Rocky Ford enterprise. (Rocky Ford, Colo.) 1887-1950, 1902-08-15

and "bore down with all sails Set" al
he would have nautically expressed 1t
Charlie played his part well.
He met the captain In a blum
friendly manner. Just as young mar
might wish to receive the father of O
lovely girl he admired.
Plainly Captain Brand found no es'
peeial reason for alarm.
He set out to be even more jovial
and debonair than usual. with the idea
of creating good impression on
his daughters old friend. whom he
wished to study at close range.
When he set out TO entertain. Cap
tain Brand OF the Hespasia was a
bowling success. relating the most as
tonishing incidents connected with his
long captivity In the desert. his perils
on the sea. and the deep fountain OF
love for wife and child that had sus-
tanned him through all his trials.
Charlie was no mean actor himself.
thanks to the splendid control which
he was able to exercise over his facial
muscles.
Although he now had not the least
doubt as to the fellow being a fraud
OF the first water Charlie felt that he
owed IL 10 Arline's respect for fiiial af-
fectlon TO prove this fact.
This was the task he cut out for
himself
lie laid his little trap.
Captain Brand was SO much engas-
ed with his flow OF oratory and tho
charming OF this friend OF the family
that he did not notice the pit SO deity
dug.
Thus. almost without m effort.
Charlie had him admit that he knew
considerable about Valparaiso. in
Chill. and had been there. In the
course OF his wanderings. many years
ago.
In Charles mind this settled the
matter. lie was confident he knew
with whom he had to deal. and when
the time came he would be ready to
dare all In defylns the adycnturer.
While they sat thus. speaking OF
the sights OF Antwerp. there came
messenger from the hotel office inquir-
ing for Mr.. Charlie Stuart. whom
gentleman outside desired to see.
As he went. directed by the clerk.
TO the spot where he would ind the
gentleman who had asked for nn I'M
mediate Interview on serious business.
he was making up his mind to tell
Pe;crhon the whole story and enlist
his favorable consideration for Airline.
80 that when the dcnonmcnt came the
doughty captain could be taken care
of.
Judge OF his surprise. then. when.
upon coming upon the party who
wished to see him. he found II was no
other than AEtcmus Barnaby. with his
honest face cloudcd with an air OF the
darkest mystery.
II did not require much prophetic
skill on Charles part to tell that his
crrat!c friend had news OF some I'm
portancc for him.
He pressed forcnngcr on his lips
TO indicate dead silence. when he found
that Charlie had recognized him.
Charlie stood there waiting while
the other crept on his tiptocs to the
corner. In the regular orthodox stage
fashion. and looked this way and that.
to assure himself that there could be
no cavcsdroppcrs near.
Then he approached his friend. his
warning finger still on his lips.
Reaching the other. he placed his
lips close to Charles ear. and solemn
iy said:
THE coas; Is cicar.'
81 see Il Is" said Charlie. aloud.
What am about to disclose to
you. Will give you cruel shock. my
boy
Shock away then. only make
haste"
Il am about to make disclosure
that will. | regret to say. knock away
the foundations OF your belief in hui
mainly"
"Ah, that's serious thing indeed.
Docs this disclosure concern the world
at large or one Individual specimen OF
mankind?"
"One shining light"
Then fire away. and be hanged to
YOU
Artemus assumed n look OF extreme
gravity. although Charlie was sure he
heard n chuckle.
You have met the father of the
young lady of the Steen dungeons. The
hotel clerk has been entertaining me
with wonderful story of his return to
life and civilization. 1t reads like n
romance. and would find worthy
niche in my notebook. only, my dear
boy, 1t is so very ancient, veritable
stage chestnut. as 1t were.
But let that pass. I imagine this
Captain Brand Is n character worth
knowing. something unique. I could
hear him out yonder, and the dulcet
tones of his voice We're soothing
enough to conjure with
Yes" remarked Charlie. ''he is
wonderful man. and could charm most
people by the quaint manner of his
speech"
Artemus again bent forward.
Beware of Captain Brandt" he
whispered, and then sprang back to
note the stunning effect of his an
nouncement.
But Charlie. though interested, re-
fused to be stunned
why, what has he done?"
HE is bold. bad mani"
Charlie was inclined to say "Amen!"
to that. but he kept his own counsel
as yet seeking more light.