The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-11-20

streets. He had accepted an invitation
for dance on the Wednesday following
his experience at the Capitol Grounds
and being under many social obliga-
tons 10 the hostess. determined to make
his appearance for a few moments and
then disappear The wound on ais fore
head was partly healed. and moreover
was reariy hidden when his hair was
brushed over il. He slipped into even
ing dress. and rang for cab, instruct
ing the driver To wait ut the entrance
10 the house until ne came out
1t was just II o'clock and very few
Of the guests had arrived. so that he
had a few minutes conversation with
his hostess. and was able to pass on
into the ballroom and OUT through y
second door without interruption When
he reached the street II occurred TO
him that IL would be very pleasant 10
stroll down Massachusetts Avenue to
his rooms Accordingly, he paid the
cabmsn and dismissed him.
With the inconsistency peculiar 10
Washington weather a complete change
had set in since Sunday The night
was quite warm for the season OF the
year, and Singleton felt somewhat heat
ed by the time he had walked several
squares He threw his overcOat back
from his chest. and. lighting a e!gar-
cite. adopted a leisurely gait swinging
a light cane. and endeavoring TO recall
the air from one OF the new operas
that the orchestra had commenced 10
play as ne left the house. He felt more
cheerful than he had at any time since
the mystery Of the BlackfOrd money
had taken possession OF his thoughts,
and commenced 10 nOurish hope that
by I. stroke OF luck he should see the
girl whose interests he was fighting for,
IN passing the house.
His wish was prophetic. or else by
some mental process his subconscious-
ness had become aware OF the presence
OF Miss Alexander. AS he approached
the entrance TO the house q carriage
was driven up and Mrs. Alexander and
her daughter aliehted. Singleton was so
near that he had 20 pause 10 allow them
70 pass before him. The light from a
street lamp was shining upon him and
both women recognized his face not
withstanding the change his evening
clothes made in his appearance as com
pared 20 the remembrance they had OF
him gotten 10 in his disguise as de-
tectlye. He flushed slightly bnt remov-
cd mis- nat with sufficient pOliteness.
The TWO Indies returned the salutation
and Singleton did not fail 10 notice the
half suppressed surprise in their man
rer undoubtedly occasioned by his i'm
maculate attire.
He walked on 10 his room with a
plea sIlreablc tingle IN his veins. AL
though he was quite aware that his APP
pearance on this occasion was calcu-
lated 10 create doubt in the minds OF
the young lady and her mother in regard
10 his Identity as a hired detective,
which was the impression he mad care
fu-ly endeavoTed 10 maintain. he was
for some reason anything but sorry that
the meeting had taken place. There
was one point about It that was Of value
in his estimation. II surrounded hin
with somewhat Of mystery, and his
experience had been that such "A situa-
ton was most desirable Tor favorable
and rapid advances IN the thoughts Of
any OF the fair sex with whom he had
/ become enamcured.
When he arrived at l,is rooms he sal
/ ia Ii lounging chair ana continued MS
/ pleasant train OF thought He had beer
/ plunged Ia a delightful revery for quite
/ half an hour when be reached The con