Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1895-12-03
into a state of per.

%.'SEAA ~
1cAN'r MOVE IT." SHE REPLIED
spiratlon, but all to no purpose. The
key wouldn't perform its office. TWAS
either too big or too little, albeit it had
always hitherto fitted easily enough.
examined the bag. Yes, that seemed
all right, although it certainly did look
. trifle more shabby than imagined it
to be.
There must be some dust in the
key!" 1 said, after several futile at
tcmpts to turn it. My wife immedi-
ately produced n pin, and we picked
both lock and key, but with no better
result.
This was annoying, to say the least
Of it. Already my little surprise was
robbed of half its feet, and the eager
look ON my wifc's face was getting
tinged with disappointment. But the
thing should not be wholly spoiled by
such trifling occurrence. The pres
ent was in the bag, and Bubby must
have it at once. It would lose half its
value by waiting. Tho only course
open under the circumstances was to
burst the bag open, and this l at once
proceeded to do. Grasping it firmly in
both hands I gave two or three sharp
wrenches, and with y jerk it came
asunder. saw in moment it was
not mine. My railway companion had
evidently taken my bag in mistake for
his own, and I, of course, had got his.
1t was an unfortunate error, anyhow,
and might take days to rectify.
OF course, had to tell my wife all
about my companion of the railway
carriage, in order that she might UNI
derstand how the mistake occurred,
and as recountcd to her what could
at the moment remember of the con.
versation which had SO fascinated nc
and won my attachment to the enter
tanning stranger, Bubby's face lit up
with unwonted interest, and l more
than ever regretted not carrying out
my half-formed intention of asking
him home.
AS I spoke recollected about the
jewels, and wondered what the owners
feelings would be on discovering his
loss. The awkward part of the affair
was that, although had told the gen
tleman a good deal Of my private af.
fairs, had not disclosed to him either
my name or address, nor had he i'm.
parted his to me; therefore the idea of
direct communication could not be en-
tertained. What would be best to do
hardly knew.
Bubby's womanly interest in the
jewels was naturally great, and as my
curiosity was also considerably aroused,
we decided that we would empty the
bag in order to have look at them.
We began to do SO at once. At the
top was quantity of paper, which we
carefully removed and unfolded, fear
full lest valuable diamond should roll
out unheeded. Nothing of this kind,
however, occurred, and we went on
eagerly searching until, right at the
bottom of the bag, we came upon the
valuables. They consisted of small
hand-chisel, a coil of stout rope, sew
eral skeleton keys and box of silent
matches.
will not attempt to describe my
feelings. 1t was quite unnecessary to
tell me that had been nicely robbed,
and that my entertaining fellow-trav-
eler was beastly fraud, and his ten
thousand pounds worth of jewelry was
detestable myth. l am afraid l
looked as small as felt.
Bubby could not resist smile at my
detected appearance.
This is indeed SURPRISE" she said,
trying to put cheerful aspect on the
affair. But never mind, dearest, u
she added. kindly, "try to forget all
about it, and will promise not to be
disappointed. l need no present save
yourself"
1 kissed her for hcr goodness OF
heart, but felt that could never for.
give myself for being taken In sc
easily.-Tit-Bits.
Overriding 1t.
"Dear one," he whispered, edo you
think if l married you your fathe,
wcald ever forgive us?"
I'm sure he would, DEAR" she as
serted, softly.
"And would he give us o house Of gu,
OWN"
II know he would, dearest"
"And would he give us enough to live
beautifully on?"
I'm sure of it, Harry"
And would he take me into til.
frm?"
Certainly he would
and let me run the business to sui
myself?"
"Of course he would, darling"
She Struggled to his bosom, but he pu,
her aside, coldly.
~ cannot marry you" he said, hoarse
ly. "Your father is too willing to ge
YOU off his hands."-N. Y.Journal.
Inclined to Assist Him.
"You don't object to contribute,
dropping into poetry once In awhile,
presumc?" said the caller, with az
uffable smile.
Certainly not, sir. Sit down." re.
piled the editor, pushing the waste
basket toward him.-Chica9o Tribune