The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1902-07-24
IA Double Deceit
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
By A. ERNEST MARSTON,

Dy A. EklNESI MANSlON.
1T WAS wild night. The rain
j fell in drenching torrents, driv-
ing the few who were awaiting the
coming of the through express in
to the depot, where they gathered
in a shivering group around the
meager fire.
Outside, walking with quick, ner-
yous strides, back and forth upon
the covered platform, was man en-
veloped in long, black macintosh.
The face was dark but handsome and
had an open expression that added
to its attractiveness. The eyes were
deep and lustrous; the hair was
dark and inclined to curl. He wore
no beard, but above the well formed
mouth was curling, black mustache.
: The stylish hat, the cut of his coat
and the distinctive air of culture
about the man marked him as belong
ing to the upper class, while the
firm, erect carriage and the very ex-
actness of the rapid, nervous steps
bespoke military training.
The storm continued with una
bated force and occasional gusts of
wind swept across the platform, but
the man seemed not to notice it.
Now and then he would pause in
in his walk and glance into the ladies'
waiting room as though he were
looking for some one, then turn
away and continue his restless walk
ing. He stopped under the incan-
descent light and glanced hastily at
his watch.
"Seven-thirty,' he muttered. ..The
train is due in IS minutes. wonder
if she is really going tonight :
4 a carriage drew up at the rear Of
the depot and a young lady alighted,
glanced carelessly about her for a
moment, then walked rapidly towards
the ladies' entrance. AS she came
into the bright light, the man gave
a start and stepped back into the
shadow of the building 80
aGood gracious, there she is now! -
he exclaimed soto roce. ..Hope she
didn't see me. If she thought I was
spying upon her movements she
would despise me.''' s A s=,sss 5
He waited until she had disap-
peared into the, depot, then walked
slowly up the platform, CHANGING eau
tiously into the waiting-room as he
passed the window. The i young
lady was evidently engaged in pur-
chasing ticket, and the man noted
the assurance with which she set
about the matter, as though she had
been accustomed to doing such
things for herself which, he was con-
fdent, she had not.
Il wonder if she is going away
alone" he unused. ':She does not
appear to be expecting anyone"
The man outside noted every de-
tail Of her neat travelling suit, which
followed every curve Of her perfect
figure. He noted, also, with feel
ing akin to jealousy, that she was
being regarded with curious interest
by the men in the ticket Office and
by commercial traveller, who had
for some unexplainable reason in
vaded the ladies' waiting-room.
When the latter offered to assist
the young lady with her coat, the
watcher could hardly restrain him
self.
1.-THE presuming cur" he said in a
savage undertone. 1--WE mind to
call him to account for his i'm
pudence."
But events proved that the young
lady was capable of looking out for
herself. The polite but decisive
manner in which she declined the
proffered assistance convinced the
commercial man that for once he
had made mistake, and he sank
back in his seat with the conscious
ness that his egotism had received
a severe blow.
cad! She is all right he NUT
tered, watching the young lady as she
swept gracefully across the room.
AS she opened the door and came
ont upon the platform, the man out
side drew hack into the shadows
where he had watched her while
she walked to the other end of the
depot and back. Then he formed q
sudden resolution.
.She shall not go away in this
manner without word" he said
with decision.
The young lady was just turning
when he stepped suddenly into view,
and q stifed scream. escaped her as
she recognized him.