The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-14
CHAPTER II.
The MySfcry.

1Ltdl uSdNeE. HS Edspeu-
CHAPTER Il
The Mystery.
Whose picture did you say this was?"
faltered Blessing.
Thomas Jones's-ora's father; the man
who married my daughter and then left her
to die alone. for fear of offendin' his rich
folks hack IN New York. That's him.
That's Thomas Jones. And a good likeness
it was. twenty years ago.
But Bob Blessing scarcely Needed her
He was saying over and over to himself:
by all that's wonderful. It is Thomas
Middleton, my partner-Gladys's father!
Now begin to understand why he OPP
posed our taking this Lost River contract;
why he has never come out here in person,
and why he objected at first to Claude and
Gladys's coming"
Then a new thought occurred to him.
THAT story doesn't sound like Middleton.
II 1t is true, believe he acted as he did
through cowardice rather than from vii
lainy. He would probably be glad to make
amends If he knew Ora was living. He will
be at Lost River week after next to look
over the aqueduct and bring the mems
back pay. Can't bring about meeting?
The idea took hold OF his Imagination.
MRS. Gates" he said aloud, IAN old
friend of mine-my partner. Mr. Middleton,
In fact--is coming to our hotel week after
next. There is to be a hop there the even
ing he arrives. Won't you do me the IA
vor Of coming to the dance and of bringing
Miss Ora with your
'.NeverW
''whatT'
Never. say! It was at such q hon a
this. UP TO the hotel that my girl mot
Thomas Jones. Ora sha'n't run such Z
risk"
But you'll be there to look after her.
pleaded Blessing. land = who knows but
what the evil begun at ono hop may b set
right at anotherT
What do you mean7"
II can't explain just now. You'll have TO
trust me-"
But how can you tell It'll bring you good
luck?"
Suppose" answered Blessing. Suppose
should tell you that by going there she
would meet
''Bob." interrupted sharp voice.
Blessing turned.
In the doorway Of the guest room stood
Gladys Middleton.
Her face was pale: her eyes abiaze..
Order my horse at once" she command
ed. Il am going back to the hotel. No.
don't stop to ask me Questions. / am going
hack at once
Without waiting for him to comply. the
angry girl stamped out OF the house fol.
lowed by the amazed old woman, who was
anxious to know the meaning Of this sud-
den determination.
Why did she interrupt US Just at that
pointF" unused Bob. 'And how strangely
her eyes shone! Could she have heard.
The door opened. and Ora rushed IN,
painting and frightened
You le2ve me alone. Bill Louclks." she
gasped It the hullzin3 brute who followed
her with outstretched arms.
Loucks paid no heed to her words. INT
sprang into the room after herlonly to
confront Bob Blessing.
What's the row." asked Bob, sternly.
None OF your business" rrowled
Leucks.
He tried to kiss me-" cried Ora. In the
same breath.
x remember you. my frfend,,' said
Bob quietly. land we've little score to
settle. You're the tollgate keeper ana the
man who has been spreading the report
that am going to cheat my aqueduct la
borers out OF their pay"
Il was talking to Mr., Middleton. went
on Ora. VIXEN Bill and Ezra came up. They
insulted Mr. Middleton and Mr.. Middleton
sailed into them like cyclone He chased
Ezra down the road: and then Bill tried to
kiss me-
;-Loucks, taking advantage Of the moment
when Bob's eyes wandered from him to
Ora sprang toward Blessing with appraised
fists.
The next instant the tollgats keeper was
rolling. bruised and bleeding. on the door.
while Bob Blessing stood above him With