The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1904-11-17
XIV.

One day Mr.. Montgomery invited mo
20 nay a visit TO the Royal Corintllian
TLeatcr. There had been a time when
no proposition could have been so de-
ightful 10 me: but since these days 1
had SCARED into higher regions Of IDEAL
! ity than the theater could represent New
crtieless, I accepted tire invitation. and
one evening I accompanied him and Jo-
siah.
While I was standing In the side
scenes. locking at the play. some stran-
gers came through a private door that
led from the boxes. They were gentle
men, dressed In full evening costume.
After q casual glance l again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently 4
heard a voice close behind me. whsse
! tones sounded familiar in my ears. Turn
ing round. l saw one OF the gentlemen
talking To an actress. In an instant 1
recognized Mr.. Rodwell. IL was n shock,
In which, for an instant, / forgot the
stage and everything about me. avert
, cd my head. and dared not move lest he
should recognize me. But i soon began
10 think how improbable this was that
he would do so In such q situation, and
with my altered appearance.
1 screwed up my courage, and turned
round To leave the spot. when. just n 1
was brushing past the object OF my
! fears, adverse fortune brought Josiah
Cook across my path
Hello, Silas, old fellow, how are you
enjoying yourself?" he cried. as he pass
ed me.
I~nStinctively l cast a glance upon Mr..
Rodwell. I saw him start and look me
full In the face. 4 row OF gaslights
leaning against the side scene glared
full upon us both. His gaze dweit upon
me for nm instant. but he gave no sign
Of recognition, aud went ON talking as be-
fore. l fondly hoped that he aid net TO
member me.
Quick on the heels Of Josiah SLOWED
| Mr.. Montgomery. lie nodded 10 me,
and was passing on when. observing Mr..
Rodwell. he stopped suddenly. stared ut
him for a moment. then, clnpping his
hand upon his shoulder. cried In a ia
miliar tone. "Hsw do you do. Mr.. Rod
welly"
He was dressed ms an old man. wore
n wig, and was otherwise disguised. The
gentleman whom he addressed honOred
him with a naughty stare.
1T Is some time since we have met.
! and I suppose you do not remember the
Professor In this dressT"
Mr.. Rodwcll looked disconnected at
this rccontrc.
81 ccrtninly did not remember you."
he said. coldly.
/ did not hear more Of what passed be-
tween them. and should not have heard
| this had not my passage been blocked
| for n moment by n change Of scene. I
waS enly too glad 20 get away from the
| vicinity rs soon rs ] could make my es-
cape.
All enjoyment was over for that even
ing. aud I would have chosen rather &c
have gone home nj once: but as ! had ac-
| compAaied my fellow dodgers To the the
alter, 1 thought IL would appear strange
to leave without them. so, having OBJ
taiEed permission. | went into the pit TO
witness the rest Of the performance. l
did net see anything moro OF MIR. Red
well hat MINT. but l could not shake
OF n feeling OF depression. and a pre-
sentiment that this meeting bodcd me
some III.
waited at the stage door until my
companions were dressed. But instead
OF Immediately vending their way home
ward, they expressed an intention OF adj
journing 10 n public house. and insisted
upon my accompanying them. | had
never bcea in such a place before. aud
the noise and smoke quite maxcd nae.
Mr. Montgomery called fer supper,
and threw Down "A coin.
Hello cried Josiah. staring In blank
establishment: have you been rebbiug n
bank"
mo; | have only been bleeding q
friend vas tie answer.
| soon began 10 very heartily wish
that ! had gene haurs by myself. Mr..
Montgomery insiS.ssi npun drinkins: sAd
that. together with the atmosphere I was
inha!ing, quickly aReoted my ewsinL
When We rcocncd kacizstrFxfs hrkAa
RcS they would not pcrnit ne % N
20 my own lodgiagy. I mast pD ivsa
MrS. J1lnings' and spend haiS IN h~sr
with thou.
you coat smoke. Silasl" he $50 b