Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-24

~ n
But am detatning you, madam"
with no one else in sight for miles, he
saw approaching him young lady on
dainty wheel
Richard sprang off and planted him
self and his machine squarely across
the thoroughfare.
The lady, thinking he wished to
speak with her, which indeed was the
case, slipped from her perch to the
ground in that charmingly casual way
in which some women dismount, seem
ing to suggest that she merely happens
off.
"You wish to inquire the way, sir?"
she asked in tones of exquisite sweet
ness.
ooh, no. dear madam" replied Dick,
with one of his most correct bows
learned from his constant association
with the aristocracy, whom he met in
cidentally on their travels. 81 am, if
may be permitted to term myself so, an
inspector of highways, and all roads
lead not to Rome in my case, but to
profitable commerce. I must first apol-
ogize to you for not appearing in proper
costume defect which shall at once
proceed to remedy" saying which he
drew from his pocket neatly fitting
black silk mask, penetrated by two
holes for the eyes, which he put over
the upper part of his face, passing the
strings to the back of his head and
holding them there.
"Would you mind just tying these
strings? A lady makes such neat
knot, and they are rather awkward for
ME to get at without mirror
with pleasure" replied the girl,
standing on tiptoe as she tied a dainty
knot with deft fingers. 81 should think
1T much handler to have the ends of the
mask connected with bit of elastic
that you could slip over your head"
II have often thought of it." assented
the young man, "but l am rather a
stickler for old fashioned ways, and so
l stick to the strings. fear l am in
clined to be conservative. l mix SO
much with the nobility, you know"
"Am l wrong in surmising that you
are highwayman, perhaps the famous
Mr.. Turpin himself?"
"Quite right, madam-Dick Turpin,
entirely at your service, at this moment
accomplishing his celebrated ride to
York, Of which sou have doubtless
read, who hopes, by strict attention to
business, to merit continuance of that
custom which 1t will always be his en-
deavor to deserve. Pm sorry l haven't
a card with me, but left town unex
pectedly and, not to put too fine point
upon it, rather in a hurry"
'How delightful
Dick drew forth a huge pistol and
with another low bow, said:
"But ] am OBTAINING you, madam. II
the pleasures of social conversation LEI
MS not forget the realities of life
must trouble you for your watch ant
any rings or other little trinkets that
can keep as mementos of this mos
charming meeting"
81 am SO sorry" answered the Cir
"but when left home this morning
neglected TO bring with me eithe
watch or rings. One is so apt to breal
a watch if one has fall, and rings ar
liable to be lost"
'They are indeed, madam, when I M
on the road. Perhaps you have purse
l shall be happy to relieve you of til
. no which If nu,,coc ln,, f,
1 After good deal of searching abou
the folds of her dress the young W.
man at last found her pocket and drey
| from it a purse, which she handed t
Dick, saying, with sigh:
at contains f21."
II accept it with as much gratitud,
believe me, madam, as If it contained
thousand. The bicycle you ride / wi
leave with you, as would not be foun
in the possession of such machine Q
any price"
| 'Sir" she cried, and for the first tim
during their colloquy there was a trac
of Indignation in her voice. II woul
Violet machine, the very best in til
market. The agent who sold it to IN
himself assured me of that
"You should pay no attention to th
ridiculous statements of interested pa
ties. There is only one machine mad
in England, and that is the renowne
White Wings, made by Coventry con
pany Omitted of that name, forme
last season, highly overcapitaliZed, b
my respected fellow worker Howle.
Alas, that took to the road instead {
going into the company promoting bus
ness! Where l take pound he loot
thousands. Still have the proud col
seriousness of being in the more homes
line of trade. After all, clear col
science is worth something"
rs that White Wings you are rit
ing?"
ut is, madam. and to its perfection
owe the pleasure Of this privileged il
Klondikes."
~ should have thought you woul
have gone in for chainless safety,
murmured the girl dreamily.
"Whatw roared Dick, forgetting 70
the time that he stood in the presenc
Of a lady and for a moment losing hi
temper. II thought you were youn
person of some sense, even if you di
ride Sweet Violet, but such an incor
siderate remark shows
II am afraid, sir, you do not quit
comprehend me. If You are caught
you will be hung in chains Therefor
| SHOULD suppose that you would pre-
| fer the safety of a chainless life to tn
ignomy of death in chains"
i ooh, ha, hal" laughed Dick. 81 didn'
see that Very good, indeed. 1 mus
| remember that joke and tell it to til
boys In the club"