Omaha daily bee., 1900-10-18


there. too?" asked Helen.
The hostess was astoundcd. Her guest
up to this time had looked forward to the
bathing. dancing and other pleasures OF
the scashorc as the event OF her youth.
Now her pleasure depended upon the pres
ence OF a daily newspaper.
Robert Masters had Just received an ap.
pointment as chief engineer Of mining
company. His prospects we're very en-
ccuragins. Before engaging upon the oc-
tive duties OF his new position he had
Joined the throngs for a few weeks rec
rcation at tho seashore.
He would not have been attracted to
Miss Morse, but why did she shrink from
him so when they were introduced. Mr.
Masters loved a contest and he deter
mined to win her esteem at least.
NO will not accept his invitation TO
darce," she said 10 herself. but she ac-
cepted Was she dancing with an escaped
convict? She excused herself and re-
tired to her room.
at this moment he may be dancing with
some other girl" thought Helen, as she
vainly tried TO close her eyes In sleep
But what do | care for limits the girl
She must not dance with him! She would
not II she knew"
mo. thank you" she said next morn
ing, as she refused the engineers invi-
tation for a ride. I'm afraid he'll MUIR
der me- she said TO herself.
A few minutes later the Other girl re-
turned from the ride unhurt and radiant
Helen was angry The other girl" was
aiding a criminal
III he knew the secret which I possess
Ia p,p 3bne - said uaien
with tears iu her eyes. yet. he gives
me the preference" and her face bright
cEed with the thought.
But that evening she again refused a
ride On the bay with the engineer. How
ever, she did not retire until the other
girl" was landed in safety.
Helen desired the company OF the sup.
posed convict. He was cultured, we'll ed
ucated and popular. She did not trust
him. lie had designs for he was n Grim
inal. but in spite of this she did not want
the other girl" to receive his attentions.
One day, In curt note she declined
Robert Masters invitation to join picnic
party. He seemed Indifferent, when an hour
later Helen saw the other girl and the
engineer walking away from the hotel. gaily
swinging a basket OF lunch between them.
Helen was in rage. She had already
lost her heart, now she lost her head. To
the chief OF police she told her story. Then
she went to her room and cried.
"Mr Masters, We are obliged to detain
you at the station until the arrival Of a
Pittsburg police offcer. We have con-
elusive evidence that you are an escaped
convict" was the greeting which the en-
gineer received upon his return from The
picnic that night He was angry and OBJ
durate. The officer was persistent. Had
he consented quietly to accompany the off,
Ger, he would not have attracted attention.
! The polished gentleman OF an hour ago was
now n blackened scoundrel He was placed
behind the bars.
Helen insisted on going home that night.
but in spite Of her protests she must ap
pear as chief witness on the morrow.
Warden Wrex arrived early next morn
ing His reputation had suffered, but he
would redeem himself with his superiors
II the convict could be landed in his cell
once more
Great Scott! Mr. Masters, you here"
said the astounded warden as the engineer
was brought from his cell.
"Yes, l am am accused Of having taken
hasty departure from your hospltable
roof" said the engineer angrily.
But this is surely a case OF mistaken
identity" said the warden.
Il wish people would make their mistakes
| In cold weather so that the innocent
wouldn't have to lose their weight in ad-
dition 20 their regulations" said the per-
spring engineer.
In the meantime Helen Morse had been
sent for. Masters was determined to spend
every cent he owed and could borrow TO
punish the party who had brought upon
! him this indignity.
When Helen appeared his fierce resolves
vanished. "She believes I am u convict:
no wonder she repulsed me-" thought
Robert
Miss Morse, you have made very
serious mistake" said Warden Wrek. This
| man was never an inmate OF the Allegheny
| county penitentiary."
The girl was embarrassed. She knew
then mistake had been made, but believed
! that her error would be excused when a
statement was made.
II did see that man in your company
! at the peritentiary. Mr.. Wrex, and at tho
time he waS wearing a convlct's garb. That
same night prisoner escaped. When I
saw Mr.. Masters I recognized him as one
of the convcts and reported the fact"
Robert Masters laughed in such an un-
becoming manner that the tears went
coursing down his cheeks.
Miss Morse" said the warden, permit
me to introduce Robert Masters, an engl-
necr OF Pittsburg, who was OF great serv-
| ice TO me In locating the trend OF the
tunnel dug for tho purpose OF freeing a
| prisoner from the penitentiary. At the
time he wore suit OF oouvicts clothes
so as not to soil his own"
Helen would that she had never left her
quiet home. The officers looked upon her
with contempt, The reporters oyos
cleaned with pleasure ns he was writing
up the sensation OF the season.
Very well, warden, I'll so to your hotel.
I imagine they won't entertain me at the
hotel at which have been stopping" said
! the engineer.
cot course they will Mr. Masters. I
will explain everything aud take all the
blame, !, not you, will be the sufferer.
With downcast head and upturned eyes
Helen appeallngly awaited an answer.
Here are three notes In which you have
refused my company on different occasions. "
said the engineer as the keeper OF the Jail
returned his possessions. "Will you refuse
again, II I ask permission to escort you TO
the hotel?" That she accepted the warden
knew, for he left for his hotel alone.
Helen was the first to speak Mr.
Masters I would leave the hotel tonight