The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-10-28

| her suggestion as command and afte
 some difficulty finally got firm hold 0
 Clarence and of my revolver A ca
 has nine lives, you know, but I f1nall.
 succeeded in carrying out my wife' | wishes In the matter. l had a grudg'
 of long standing against Clarence, any how, and I'm free to confess that lift
 has been more pleasant at my house
 since his sudden and unexpected de mise'
 | Hawkins, it's up to you"
 The Past Grand Imperial Emperor
 heaved deep sigh
 I've got a long story to tell" he said. Let's put it off till we have more time"
 l But the other men were relentless. | T don't mind confessing," he began that went home determined to stick one of you fellows for the supper Ir fact, I may as well admit that I left home that evening to get in by the side door, and I was sure not soul in the house would hear me. had it all care- fully planned, and 1t wasn't at all my fault that it didn't work out as I flg- ured
 II staid down town until four o'clock on purpose, because knew that people sleep most soundly just before the down. Before I went in I walked all around the house and saw that there wasn't a light burning anywhere.
 T even took the trouble to look up the policeman on the beat and he as- sured me that there hadn't been light tyo e,i,z Ia rtn n1N der the circumstances I felt that it would be easy to get in without being caught at it. At the time I wouldn't have given you chaps nickel for your chance of eating at my expense.
 Finally I let myself In at the side door without making a soundthatcould have disturbed mouse. Then with a pocket electric light, which I always carry with me, lit myself through H. brary and drawing-room into the hall.
 Then, like wise man, sat down on the steps to take off my shoes so as to make assurance doubly sure, Just as waspulling off the second shoe my foot slipped and I kicked over the other shoe which had set down on the stairs beside me. It went pumping down to the bottom. striking on every step with racket which was frightful.
 Who's there cried my wife in naturally startled voice.
 It's only me, dear I answered in my most ingratiating tone. I'm afraid I dropped one of my shoes.
 For goodness sake, she said. Are you just getting home from lodge? What time Is if anyhOW?
 It's just about twelve o'clock, dear,' I answered.
 Then the cuckoo clock in the library struck four and. in order to make good, I had to sit there on those stairs and cuckoo eight times more to make up twelve.
 "'Well, it's time you were home at any rate, she said
 I started up stairs again going fast now because I thought I might as well get inside my room and close the door before anything else happened.
 1T was on the next to the last step, when my toe caught on a loose bit of and I fell forward, only saving myself by putting out my hands, in which I carried my shoes Of course tHe sHOeS Hldue q Aeiiipie Idchct dS they struck the stairway and Mrs. Hawkins was reused to action once more.
 It's wonder she called, that you fall down stairs and break your neck
 q was willing to do almost anything to stick you chaps for supper, but this was q suggestion which couldn't car- " out without losing all chances of en- loving future suppers at anybody's ex oense. It's on me, boys. and I leave it 70 you to name the day. Chicago Tri- pune.