The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-19
AN INCIDENT AT BEAVER LAKS
BY DAVID H. TALMAGE.

Copyright. so2. by Daily Story Pub. Col
 There are numerous Beaver Lakes In the United States, but of the number there Is but one which has at its head q city--a city which sets like bow Of ribbon with Its ends hanging raggedly on either side. This particular city has mayor whose name Is Badgers, ana whose avoirdupois Is tremendous. It has Also city hall which might be placed entire in New England woodshtd and still leave room for winters supply or wood. And 1t has corporate heart which Is out of all proportion to It's corporate Jody. and a moral standard which Is subject to suspicion.
 One November day. when the frst gale of q new season was sweeping across the lake from the ice regions not many miles at the door of the postoffice in this city and inquired of the postmaster. who came iff person to receive the mail. whether or not he could direct her to ths nSte or Gses wnePe t5a o ciars mouth dropped open, and ne stared al her for so long a time that pink spots appeared upon the wonan's thin cheeks, and the soft expression or sorrow in her brown eyes gave place to the hard ex- 2 Why yes, madam, he said at last noting these signals and recognizing their import, II heard there was man of that name here q while ago. but he never and couldn't say where he might be stopping now. and-and 1 reckon you'd better make inquiries at the mayors of- fice."
 He pointed the way to the city hall. watched the woman draw her tn. eadbare shawl more closely about her shoulders. and re-entered his place of business. dragging the leathern pouch behind him. curiously enough. his forehead was damp with sweat.
 That was nothing short of an inspir- alton of mine. that sending her down to Cadgers." he told himself, drawing a long breath. "Cadgersll know how to handle her. but ms-Lord! I'd rather fight a regiment of drunk Indians than break bad news to a woman."
 Meanwhile the woman was entering the mayors office. and the ponderous Cad gers was turning slowly about to greet ton in any of his mayora functions, partially for the reason that it was phys-' ically inconvenient for him to do SO, and partially because he had high and fit- tion. He waved the woman gracefully 10 box by the stove, and listened at- tentively to her question.
 Where are you from. madam? he asked hluntly.
 From Blue River Falls" she replied.
 "And the postmaster you say. sent you to me?'
 Yes. sir
 Then he's confounded coward. and. I'm sorry l signed his petition. What. may I ask, Is this James Gifford's re- lation to you? Maybe now he's owing you money for board or something like that?"
 'No." said the woman. after a moment of hesitation. "he-l-were promised to each other"
 "O!" The light of hope that had spread over the mayors countenance wa ex- tinguished without a flicker. He drum med deliberately with his fat fingers upon his knees, positive evidence that his nerves were vibrating. He cleared hts throat" Madam. there was gang of men here some little time ago, engaged Lumber Company. which building you may have observed. near the wharf. While here their number was constantly being Increased and reduced as the eki- gencles or the company's various other men, have been informed. are under an nual contract"
 Yes" interrupted the woman. "Jim's contract was for year. but 1t expired last week. and he was not intending to ,rersw It.. He thought he could pick up odd jobs to keep him going till spring. when he'll have good place down at St. Mark It's strange he isn't here"
 The mayor drummed more vigorously. This Is very uncertain world. madam" he observed; it Is. to tell the truth. all- fired uncertain. Some of the stpang st things in 1t are not so strange when the adjoining and abutting circumstances are known-ahem!"
 Some quality in his tone or in the ex- precision of his eyes caused the woman to lean forward and catch her breath sharply.
 %, sir, what is 1t? Don't be afraid to tell me. What has happened to Jim?"
 Madam, to hesitate longer would be unjust and cruel. Be brave, madam. I will tell you. Your lover fell into the lake last Wednesday, the day of his ar rival here. No one saw him when he fell. But his jacket and vest were found upon the wharf and were identified by the other workmen. The gang left here the following day since which time we have spared no effort to recover the re- mains of the unfortunate man. In fact, we are now awaiting the arrival of professional body-finder from Blue River Falls, to obtain whose services We have subscribed fund. You will admit, 1 think. that We are endeavoring to do our full duty as Christians in the prem ises. Bear up, madam, bear up!''
 The woman rose to her feet, evidenly to seek the open air. Half way to the door she staggered and fell prostrate. An hour later she was in bed at the mayors home. and Mrs. Badgers was ministering to her needs.