The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1903-12-25


Man created little interest.
Refreshments were brought. Rare
fruits were served in costly dishes.
Mr.. John did the honors with unaf
fected grace, addressed me the Sec
ond time, saying, A'You would better
eat: you did not get such things at
sea-"
The party would willingly have
stopped some time here. on the de-
clivity of the hill, to enjoy the pros
pect. How delightful it would be-"
exclaimed some one. "if we had a
Turkey carpet" The wish was
scarcely expressed than the man in
the grey coat put his hand in his
pocket, and, with a modest, even
humble. air, pulled out a rich Turkey
carpet. embroidered in gold. The
servant received it as a matter of
course, and spread it out on the de-
sired spot. without ceremony, the
company seated themselves on it.
COMPOUNDED by what l saw, I gazed
at the man. his pocket, and the car
pet. which was more than 90 feet
In length and 10 in breadth; and rub
bed my eyes. not knowing what to
think particularly as no one saw any
thing extraordinary.
would gladly have made inquiries
respecting the man, but knew not to
whom l should address myself. I
felt afraid of the servants. At length
took courage. and, stepping up to a
young man who seemed of less conse-
quence than the others, begged of
him, in a low tone to tell me who
the obliging gentleman was in the
grey cloak. THAT man who looks like
a piece Of thread Just escaped from
| q tailor's needle?" Il do not know"
WAS the reply; and to avoid further
converse ton he turned away.
The SUMS rays now being stronger.
the ladies' complained of feeling OPP
pressed by the heat; and lovely Fan
| ny turning carelessly to the grey
man. asked him If. perhaps. he had
4 not a tent about him. He replied
with a low bow. as If some unmerited
honor had been conferred; and. put
from 1t canvas. poles, cord, iron-in
short, everything belonging to the
most splendid tent for a lawn party
The young gentlemen assisted In
pitching 1t; and 1t covered the whole
carpet: but no one seemed to think
that there was anything extraordi-
nary in the magic of the man in grey
felt uneasy--indeed, almost horri-
fled: but this feeling was increased
when I saw him take from his pocket
three horses! Yes. Adelbert, three
large beautiful steeds, with saddles
and brides. out Of the very pocket
whence had already issued a letter
case, telescope. carpet 20 feet
abroad and 10 In length, and pavil-
ion of the same extent. with all its
appurtenances! Did I not assure thee
that my own eyes had seen all this
thou wouldst certainly disbelieve it
This man, although he appeared
embarrassed in his air and manners
inspired me with a feeling of horror
by the unearthly paleness of hi.
countenance, from which l could not
avert my eyes.
/ determined, therefore, to stea
away from the company. resolved tc
return to the town, and pay another
visit to Mr. John the following morn,
ing. and. at the same time. make in
uuiries relative to the extraordinary
man in grey. provided l could com
mand sufficient courage. Would t.
heaven that such good fortune hat
awaited me!
l had stolen safely down the hill
through the thicket of roses, and nov
found myself on an open plain: bu
fearing 1 should be met out of tn,
proper path, crossing the grass.
cast an inquisitive glance. and start
ed as l beheld the man in the gre!
cloak advancing towards me. He tool
off his hat. and made me n lowe
bow than mortal had ever yet favored
me with. 1t was evident that he wish
ed to address me; and l could no
avoid encountering him withou