Oakes Republican., 1902-01-10

and even took my cue from you, as l
have done so often off the STAGE
Mrs. Taggett sighed. I'm afraid it's
true" she said. But still, Anthony,
unreal as it is. l always feel 1 want to
get back to it-Want to smell the old,
musty smell, and shiver in the cold
draughts. I wish we could get out OF
this place and make a start some
where.'
My love, I am already on the look
out for q company which requires a
leading man-prepared to Go anything
from Hamlet to the Pantaloon; and
whose Wife is prepared to take even a
subordinate part, so that she may be
near him. In fact, my love, with the
desire to keep my eyes open for any
thing that may be going, was about to
take strool beyond the confines of the
place which shelters us. And if I find
a man who wants drama, and wants
it at once, he shall find me, for my
part, so full of ideas that shall be
prepared to suggest things which will
make his fortune in something less
than monts. Medora-farewell!
Mr. Anthony Taggett put or his hat,
very much on one side, and started out.
He crossed the garden and opened the
gate, and stepped forth into the street,
running, not into the arms of an anx-
ious manager, but into those of a tall
and somewhat ungainly youth, clad, as
to the outer garment, in a long New
market coat, reaching almost to his
heels. This gentleman demanded, with
some bitterness, where Mr.. Taggett
kept his eyes.
Without deigring to answer so ri
Giculous question. Anthony Taggett
frownod severely and went on his way,
found that the ungainly one was COM
ing hard after him. Mr.. Taggett, an
ticipating an assault faced about and
put himself in an attitude of defense.
Come on. sir!'' he cried Come one
come all-and Britons strike home!"
Here he lunged at the young man, who
seemed much surprised at his behavior.
Ere, cheese it," exclaimed the
youth eff you're a-doin' it to keep
yerself warm, all right; ony it amt
pretty. ! wanted to ave a word with
you.''
Mr.. Taggett Immediately lowered his
arms and became digniied; folding his
arms, he nodded to the young man to
proceed. II was mistaken, Sir" he
said.
II should think you was" replied the
other. But I seed you come out of
that 'ouse, an I thought maybe you
could give me little information about
the folks inside OF it. I'm a good deal
Interested in the people in that 'ouse.' -
'Indeed?" said Mr.. Taggett, glanc-
ing at his companion, and mentally fit
ting him with a red wig and smock
frock and putting him on as the comic
countryman. "In what way?"
Its a bit cold, talking in the street.
amt it?" returned the youth, insinuat-
ingly. Suppose we was to step round
the corner and see what they keep
there eh?''
II perceive. sir" said Mr.. Taggett,
smiling genially, that you are young
man with a fine eyes for the true in
wardness of things. Curiously enough,
this is about the hour at which I gen.
orally slake thirst which has ere now
proved expensive. Do not be alarmed,
however," he added, as the face of the
youth grew suddenly grave. II have
reduced it to mere matter of pence
through sheer necessity
Reassured, the gentleman of the New
market coat led the Way into side
street aid ITO small bar which
opened conveniently at corner. There,
after inbib:ng lert of a glass of hot
spirits, the spirits of Mr.. Taggett rose
somewhat, and he became commune
cative. II drink to you, sir,'' he said,
as a sort of afterthcught.
'"rhanks. I 81 otted you Wen I saw
you comm out of that 'ouse yesterday,
with an old gent With a sort of twist i'll
lis legs"
'Ah, my honest friend, Cornelius Wee
vers," broke in Mr.. Taggett. "a
strange creature-yet with his good
points. In the matter of liquor, find
that his tastes agree with mine admir-
ably. But he has queer notions in his
head-very queer notions, my young
friend"
COWS that?" asked the other, indif-
ferently.
Mr.. Tagge.t leaned toward him and
lowered hisf voice to a confidential
whisper. "He believes, my dear sir,
that that house, from which ] have
just come. is haunted-or part of it, at
The ungainly youth suddenly became
deeply interested. i've card about
that from a good many people" he said,
nodding his head, sagely. Its been
put about that ghosts walk there-slnd
lights are seen-ard all that kind of
thing; take my tip, it's a fake"
Personally" said Mr.. Taggett, slow
ly and thoughtfu]ly, II do not believe
in such things. But perhaps there is a
reason for my excellent friend. Wee
vers, taking a melancholy interest in
such thirgs. He told me yesterday,
over a friendly glass land in this very
house, by the way,) that he had once
lost a dear son. Probably the unhappy
fate-whatever it may have been-of
that youth has preyed upon his mind
One can never tell.''
The gentleman in the Newmarket
coat was listening eagerly You don't
'appen to know the name or age of that