Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-09-13


said Artemus to himself His little
jaunt about town must have worn him
out-not the first case of its kind.
rather guess with sinister lear at
his wit.
So he went below
The door of Charles stateroom was
just opposite his own-a single step
across the little passage.
AS he approached he heard the
sounds of loud snoring from within.
On the spur of the moment he de-
cided to arouse his friend with sud
den sh5ut, or by the advent of con-
venient shoe tossed across the little
room. Artemus had never wholly out
grown his college days, when he
gained the reputation of being the
champion practical joker of his class
So he quietly opened the door, which
was conveniently unlocked.
Through the bulls-eye windows
enough of the morning light crept to
allow a fair survey of the miniature
apartment.
One of the first things Artemus saw
was a shoe that had been tossed
aside.
AS he seized upon it eagerly, he
failed to note its generous proportions
as contrasted with the neat footgear
which Charlie Stuart affected-such
trifes do not impress themselves upon
the mind when weightier things are
demanding recognition.
Now for center shot
He turned his attention to the lower
berth, which was occupied by human
form.
Just then the nasal sounds came to
a sudden stop with a savage snort, and
the sleeper whirled over on his side.
The act brought his face directly
within range of the morning light that
struggled through the small openings
beyond.
No wonder Artemus crouched there
as If frozen.
Talk about the magic touch of the
geni! When had such wonderful
transformation ever taken place be-
fore?
For one to retire as Prince Charlie
Stuart, gay, handsome and debonair,
to awaken in the guise of grim and
grizzled old Captain Brand was mys-
terry that almost paralyzed the seeker
after sensations.
Artemus took one last fearsome look
the sleeper, passed out, and then soft
ly closed the door.
Only when safe within his own room
did he give vent to his over-wrought
feelings in a whistle.
Great Jupiter That beats every
thing l ever saw. Instead of Charlie
the ogrel What does it mean?
There is treachery afoat. l seem to
detect it in the very air around. But
the question arises, where is Charlie?
And shall l have to take his place as
her warrior bold, and will it be neces-
sary for me to give up my liberty?"
Poor fellowi
He did not know whether to look
on it as a huge joke or grim reality.
He thought of warning Airline; she
ought to know her dear papa was on
board, and that he had refused to
break the paternal bonds that had be
come so very strong since his return
from exile.
Artemus buckled on his armor.
If he was to be pitted against the
old ogre, it would be a pretty fight
Capt. Brand might have succeeded in
outwitting Charlie, who was too frank
for deep diplomacy, but he would find
it quite another thing when he ran up
against the new knight who had SHE'D
his castor into the ring.
All! A gentle tap at the door.
Artemus almost fell over himself In
his eagerness to open a satchel and
clutch little affair of steel and nickel
which he carried there, and armed
with which he called:
"Come!"
The door opened and figure whisk-
ed in, Immediately closing the same
again.
Artemus gave cry-the half-raised
arm fell useless at his side.
There was more witchery. He had
expected the old ogre, armed with
shoe, and bent upon turning the tables
upon him.
Instead he saw-why, Charlie, of
course, though at first Artemus reck-
oned it his ghost! Charlie, with fin
ger pressed mysteriously on his lips.
a la Artemus' favorite style of com
municating a secret, and his face
wreathed in what appeared to be
broad grin