The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-01-18
CHAPTER IL.
The Mystery.

''Whose picture did you say this WASP"
faltered Blessing.
Thomas Jones', Ora's father The
man who married my daughter and then
left her to die alone, for fear of Offend
in his rich folks back 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 him
self:
by all that's wonderful, it is Thomas
Middleton, my partner-Gladys' father.
Now begin to understand why he OPP
posed our taking this Lost River con-
tract; why he has never come out here
in person, and why he objected at first
to Claude and Gladys coming
Then new thought occurred to him.
That story doesn't sound like Middle
ton. If it is true, I believe he acted
as he did through cowardice rather than
from Villainy. 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 aque-
duct and bring the mems back pay
Can't / bring about a meeting?"
The idea took hold Of his imagination.
Mrs. Gates" he said aloud, IAN old
friend of mine-my partner, Mr. Middle
ton, in facts coming to our hotel week
after next. There is to be a hop there
the evening he arrives. Won't you do
me the favor of coming to the dance and
Of bringing Miss Ora with you?"
''Never!''
''What?"
Never, I say! It was at such hop IS
that. up to the hotel that my girl met
Thomas Jones. Ora shan't run such
risk
But you'll be there to look after her"
pleaded Blessing, 'and-who knows but
what the evil begun at one hop may be
set right at another?"
What do you mean?"
Il can't explain just now. You'll have
to trust me-"
But how can you tell it'll bring you
good Iuck?'
Suppose answering Blessing; sup
pose | should tell you that by going there
she would meet
"Bobr' interrupted a sharp voice.
Blessing turned.
In the doorway of the guest room stood
Gladys Middleton.
Her face was pale her eyes ablaze.
Order my horse at once" she COM
manded. Il am going back to the hotel
going back at once
Without waiting for him to comply,
the angry girl stamped out of the house,
followed by the amazed old woman, who
was anxious to know the meaning of this
sudden determination.
why did she interrupt us just at that
point?' unused Bob. "And how strangely
her eyes shone! Could she have heard
The door flew open and Ora rushed in,
painting and frightened.
You leave me alone, Bill Loucks," she
gasped, at the hulking brute who fol-
lowed her with outstretched arms.
Loucks paid no heed to her words, but
sprang into the room after her-only to
confront Bob Blessing.
Whats the row." asked Bob, stern
1y.
ed Loucks.
Gle tried to kiss metz cried Ora in
the same breath.
81 remember you, my friend" said Bob
quietly, land we've a little score to set
tie. You're the toll-gate keeper and the
man who has been spreading the report
that I am going to cheat my aqueduct
laborers out of their pay
Il was talking to Mr. Middleton" went
on Ora, when 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 mo-
ment when Bob's eyes wandered from
him to Ora, sprang toward Blessing with
appraised fists.
The next instant the toll-gate keeper
was rolling bruised and bleeding, on
the floor; while Bob Blessing stood above
him with flashing eyes and Ora looked on
in frightened admiration.
AS Loucks scrambled, cursing to his
feet. Claude Middleton came IN.
"Oh, there's the other JAY" he cried,