The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-11-08

with small flags and a dozen tables
were arrayed in snowy linen.
Il can't understand it yet how dem
fellers has reasons for blowing dem
selves commented Herr Osterbach To
himself. But it must be surprise
party-like leap year, maybe"
That evening Maj. Turner and his
two friends were the first to arrive.
The major stopped in slight amaze
ment when he saw the ample prepar-
tions and brilliantly lighted dining
room.
why, what's going on here, a ban
quet?" he asked the proprietor.
ZACH, yes! Some small dinner par
ties! You are one" Herr Osterhach
was broadly smiling. Your table it
was here"
Presently Mr.. Burdick. of Burdick
& Meyers, sauntered in with two
friends.
"Ah, major. little dinner party!
I am having a birthday myself, ne
said.
The rival real estate men eyed each
other suspiciously, and when Senator
Carmack appeared with two friends.
a4rsely followed by Capt. Wolhey
aid his two guests, the air of mystery
increased. Seven more trios were
quickly added to the diners. and the
repartee was replete with innuendo.
Now, major" urged one of Tur-
ner's guests, whats the good news
what's it all about? What the devil
is all this mystery for? This duck is
good, but you had "a birthday last
week"
BE patient" replied the veteran
real estate dealer, wondering some
himself what the explanation was to
be. I'm expecting a telegram and
If it comes it may enlighten u.s."
Covert glances were exchanged
from time to time between the tables
but none of the reserve of the dozen
hosts extended to the two dozen
guests at the feast.
Il suppose We'll have the surprise
opened for dessert" suggested City
Treasurer Langhart, who sat at Cap
tain Wolfey's table.
Il hope dessert will not be puzzle
pictures" protested Capt. Earhart
of Company N, N. F. M, from a
table on the other side of the room.
While the corks were popping the
Hon. Horatio Mulberry entered, ac-
companied by a suave, smooth-faced,
stockily- built man, whom he intro
duced to those nearest him as Mr.
Jerome, New York detective and
an old friend of mine. He's out here
on the trial of a couple of shrewd
crooks wanted in his town, who are
supposed to be working in this neigh
borhood :"
Judge, won't you join us?" asked
one of convivial trio. We're at
tending a surprise party, and you
might as well be in at the finish"
IF there's anything left" the lawyer
answered, and sought a table with his
friend.
"At that moment a messenger boy
appeared with bunch of kilograms in
his hand. He went from one table to
another and began to distribute them,
the last to the Hon. Horatio Mulberry.
His was the only steady hand that lift
ed the yellow envelope and tore the end.
The Others favored were the dozen
hosts of the dinner parties.
Now it's coming!"
"All together!"
Telephone the news to Mary!"
And kindred remarks, calculated to
make rift in the suspense, were pass
ed along.
There followed a moment of permeat-
ing silence. Judge Mulberry arose,
held aloft his telegram an dsaid:
Gentlemen, I have here a bit of
very pleasing news. Listen" And he
read, with elaboration:
Saginaw, Mich, April 29.
To the Hon. Horatio Mulberry, Buena
Vista, Mo
Tell your people that we accept
your offer, and will establish our large
southwestern branch agency and fac
tory in your city.
The Universal Furniture Company
III. B.. Thompson, president"
"Hurrah for Buena Vista!" some one
cried, and chorus went up from every
throat.
That's it," said Maj. Turner quietly
folding his telegram and putting it in
his pocket.
The others were quick to follow the
act and only the imp who delivered
them knew that the other twelve tele-
grams were from Detroit and read:
John L. Wilson not known here"