New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-17

And how do you know Captain Moston
DOESN'T" Bertha put in hurriedly
On, I've come across the type before-the ir-
resistible -conplacent, protested gallant.
who never
Flushing scarlet. Bertha stamped her foot
angrily.
i won't listen to you. It's disgraceful! He
ls-he Is At all events. know Joan likes
minis very fond of him. in fact She told me
so herself And II she had to choose between
you and him, I'm perfectly certain which she
would favor" Here Bertha broke out into an
other high-pitched giggle Really, Tom I'm al
most sorry for YOU II you wish to Dust Cap
tain Moston ] can assure you youll have to
get up ve-y early in the morning."
Ihis outburst was indeed a facer for me; but
did not intend that my torment Of a sister
should note its effects
II wish you wouldn't be so slangy. Bertha"
said. reprovingy 1t shows shocking bad form
in girls"
Thanks for the benefit Of the example" re-
tortcd she airy "Only didn't mean 1t for
slang either. It's piece Of advice to be taken
literally. I'll expan-though you don't deserve
any such consideration from me- really Now
listen to this. Every morning before breakfast.
toward the shrubbery, and soon afterward. by
an odd coincidence, Captain Moston also strolls
away. but invariably in the opposite direction.
Now doesn't that strike you as being somewhat
significant? While you are Laying in bed
unless you have amended your habits Of late
no doubt he is improving the golden opportuni-
ties. You recollect unce's adage. that women
are apt to gauge mans affection by his per
sistcnce. especially where Put the waltz is
over and here comes The crowd My poor Ioan.
truly pity YOU"
And with mock solemn shake OF her head
she WAS gone.
mo oned ur into the biard-room. where sub
sequently badly beaten by my fifteen
year-old cousin Harold in a hundred up
game. HIS hukcs were phenomenal
Say. Tom you're hi, of color tonight
aren't you" he exclaimed patroniznSly
Never you make such rotten show in my
life Bu, what dyou think Of my play, Ell? I've
come on lot lately haven't l? Fact IL. Cap
tain Mostons been tipping me a few wrinkles
the last day two. Jolly clever chap. the cap
tain. YOU know
! offered comnent-audibly.
You had better pull yourself together before
you tackle HIN at this game Harold continued
"On your present display you wouldn't stand an
earthly against him; he could give you hfty
ard lick you hollow even then"
Whereupon the youngster entered into glow
ing eulogy Of the captains many splendid &C
complishments and good qualities. rattle TO
which | had neither the desire nor the patience
to heafken incidentally. however. he happened
10 mention that the bedroom Of the gentleman
in question opened out Of the same gallery as
mine-was indeed next hut one to 1t. Later
when passed this particular room On my way
up to bed. Glanced to observe that IN" KY
projected from the lock on the outside Of the
door Ere l fell asleep had settled upon a
ruse de cuerre
Waking soon after daybrcak dressed hastily
and slipped out into the corridor. Listening
at the captains door. could hear his heavy.
regular breathing within; he was still fast
asleep. Ny fingers sought the proirudng ky
and softly. warily. | turned it. the bolt sliding
into its socket without sound. Now. / Wei
knew that all the apartments in my unc.e's
house were fitted with patent fasteninEs. each
having its special key no one key opening any
other lock than its own. and ] fattcrcd myself
upon the tactical use to which had been
enabled to put my knowledge. or "A certainty
there would toe no Captain MosIon at IT," rem
devious that morning. ChucklIng over tho sue
cess Of my stratagom, thrust the key into u4y
pocket and hurried downstairs
Half an hour afterward from the emhrasure
Of the library window. stood and watched
Joan issue from the stone porch, cross the ter
race. and wend down by the shrubberies -ex-
actly as l had been led to expect Myself uu-
seen. followed after until she entered tn,
oh .lr.