Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-07-01

Dut an utttHtNy UOu, WuuuW'
with no one else in sight for miles. he
saw approaching him young lady or
a dainty wheel.
Richard sprang off and planted him
self and his machine squarely across
the thoroughfare.
The lady. thinking he wished L
speak with her. which indeed WAS the
case slipped from her perch to the
ground in that charmingly casual way
in which soma 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.
"Oh. 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 II !
may be permitted to term myself So an
inspector of highways. and all roads
lead not to Rome in my case. but 10
profitable commerce. must first apol
ogize to you for not appearing in proper
costume, a defect which | shall nj one.
proceed to remedy" saying which he
drew from his pocket neatly lifting
black silk mask. penetrated by two
holes for the eyes. which he put over
the urper part of his face, passing the
strings 10 the back of his head and
holding them there.
Would you mind just tying these
strings? A lady makes such a 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 dainty
knot with deft fingers. II should think
it much handler to have the ends OF the
mask connected with bit OF elastic
that you could slip over your head
IL have often thought OF it." assented
the young man. but | am rather II
stickler for old fashioned ways. and so
| stick to the strings ! fear am in
clned to be conservative. mix so
much with the nobility. you know"
Am | wrong in surmiSing that you
are highwayman perhaps the famous
Mr. Turpin himself"
Quite right. madam-Dick Turp!n
entirely at your service, at this moment
accomplishing his celebrated ride to
York. Of which you have doubtless
read. who hopes. by strict attention to
business. to merit continuance OF that
custom which it will always be his Ell
deavor to deserve I'm sorry haven't
card with me, but left town unex
pectedly and. not to put too fine point
upon 1t. rather in hurry"
How delightful"
Dick drew forth huge pistol and
with another low bow, said:
But am OBTAINING you. madam. In
the pleasures of social conversation let
us not forget the realities Of life. !
must trouble you for your watch and
any rings or other little trinkets that !
charming meeting"
81 am so sorry" answered the girl.
"but when ! left home this morning |
neglected TO bring with me either
watch or rings. One is so apt to break
watch If one has fall. and rings are
liable to be lost"
"They are indeed. madam, when nm
on the road. Perhaps you have purse
shall be happy to relieve you OF the
care which it causes you"
After Il good deal Of searching about
the folds of her dress the young wo
man at last found her pocket and drew
from it n purse. which she handed tt
Dick, saying, with sigh:
ut contains f21."
81 accept 1t with as much gratitude
believe me. madam. as If it contained 9
thousand. The bicycle you ride | vii
leave with you, as would not be found
in the possession Of such machine a
any price"
"Sir." she cried, and for the first time
during their colloquy there was trace
of Indignation in her voice. 81 would
have you know that this is Swee,
Violet machine. the very best in the
market. The agent who sold 1t to me
himself assured me of that"
"You should pay no attention to the
ridiculous statements Of interested par
ties. There is only one machine made
i'm England. and that is the renowned
White Wings, made by Coventry com
pany Qimited) Of that name, formed
last season, highly overcapitalized, by
my respected fellow worker Howley
Alas. that / took to the road instead OF
going into the company promoting busi
ness. Where l take pound he loots
thousands Still have the proud con
sciousness of being in the more homes,
line of trade. After all, a clear con
science is worth something"
"Is that a White Wings you are rid
ingY
"It is, madam. and to is perfection