Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-09-06

tull IN the eyes for minute, Out Mdue
no sign of recognition.
What is it ?" askedthe captain, as
"Mrs. Bemis" shuddered and gasped
and seemed on the point of fainting.
IA sudden illness-heart troub-
lel" she stammered as she left the Ia
bic for her state-room, followed by her
supposed husband.
There were wonder and curiosity,
but little was said. Good form" de-
mands that such incidents be passed
over as easily as possible. There were
those who thought it might be heart
trouble and others who suspected the
presence of the "major" had something
to do with it, but that was 10 place to
compare notes. Neither of the pair
was seen again that evening. though
Major Davis was very much IN evl-
dence until late hour. At breakfast
next morning Mr.. Bemis appeared
alone. His wife was better, thank
you, was his reply to enquirers, but
thought it best to remain quiet for
day or two. Not once did he let his
eyes roam around the table, but he
knew that Major Davis was there
among the rest. He knew that a pair
of steel blue eyes were scanning his
troubled face and that a pair of soft
white hands were aching to grip his
throat. After breakfast, as the men
sought the smoking-room, Mr.. Bemis
started to act on plan which had
doubtless been talked over with his
wife. He walked straight up to Major
Davis and began
Judge, I don't know what I can
say in extenuation, but r
Excuse me, sir" interrupted the
other "but you have evidently made
mistake. I think the gentleman
called the Judge has passed into the
saloon"
Mr.. Bemis looked at the major like
a man seeing the face of death in
nightmare, and beads of perspiration
started out on his forehead.
"Your-your wife is better this
morning, think heard you say p
queried the major in courteous tones.
"Y-yes p
"GIad to hear it. She should be-
ware of over excitement. Weather
seems to have settled, ard we are max
ing a fine run of it, Have light ?
No )? Well, I'll walk a little"
Mr.. Bemis stared after him as if see
ing a ghost, and his breath came in
sobs as he finally turned away. lie
had seen the man whose home he had
despoiled dozen times or more, and
he believed that Judge Dale stood be-
fore him. Still there might be a
chance that it was simply wonder
ful resemblance. Such things had been
known. 1t must have been this faint
hope that buoyed up the wife to ap-
pear that afternoon. a wife should
be able to identify the face, figure
and speech Of the husband Of even a
fortnight. but the elopers hoped for
miracle. Major Davis had made sew
eral acquaintance. and Mrs. Bemis
had no sooner appeared than he was
ready to be introduced.
81 am honored, he said, as he made
his bow. Permit me to offer my sin
cere congratulations on your speedy
recovery"
"I-I thank you
ut was your husband | met this
morning, believe, and for moment
he took me for some one else. 1t is
queer how you'll often find two people
looking SO much alike as to deceive
you at first glance. "
"Y-yes, it is !" she stammered, lean
ing on the back of a chair for support
and speaking through bloodless lips.
"You do not find in me resem-
blance to any gentlemen called the
iudge?" he queried, as he looked her
full in the face.
"N-no-that IS
"But I am keeping you. Pray, be
seated, and I think | see your husband
coming this way. Hope the fine wealth
er will put you in good spirits" "
At every meal Major Davis faced
the guilty pair. Some of the Passen-
gers suspected nothing, but others in
sisted that there was a queer mystery
afoot. The major gave nothing away.
It wouldn't have been good form.
The woman avoided him as far as pos
sible, but two or three times day be
found excuse to speak to her. If she
had hoped for miracle, her hopes
were dashed at the first close sight Of