuse me, sah.n said the servant,
you amt got no time You got to
git dem duds off lively. I'se goin' I'd
dress you. Take 'em off take 'em off
Use got to put EN- in dis yere wicker
works. =
Thus recalled to the urgency of the
moment Laport began at once to divest
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 1t
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 systematic provision that had been
made for 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
a handsome suit of gray tweed, an i'm
maculate vest and a fine soft black hat
with a broad brim. He was shaved
with marvellous dexterity, fitted with
a flowing gray wig and gold glasses,
a 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-
table wen-to-do governor with forid
face that indicated good living.
Excuse me, sah," 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
for it. Jess one more pint-good nuff.
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
it was exactly like the one Kent had
given him and that the woman had ex-
hibited while he was on the millstone.
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
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 DR.. Samuel Franklin, of
Cincinnati, and | 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 sco1d 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 checkbook and draw
your check as 7 direct. Further direc-
tions / 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 mp the