The National tribune., 1903-09-10

why. Maria" mumbled Shorty. lyon
know, he is a Jew, and Jews have many
different ideas from ours, ard
Hush up! I'll hear no more said
Maria imperiously. There are some
things too wicked to even talk about by
young people, and mans having more
than one wife is one of them.
Shorty retained enough vitality to nudge
81, and whisper: when she gets better
acquainted with Sol she'll know more
about him."
"Hey-huh?" said 81. looking up from
the written directions which Rosenbaum
had given him. This is Fifteenth street,
and we've just passed New York avenue.
Yes, Sol has his pecuiiarities, but he's
701. Where in the world is 1O2!'
probably across the street." suggested
Shorty. who was more familiar with city
ways.
"But there's nothing over there but
that sand-and7plaster warehouse" said
81. pointing to the long, low, succeed
building that had once been the proud
United States Bank.
"But the numbers are supposed to be
over there, all the same. Not only No.
7O2, but probably 704, FOG, and may be
some more"
"Confound such an ignorant, dumb
way of numbering" said 81 irritably:
"Why can't they go ahead, straight and
sensible? As l was saying Sol has his
little peculiarities, like the rest Of us, but
if he's ever promised any girl to love.
cherish and cleave only unto her he's
doing it like house a-fire. No. 703, 705.
707, 7O9-He's slayer wherever he prom
ises, Sol. is. We must be near there.
The next number must be it, but it don't
look at all like a dwelling house. What's
on that sign?"
"W-e-l-k-e-r's" spelled out Maria.
"That seems to be the name he men,
toned" said ST; "but where can he be-"
The girls gave an ejaculation of intense
surprise as the respondent gentleman,
who had been eagerly watching for them,
came down the steps with an enthusiastic
welcome They had never before seen a
man in full dress, much less such dazzling
full dress rs Solomon Rosenbaums. And
womanlike, the glitter of the diamond
solitaire fascinated them.
"Great Jehosephat, Sol, put something
over that sparkler," laughed Shorty, as
Solomon led them to the banquet-room.
Its binding the girls. l didn't think
to bring any smoked glass with US"
Eyes, dat is a vine one." answered
Rosenbaum complacently, touched by the
| tribute to his greatest vanity. "Vinest
one in de whole country. No other like
it. It's plue diamond. | got dat from
de Red River Expedition"
"Why, didn't know that any Of our
people got anything out of the Red River
Expedition but a licking" said 81.
Yes, Col. Bailey got the feet out"
put in Shorty.
"Nopody vas licked dere but Shenerals
Parks and Vranklin," answered Rosen-
baum, rather holly. "De poys wasn't
licked. Dey were only mis-handled. And
| A j. Smith, with his Western poys, wasn't
dat. Dey licked de reppels wherever dey
| come acrost dem. But I'll dell you all
apout it, aud how got dis plue diamond,
after dinner. Walk right in dere"
Maria led tho way into the sumptuous
apartment with awe, for, lined up against
the walls, in attitude Of greatest respect,
were six splendid-looking men, more or
less dark in color. and all in full evening
dress. Maria's first thought was that
they must be Senators and Representa-
! tives and other distinguished officials from
the Soutern States under the new Recon-
struction policy, of which she had been
reading so much. They were far more
imposing than any Of the public men she
had ever seen, and she cOurtesied pro-
foundry to Head-waiter Robinson, who
| was six feet high, with a high forehead,
side whiskers, and dignity enough for the
whole Supreme Court. Annabel followed
her example, and performed a deep-cut
| courtesy, to which the stately Robinson
responded with grave bow, careful not
to compromise his dignity.
Gracious" gasped Maria to Annabel,
what does it all mean?' It's too fine for
anything but wedding. What in the
world do you suppose"
II don't know" murmured the abashed
little sister-in-law. 1T fiusters me aw-
fully. But Sis here, so it's got to be all
right" She receded a little, to be close
to her husband, in any contingency.
II wonder who these gentlemen are?"
whispered Maria. why don't he intro
duce us?'
Wilkins" said Rosenbaum CURLY,
show these ladies to the dressing room.
and help them with their wraps. Robin
son, send word to the kitchen that WEI
be ready in a few minutes"
Gracious, do you suppose that all
those stunning men are only waitersY
gasped Maria, as she and Annabcl reach