The morning times., 1896-01-12
Oscar R8dWino'S
Peculiar DiI8nnrna
u n HAVE it, old boy-just the best
scheme you ever heard OF. You
say she comes every night?''
George Arlington was indc

u George Arlington was indo-
lently reclining in an easy rocker, with his
feet propped up III another chair in his
cozy library. The person to whom be ad.
dressed the above remark was leaning awk.
| wardly against the old-fashioned mantel-
| piece, with his bony elbow buried among va
/ rious articles which had been placed there
| while his short chin was envcloped in a
| thin, web-ike hand. His form was tail
and slender, and it might not be out OF
place TO say that his figure was of a some
/ what Timber appearance. His red hair
was coarse and stiff, andlike that of Tommy
| Traddles, stood straight upon his head.
His shallow face was spotted and freckled,
| his dangling arms were mean and wiry,
| while his long legs were lank and flesh
less. To complete the picture, his coat
| sleeves and trouser legs would have more
completely carried out that for Which
| they were designed had portion of the
cloth which caused them to bag and flap
been used in contributing to their length.
| Now, there was something strange in
| the fact that, among all the people OF the
| town, this peculiar freak OF nature was
| George ArliDgton's favorite. Wealth, po.
sition, society, and in fact all that the world
can offer to handsome and opulent young
| man belonged to George Yet all these
were as naught to him beside a genuinely
romantic adventure with some plain spec
linen OF humanity.
Oscar Redwine, freak though he was. aud
uDblessed by nature, as no one can deny,
possessed noble heart and some excellent
traits OF character, his chief falling be.
ing devotion to George which amounted to
something like hero-worship.
Redwine had just unfolded great secret
to his adored George, tNe narration of
which had excited the above remark. In
answer to the inquiry made by George,
Oscar assured him that the lady in queS-
tion had not missed a night during the
last ten.
r'And you are sure that she is a SOM
nambulist?'
Perfectly certain. You see she is man
ager OF the telegraph office during the day,
and have charge at night. Nothing could
be more natural than that when she walks
in her sleep, she should visit the scene OF
her daily duties"
''Does she ever talk to you?"
Rarely ever says anything of her own
accord, but whenever / ask her questions
she almost invariably mods assent. Rather
peculiar, isn't it?''
THAT'S simply grand!" cried George,
spriDging to his feet and slapping Oscar en-
Enthusiastically upon the shoulder. Then the
conyersat ton continued in an animated but
confidential manner.
And you think she is a most excellent
creature?''
"Oh, there can be no doubt of it!'' en-
phasiZed the other.
And you like her better than you do any
other living mortal?''
''That'shardly fair, "objected Oscar grow
ing crimson.
Newer mind that. Do you?''
Yes, them
"Why, then, marry her."
Marry her?''
Yes; why not?'>
shed never consent TO marry me-" said
the honest feilow, viewing his comic figure
dolefully.
Don't ask her."
Are you joking or crazy?''
Il certainly am not joking, and l don't
think I'm crazy. In the first place l be-
ileve that the visits are caused by some at
traction other than a tiresome Old office. /
nave always heard that somnambulists do
iDstinctively while asleep what they actu-
ally have an inclination to perform while
In state of consciousness, and therefore
believe that she would marry you while
asleep without sign of disapprobation."
why, the idea is absurd, mons,rous, in.
conceivable, said Redwine, evidently puz-
Zled and embarrassed.
Not bit of it. Judging from what YOU
say think both are willing. If you pro-
pose to her she will accept, but not until
she mas almost tantalized your life out of
Now. don't be tantalized; rather be 70.
mantle. and you may be the only man in
America who has married with neither Tho
knowledge nor consent of his wife"
Its impossible. could not take ad.
vantage of lady after that fashion: and.
besides, the marriage could never lie ac-
compished -
Advantage, indeed! 1 tell you sLe--wfn
pe as thoroughly pleased as surprised.
management Al I
see that you are genuinely and lawfully |
before one O'Clock tonight. / |
viii procure license, engage magistrate |
a fellow can rut up with magistrate to |
have such an excellently romantic affair. /;
and be at TIE telegraph office at twelve |
O'Clock tonight; bringing with US one |
more witness. 1 guarantee that neither |
or them shall ever know that the bride Is |
asleep. Just think of it. Such a mar
riage, and at such an hourl Why, Old how.
believe you are destined TO be famous"