The evening times., 1896-01-12
Oscar R6dWin6'S
Peculiar Dilemma
u D n HAVE it, old boy-Iust the best
scheme you ever heard OF. You
say she comes every niglt?''

1
| George Arlington was indo-
| lently reclining in an easy rocker, with his
feet propped up i'll 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 enycloped in
| thin, web-like hand. His form was tall
| and slender, and ii might not be out OF
place to say that his figure Vas Of 4 some
what timber appearance His red hair
was coarse and stiff, and like 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 a 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 ArliDgtou's favorite. Wealth, po-
sition, society, and in fact all that the world
can offer to a handsome and Opulent young
man belonged to George Yet all these
were as naught to him beside genuinely
romantic adventure with some plain spec
linen Of humanity.
Oscar RedwIne, freak though he was. aud
unblessed by nature, as no one can deny.
possessed noble heart and some excellent
traits OF character, his chief failing be-
ing devotion to George which amountedto
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,
a.. III Id
tion had not missed night during the
last ten.
''And you are sure that she is a SOM
Dambulist?"
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 1 ask her questions
she almost invariably mods assent. Rather
peculiar, isn't it?''
THAT'S simply graDdl'' cried George,
springing to his feet and slapping Oscar en-
upon the shoulder. Then the
continued in an animated but
manner.
"And you think she is a most excellent
"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'shardiy fair, objected Oscar grow |
Dg crimson.
Never mind that. Do you?'
"Yes, them
why, then, marry her,
Marry her?"
"a
"She'd never consent to marry me-" said |
he honest Fellow, viewing his comic figure |
Don't ask her."
"Are you Joking or crazy?''
II certainly am not Joking, and don't |
.hink I'm crazy. In the first place l be- |
ieve that the visits are caused by some at
,raction other than tiresome oid office. / |
iave always heard that somnambulists do |
Dstinctively while asleep what they actu- |
lily have an inclination to perform while
n a state of consciousness, and ! therefore
believe that she would marry you while |
lsleep without sign of disapprobation.'
"Why, the idea is absurd, monstrous, in.
said Redwine, evidently puZ-
lied and embarrassed.
mot bit of 1t. Judging from what you
ay think both are willing. If you pro-
,ose to her she will accept. but not until
ne udS tiliuOSt your lit out Ot
you, as provoking women always do.
Sow, don't be tantaliZed; rather be ro-
nantic, and you may be the only man in
America who has married with neither the !
nor consent OF his wife,
'It's impossible. / could not take adj
antage of lady after that fashion; and.
'esides, the marriage could never lie ac-
:"
advantage, indeedl tell you ske-win
Ne as thoroughly pleased as surprised.
cave the management to me, ard l will
ee that you are genuinely and lawfully
married before one O'Clock tonight. !
will procure license, engage magistrate
fellow can put up with magistrate to
ave such an excellently romantic affair,
nd be at the telegraph office at twelve
''clock tonight; bringing with US one
lore witness. I guarantee that neither
4 them shall ever kIc W that the bride Is
sleep. Just think of it. Such a MARI
iage, and at such an houri Why, Old boy..l
believe you are destined 10 be famOus