Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-07-30

sistently hoSpitshle,' added MIR Phil-
brick, AM this is good, and no mis-
take, and with a shiver he Went close
TO the fire
Miss NUlmmond," said Or Williams,
conscious that his face was scarlet,
this is Mir PNtlhricN, Miss Willis
Mr. Philhrick,"
Il am sincerely delighted to meet YOU
ladies, said Mr. Philhrick. bowling with
eNtravagaut formalty, although
could wish that the circumstances were
more favorable to me,
Then won't say am glad to know
YOU, returned Louise, whose agitation
mad been quickly dispclled by the
strangers ljghtneSs of manner and his
evidently sound condition; but will
give YOU hearty welcome, Just the
same.
wait minute" exclaimed Mr., Phil
brick, and he held both hands over Tie
hot kitchen range and rubbed them to
sether until they were dry.
Nov, il YOU please" and he held his
right hand high in mockiug imitation
of the style of handShako that prevails
in fashionable circles. look out tor me
garments,
Louise took his hand in the same
manner, laughing hard; and we'll she
might, for in his dripping. hedraEglrd
clothes. MIR rhilhriCk, with his lofty
manners, presented ludiclNus spec
taclc
Nov, Miss Willis, may =" he said,
turning to Amelia with the same gcs
turc. = am honestly glad to know
YOU responded Amelia with Il grave
smile. rs she extended her hand in the
ordinary way.
MIR. Philbrick promptly descended
from his oomiCality, and shook hands
naturally DR. Williams had watched
the little scene without smile. He
could see no fun in It, He detcsted
Philbrick cordially, and berated the
mans foolhardy devotion to sport that
had made this meeting possible and
had condemned him, the doctor. to per
form the ceremony of introduction.
Professor Drimmond came in with nm
armful Of clothing.
at will be more comfortable for YOU
to change here. Mr. Philhrick. he said.
for there's no other fire In the house.
We're not exactly OF the same build, but
these clothes will be big enough for you,
at all events"
nii', T,,ll 4
PhilbriCk
The others went upstairs and strollcd
into the dining room, which was used
more than any other room in the house
on account of the view its windows
commanded DR. Williams then re
membered for the first time how he had
called Louise by her given name in the
moment of excitement, when all
thought that the angler was in peril,
He wondered If she had noticed IT, and,
if SO, what she thought OF It. The doc
tor was rather embarrassed the more
so as Louise seemed to avoid him, and
kept her eyes steadfastly from meeting
his. Her difildcnce, If such II was, en-
abled Amelia to speak briefly to the
doctor unhcard by Louise or Professor
Drmmmond.
Did YOU notice" she asked now
easily he kept atloa, and avoided dan
gerOus rocks
Mr.. Philbrick is an expert swimmer
evidently" responded the doctor.
80 was Mr.. stark weather
The words We're few, but they were
plainly significant OF what was in
Amelia's mind. Describing the theory
OF suicide she believed that the I'M
fortunate man had been entirely help
less, If not dead, whel be entered the
river.
DR. Williams understood and his
brow clouded as the tragedy and Its
mystery were recalled to him. His
promise was also recalled by the pres
cnce Of the girl who had e1acted IT
and in whose thoughts there was ap
parently room for nothing but spccnla-
tion concerning Starkwcathcr's death.
Professor Drummond had been talk
ing WIFI LOUISE ABOUT ulluOl lIohp'll'NI
matters. and he concluded by saying
Il have come business to attend to In
the village that didn't want to at
tend to when we were down while
ago. There's time enough byore lunch
con, and, as the horse ISM unhitched
I'll drive him down now You Will, OF
course, have Mr.. Philbrick stay TO
luncheon, and you'll stay, too, won't
you. doctor"
With pleasure" replied the doctor
with suspicious willingness.
And, by the way, doctor, | hadn't
thought Of 1t, but Phllbrick may want
a stmulant Take him down some
brandy, will ycu?"
The doctor nodded and went TO the
sidebOard rs Professor Drummond left
the room. a litter later DR.. Williams
knocked at the basement door. There
vas no response. He knocked again,
and, after pause, trie4 the door. II
Waa locked.
quick to stir in this house OF unusual
cycnts, he felt his heart beating with
fpprehensiye excitement when Mr..
PhiIbrick's CHEEKY voice sounded from
within.