The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-08

team OF our racing men go there, as
is contemplated, II Will give a great
impetus to the sport. DO you think
you would ever care to visit the Anti
podes yourself, Miss Gordon?"
II wonder II I made deceat adieux,"
solloquized Josephine. as she went
down the walk. There must be con-
spiracy to foist Australia upon me,
whether / want 1t or not. Nelson will
b. here in a minute, l suppose. I'll just
run up the road and tell him I've
heard enough of Australia. She had
reached the corner of the hedge where
she had eft her wheel. 1t was no.
where in sight. She felt "a sudden
qualm, but was reassured as she saw
an old servant approaching her. Have
you seen my bicycle7" she asked, anx-
iously. II left it here an hour or so
ago.
The old man touched his hat re-
spectfully. mo. miss. came in
about an hour ago myself, and have
and II was not here when 1 came in"
Josephine felt herself grow weak.
my beautiful wheel" she said, falter-
ingly. "Oh, If it is gone, what shall I
do?"
The old servant looked at her sympa-
thlzingly. II fear, miss" he said.
Josephnt burst into tears. "Oh, my
WHEEL she cried.
I'm very sorry you took the risk of
leaving it here, MISS" said the old
man, with evident sympathy; there
are many bicycle thieves at work of
late, and a number Of line wheels
have been stolen. Give inc a descrip-
tion of your wheel, and Mr.. Harbe-
son will gladly assist you in recovering
It,"
Josephine groaned. ooh, shall new
er get 1t back" she said.
"Do not think that; there are good
chances that you may recover it. You
had better come up to the house and
see Mr.. Harbeson, and he will send you
to town in a conveyance or have you
driven. over to the trolley, which ever
you prefer"
The kindness OF the old servant re-
called to Posephine the trip to town
with Scott that was now lost.
II thank you" she said falteringly,
but 1t is not necessary. 1 can just as
we'll walk over to the trolley"
1T is not to be thought Of" began
the old man, when at that moment a
swift whir was heard near by, and ere
Josephine could reply Nelson Scott
rode UP tc the hedge and dismounted
'Ah, here you are" he said. gayly
II thought 1 should find you on the
road, and was Just beginning to think
had missed you. Will you"
My wheel has been stoien," Sasped
the girl.
Then, her agitation being too much
for her, the old servant explained the
circumstances to Scott.
This is bad" he said, "but we shall
fix it all right Don't despair of getting
1t back. 1t was a Zeno, wasn't it, and
what is the NUMBER"
"14277. Oh, Do you think can ever
get it back?"
Get it back? Why, of course, we'll
get it back. 1 will devote myself to
the business of getting it back, and
will turn amateur detective for the
sake of recovering it. If I do not get
1t, will give you a. new one, so cheer
up and prepare to go back to town
at once, for it is getting little late
for you with that important story"
you must be driven over" said the
old servant. IT will have the buggy
LOT you III IllneIlt. AS lie ulSdp-
| peared, Scott gently slipped his arm
| about the girls waist and looked down
| into her eyes until a warmer tint
crept VI under the glow of her cheek.
"I will find your wheel for you or
make it's loss good to you," he said.
do not let that worry you for a mo-
ment ! have more important things
| for you to think about. 1 have lost my
ride with you this afternoon, and we
will not have time to consult about
| plans for my Australian trip, but re-
member that 1 shall see you soon and
expect to have your advice"
Are You really gong?'
1T looks even more so today than
yesterday. I heard some news in Ver-
nonville which points to the trip being
an accomplished fact. Tell me, will
you assist me with my plan?"
His voice, the warm pressure of his
arm, sent a thrill Though the girl yet
even then a certain feminine perversity
kept her from uttering the words she
felt impellcd to say.
II will help you, If you win the han
dicap at the race meet" she replied.
Scotts eyes flashed. "Dou you mean
that?" he cried. "Pll win that race II
it's the last thing 1 ever do
AS Josephine was whirled over to the
trolley she speculated vaguely on hel
1 promise.