The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-07-13

=
the play TO come SO continually"
"Not so indeed, F" said the other, with
an impatient sigh. 1T may appear
strange when / say do not like the
play, and think il an ignoble occupa'
tion for man to make fools laugh al
go much week. Each man to his taste. u
~ am sorry" said Peter-and indeed
he was-"that we may not ask strangers
behind the scenes, but so it is. for you
the seamy side Of players life. But
may we not meet again3" he asked i'm
| pulsively.
Peters subdued earnestness was more
than fiattering, and he was handsome,
sunny eyed lad in spite of his dandyism.
After moments thought the stranger
took his hand.
Let it be so, young lad. Tomorrow,
then, M ; O'Clock at the Kings Arms"
he said. 49,
"TT..aank you, sir, and very good
morning to you" said Peter. with his
best stage bow. He retraced his steps,
very we'll pleased with himself and
with the world in general.
''Success attends me" he thought
"Now will he turn out hero? He is
proper man indeed, and with no COM
mon history, I'll be bound. "
That night the stranger was again at
the playhouse, and the next evening at
the appointed time Peter walked up the
street leading to the Kings Arms, a
coffee house patronized by the patrician
class. He had taken particular pains
with his toilet. His wig, neatly comb
ed and curled, was tied with new rib
bon. He had also sewed fresh ruffles
around the frayed edges of his sleeves
and turned the silver hatband best side
out
1t was quite dark, and the lanterns
suspended from the houses were being
quickened his steps as he neared the
coffee house, for he saw the familiar fig
ure in the long cloak and scallop hat
standing in the gray moonlight, the
white turbaned Hindoo erect and tire
less by his side.
AS they pushed open the two leaved
door and entered, a CHEEKY scene greeted
them. Small, social looking tables and
benches were scattered about the bare
ly furnished room. A large fire of res
inous logs burned in the tiled fireplace,
throwing a dazzling light upon the
sanded floor. Near il stood the glisten-
ing coffee and tea pots. Men were gath
cred in laughing groups about bar in
one corner. drinking ale from long
mugs. Others sat reading or confiden-
TALLY conversing at the different tables.
One of his majesty's players near the
fire was singing q catch, which few
Of the megggiest gentlemen appreciative-
ly applauded' - ~, .E.ss.;..,,,,.
"Hey, nonne mol
Men are fools that wish to die,
Is't not fine to dance and sing
When the bells of death do ringf
ls't not fine to swim in wine
And turn upon the toe
And sing. hey, nonny no.
When the winds blow and the seas flowf
Hey, nonny no,''
Passing slowly between the scattered
groups, Peter noticed his new friend
looking into the face of every man with
the quiet, intent eagerness he had no.
ticed before, and he wondered what it
could mean. His gaze was too meas
ured, too direct, to be accidental, and
some Of the men who encountered it
lifted their brows, looked curiously aft
er him and fell TO whispering with one
another.
LET as sit in yonder dim corner and
have dish of coffee together, f." said the
stranger, throwing back his long cloak
and taking the seat which faced the
door.
The Hindoo stood behind him. his
arms folded on his breast and his SOM
Der, unreliable eyes fixed patiently
ahead. Peter glanced at him once, and
a cold feeling of apprehension stole over
him, For whom was he waiting? For
whom was his master looking? Wh6f
was the secret they guarded in common?
Now, pray you, tell me your
name. 1t is meet we should know some
thing of each other, said the stranger.
my name is Peter Ricket.
Auu your dScs Nuulluucu inc OtHtI5
looking dreamily at him as the serving
man placed the coffee before them.
Il was 18 on last Twelfth Night. "
"Do you never grow weary of a play
or's lifey'
AIn faith do, sir / would rather be
a gentleman, said Peter laughingly.
"Wcll, and you can. like you. l be-
lieve in you. / need a secretary on my
estate, to which j return shortly. Come
and be also my friend" said the
stranger, laying his white, scholarly
hand on Peters and smiling into the
lad IS astonished face.
"Ah, sir" said Peter warmly, 81
would desire it above all things, but
my learning is small. command III
diculous penmanship.
"What matters that?" asked the
stranger and then continued with q
new earnestness: Upon the stage your
face and voice attracted me from the
first. Something in your personality ap-
peals to me powerfully. You are sc
glad, so young, so like what 1 once was.