Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-20

out sequel, for one of the party q dis covered afterwards that he was Num- Der Two), whose jump" had been ac- companied by 8 word unaccustomed to ears polite, but whose sins were not all uncovered by that cloak to the wearer of which much may be for given, that cloak which can transform the raggedest of rascals into present. able parsonage and an agreeable com panion-need I say mean sense of humor?-took advantage of the diver sion to make sensible suggestion. He remarked that he had always been taught and was quite prepared to ad- init the truth of the Scriptural pre- cept that "the way of transgressors Is hard,'' but as for himself he did not see why the transgressors-as he pre- gumed the occupants of that wagon were-should be poisoned in this world as well as roasted in the next, and heS begged leave to move that either the door or the window be opened.
 1t was not a brilliant observation, but 1t brought about two good results the letting in of some fresh air and the letting out of the awkward con-
 
 is the greatest of Jewellers. To ask man to drink with you-which, ac- cording to our English social code, is the very running up of the flag of fel- lowship-is not half so effective in setting you and him upon good terms with each other, as Is a hearty laugh In common. From laughing at this allu- sion to the way of transgressors we went on to discussing the situation as 1t then presented itself, and as there was still no sign of the advent of Num- Der One, we decided that something had happened to detain him, and that, as we could do nothing without him, we had best postpone the discussion of business till the next day, when he would, no doubt, make an opportunity to join us. In the meantime we must pass the night where we were, so each of us proceeded to make himself as comfortable--or, rather, as little uncom- fortable-as he could in our very lux urious lodgings. For myself, what with the unusual circumstances, the tragic struggle in the train, the inn patient tossings, turnings, twistings and sighings of my companions, vainly straining after ease on their most un- easy couches, slept never wink all night, and was glad indeed when morn ing was far enough advanced for one of us to venture abroad in search of breakfast for his colleagues. It was not long before he hurried back empty handed, bringing us, in place of break fast, news which was no news to me.
 Fellow councillors" he said, with evident agitation, II have terrible tid- ings for you. Our chief, Number One, was killed on the railway last night. He must have been walking along the line on his way to join us, when he was knocked down between Benfleet and Leigh by passing train. They were bringing his body in when got into the village, and, though he was wearing no beard, recognized him at once.''
 For half minute no one spoke, and then one of the councillors said cu- riously-
 How did you recognize him if he wasn't disguised?"
 By his clothes, in the first place. was the answer. "He had the blue serge suit, turn-down collar and spot ted tie which we all wear But should have recognized him quite apart from that, for was to some ex- tent in his confidence, and, in fact, met him by appointment only two days ago.
 Who are you, then?" said the man who had constituted himself spokes- man.
 Il am Councillor Number Two-the oldest member of the society, next to our late chief. was the first man to whom he unfolded his sch emes and I was the first whom he invited to be- come a councillor
 Gan you prove this?" asked the other. T don't mean that doubt your word, but, as none of us knows each others name, there Is nothing to prevent any of us from claiming that l he is the senior member of the council. And if Number One is really dead, 1t will be necessary to elect his successor with out delay, if the work of this so- ciety is to be carried on"
 Quite so, said Number Two. Who 1 Is to be that successor will be for the council to decide, and need not yet be discussed, but as you challenge my statement and call upon me to prove that I really was in our dead chief confidence let me ask If you or any other councillor can tell us what busi- | ness was to be discussed at the meet ing last night?"
 l No, can't" said the spokesman. l "Is there any other councillor present l who can?"
 l He looked around inquiringly, but no one spoke, and with something of triumphant air, Number Two went on
 'The business which was to come before the meeting was two-fold. First the newly-appoin Councillor Num- Der Seven was to make his report in regard to the removal of the traitor, Councillor Number Seven that was" , "Go on,'' said the other, holding. ''We might have guessed that far, even | F -gAs4Y Il kH- . @Q A1..a