Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-10-04

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waiting for him; his manner seemed
to declare it
What could he want?
There was something so exceeding
audacious about the fellows game
that Charlie was forced to admire his
nerve, even though he felt angry with
him at the same time because he had
deceived Airline.
Capt. Brand-as we may still call
the old rogue, through courtesy,
though well aware that this was not
his right name-Capt. Brand had evil
IDENTIFY made up his mind that the
time had come for a plain under
standing with this young fellow who
courted Airline.
He had fortified himself for the in
terview with various potations calcu-
lated, according to his way of think
ing, to put courage into a man.
So he had kept watch, waiting for
Stuart to appear.
And doubtless his particular thirst
needed attention at frequent inter
walls.
Charlie saw at a glance the man
was hardly himself, as usual, when
the liquor was in the wit went out.
He might have preferred avoiding
the interview if given his choice, since
no good could come of it save to
let this man understand they were
deadly foes; sut Brand intercepted
him, and appeared to be decidedly in
earnest.
Charlie knew no reason why he
should run away. He believed he
could give the fellow as good as he
sent, Roland for an Oliver, and per-
haps find a chance to pick up some
information.
1t occurred to Charlie at that mo-
ment how much of truth there might
be in the old saying to the effect that
whom the gods would destroy they
first make mad"
Capt Brand exhibited a fair sam
pie of it; he was not only mad, but
slightly inebriated; not enough to in
terfere with his utterance, but to
muddle his wits a bit, and render him
incautious.
OF a truth, whisky has ere this,
played the deuce with the most won
derful plans that were ever conceived
in the minds of men.
Charlie could not refuse the horny
palm offered to him. 1t had served
its owner many good turn, and also
brought him into much trouble.
81 want to see you, Stuart-very
Come this way, if you please. Know
it's late, but won't detain you long.
Must get it off my mind"
So Charlie, obliging always, went
with him.
Brand had his eye on a couple of
chairs in a corner where they would
be isolated
What he had to say was of a pri-
vate nature, and admitted of no
eavesdropper, nor would it have been
safe for any curious person to have
loitered near while he was in this
chaotic condition of mind.
Prudence does not ally itself with
the indulgence in strong drink.
"Ah," said the other, dropping into
a seat, with the air of a weary man,
fairly well loaded, this is something
like comfort, Stuart. I've learned, in
my long and wearisome exile, the
value of taking it easy while you
may. Trouble flies fast enough as it
is. By the way, excuse me, but
quite neglected to ask you to join
me in having something"
Thanks. l should have declined
anyway"
Then no harm done. Now, of
course, you wonder what I've button
holed you for"
Naturally So"
Cant you guess?"
''Too tired to make the effort to-
night; besides, I'm not good at
conundrums."
Hal hal this is conundrum sure
enough consider all girls puzzles" :"
Then it is about-h'm-your
daughter"
About sweet Airline, sure enough.
AS a fond parent I am, of course,
solicitous concerning her future, and
especially since she will in due time
wish to give up the obedience she has
so willingly shown toward my author
ity, and assume the sacred relation
of wife toward some bright young
man. That solicitude, my dear Stuart,
brings me to a critical moment in
my career-brings me in contact with
you