Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-07-27

os the crowd. and great shouting and
waving of hats, but it is to be feared he
did not feel the enthusiasm evinced all
around him. But this, no doubt. was
due to the fact that an elderly gentleman
of no mean proportions was making n
grand stand of his pet corn.
Again the crowd became more dense.
and he felt himself being swept at an
ever-increasing speed toward stout ma
tron, who, with the assistance of a
friendly lampp0St, appeared to be hold
ing her own with great vigOr and no lit
tie success against the Swaying mass
Here at last was Il harbor Of safety.
and Mr.. Wilkes did not hesitate for
moment-the situation was too critical
but seized the opportunity. in fact.
clasped it round the waist; and at last.
to his intense relief, stood firm.
III.
1t was late when Mr.. Wilkes arrived
home, hatless, collarless, and breathless.
Whit on earth can | do?" he gaspad.
as he came to d halt at his own gate
Emily must never know of this"
Suddenly light broke in upon him,
and an expression Of intense relief stole
across his face.
Very steathily he made circuit of the
hedge that surrounded the house. Very
steathily he crept toward an open win
dow, through which, after much putting
and blowing, he climbed.
What was that?" His heart almost
ceased beating
Il can't think where he can have got
to, Jane" came a familiar voice from
the kitchen. Il advised him not to go,
but he is so self-willed. Oh! do hope
he's not hurt"
Mr.. Wilkes waited no longer to hear
his character criticised, but crept noise
lessly upstairs. and at last stood safe and
sound IN his own room, where, after
carefully locking the door, he sank eX-
hausted upon the bed.
He was soon on his feet again, how
ever, spurred on by the thought that his
reputation was at stake, and that unless
was prepared to face humiliation in
as most crushing form-and from a mere
Wlfe-he must be downstairs and dressed
before Mrs. Wilkes knew of his return.
lie commenced changing with feversh
haste, and had just reached most crti-
cal stage in his attire, when. to his utter
CONSERVATION, he heard footsteps ascend
ing the stairs
He waited in awful suspense while the
door was violently shaken.
Who's in there? demanded a shrill
voice from the landing.
No answer.
Again the door was shaken
IN fetch the police and have the door
broken open unless you speak, came the
voice, with determination in its tone.
Mr.. Wilkes realized that all was over.
Its only me, dear" he answered
meekly.
Good heavens, John. l didn't know
you had come home! Wherever have you
been! Y
Mr.. Wilkes hesitated. Could he suffer
the awful humiliation and loss of social
standing in his own house which was
certain to follow a confession of mis- in
ability to take care of himself, especially
after his assurance in the argument with
his wife on the previous day. The very
thought was repugnant to him.
No, never. Emily wouldn't know, and
il would do no one any harm.
"I've been to the coronation, DEAR" he
answered at last, with well-feigned I'M
concern.
"Of course But whatever has made
YOU so terribly late? | thought you had
been crushed to death
'''rhe idea. How nervous you are En-
ilyl Crushed, indeed, Didn't | tell you
I should see it as well as those idiots
who take seatsY"
Then. breaking off suddenly. he added
in a different tone: Just get me some
brandy ready in the dining room. I'll he
down in a few minutes,
Brandy" exclaimed Mrs. Wilkes, in
surprise. ,,,. s,o.noa NJ v;,,os
his equanimity now fully restored by the
sense of safety.
Mrs. Wilkes retired, no little mystifed
During the whole of this conversation
Mr. Wilkes had been dressing with an
energy born of terror. and now stood be
fore the glass and viewed himself with
a smile of satisfaction.
"By CAD he chuckled u look as
though I've been to an at home instead
of being squashed in a London crowd"
In fact. there was only one thing that
prevented his mind from being at per-
/ 81 Ia ,,Ss oil
hat.
However. the ice of discretion was
broken, and Mr.. Wilkes had fallen hope
lessly in. regardless of the ancient
proverb. BE sure your sin will find you
out In fact, aided by sips "a hot bran
dy. he now gave preference to another
adage, lin for a penny, in for pound.
as, half an hour later, he related to his
astonished and admiring wife. how, by a
little gentle but firm handling of the
crowd, he had not only seen the process
sion, as well as the royal family itself
and escaped unscathed. but had gallant
ly rescued two helpless maidenS from
the awful fate of being crushed.
The next day was Mrs. Wilkes birth
day, and Mr.. Wilkes felt that something
ought TO be done to mark the important
event.
The Palace is a splendid place to
spend an enjoyable evening" Wilkes de-
ciared 1T is more like n respectable
concert than a theater of varieties. and
the American biograph Is simply marvel
Gus"
Needless 10 say. the suggestion was
adopted. and after good dinner at
fashionable restaurant, they found them
selves seated on the luxurious cushions Of
the third row Of the stalls.
The first part Of the evening passed
very pleasantly. The event Of the even
ing, however, was yet TO come.
AT last No. Is went up.