, 1902-03-26

SANN '" P~SIA>
acquainted"
time we have spared no effort to re-
cover the remains of the unfortunate
man. In fact, we are now awaiting the
arrival of a professional body-finder
from Blue River Falls, to obtain
whose services we have subscribed a
fund. You will admit, l think, that
We are ~endeavoring to do our full duty
as Christians in the premises. Bear
up, madam, Dear up!"
The woman rose to her feet, evident
ly to seek the open air. Half way to
the door she staggered and fell pros
trate. An hour later she was in bed
at the mayors home, and Mrs. Cad
gers was ministering to her needs.
Another day came. and with it the
professional dredger from Blue River
Falls. He went about his gruesome
undertaking without delay, for the gale
from the north was doing its work
and the lake was freezing over. When
darkness closed in he had accomplished
nothing.
After supper he called at the mayors
residence to deliver his report as
agreed upon. The report, being brief,
was briefly delivered, and he was but
toning his rough coat preparatory to
departure when Cadgers placed a hand
upon his arm.
"Mr. Dawson" said he, "our desire to
recover the body of that unfortunate
man has become, owing to events
which have since TRANSFERRED, more
earnest even than 1t was when we ac-
cepted your proposition. Hygienic and
humanitarian motives have been aug
mented by sentimental ones. A bruised
and bleeding heart is now one of the
considerations we have to reckon with.
Step this way, please"
He led the dredger into IN adjoining
room, where the woman and Mrs. Cad
gers sat by a table. He opened his
mouth to express the formality COM
monty incidental to the Introduction of
a gentleman to a lady. His mouth re-
manned open. soundless. Gradually the
benignity upon his countenance faded
away. Conflicting emotions beset and
bewildered him as he observed the
woman. uttering a cry of joy, rush for
ward and throw her arms about the
dredger's neck. The embrace was a
lengthy one, for the dredger seemed as
DESTROYS of %prolonging it as the wom-
an, and during its continuance the
mayor recovered his poise somewhat.
at appears" he remarked, dryly.
that you two people are already
slightly acquainted. l am, 1t is per-
haps needless to inform you, rather
surprised. Mr.-er-Dawson. will you
do me the kindness to EXPLAIN"
The dredger was visibly embar-
raised. He looked at the woman,
whose hand he was fondling, her at
the ceiling, then at the floor. At last
he looked at the mayor, and grinned.
II suppose l may as we'll make a
clean breast Of It," he said. at was
q joke in the beginning. Some of the
men in the gang I'd been working
with were forever playing practical
Jokes, and I'd seemed to be a particu-
lar favorite as a butt. I made up my
mind to get even. So that day. when
contract expired, I left my Jacket
md vest on the wharf while the 9TH
ers were at grub. Then ] crawled I'M
der the wharf and covered myself with
ooards and waited for the joke to work.
1t worked better W than | thought
1t would. But I heard the men say
so many nice things about me, after
they'd made up their minds that I'd
committed suicide because OF a disap-
pointment In love. that / was ashamed
to come out and give EN- the horse
laugh"
very considerable Of you." MUIR
INJURED the mayor.
"Yes, I reckon twas something like
that. Anyway. l enjoyed It Most
nen have to die before folks say nice
things about EN-. I was specially
pleased with your own words. Your
little speech, telling u the sorrow you
felt In the death Of sven . stranger.
was very nice"
"I am rashly impetuous at times"-
CaAgers frowned heavily-"and give
ut&srance to sentiments that do me
small credit. Proceed. II you please"
well, l wa comfortable under the
wharf. The weather was warm. the
light was good. and 1 chanced to have
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