River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-07-07

a silver box and candlesticks on Valen-
tines writing table. Then, nurmuring an
excuse, he ran, painting, to the stables;
IN choking voice dispatched the aston
lshed coachman for the police, and a
helper, with an impressive message Scrib-
bled on a card, to Gen. Compton. On
his return he found the Architect-Bur-
glar laughing over a favorite book of
Valentines, the DIARY of a Nobody
and they two talked, Mr.. Brown for his
part with curious Observation-Disclosures
OF books and different forms of humor.
Inc parlor maid interrupted them to say
tnat some cold meat was ready, and the
two men adjourned to the dining ROOM
The guest seemed duly grateful for a
whisky and soda.
That's a beautiful old cup" he re-
marked, pointing to a piece OF silver of
queen Anne date in the middle of the
table.
Mr.. Bromley Browns expression Of
mingled triumph and sarcasm passed un-
noticed by the cheerful young visitor,
who talked for some time with intel
ligence and knowledge on the subject OF
old plate. Mr.. Brown was becoming so
agitated that he began to walk up and
down the room.
And these are lovely spoons" OBJ
served the Architect Burglar, with APP
palling GOODNESS. The clock struck one
Gls
Thank you a thousand times for your
hospitality" he said, pleasantly, Il am
afraid | must be off. You see / am
sketching for duty, not pleasure"
Mr.. Brown gazed at him aghast, but
not without admiration. He felt that
this must indeed be one of the most re-
markable criminals now at large.
Don't hurry-pray," he said, nervous
ly. Have glass of green Chartreuse."
ind coiI
There was a sound of steps at the
door, and voice outside, which sounded
like word OF command, said:
Where is the MANI"
The door was flung open. and a tall,
soldierly figure stepped quickly into the
dining room.
well, Brown, what's all this about !"
Gen. Compton, young and alert for
his years, stared at mis- friend with a
pair of very keen eyes under white eye
brows. You told me it was some very
urgent business" continued the general.
Then his eyes fell on the young man by
the further window.
BLESS my soul, Estcourtl / didn't see
it was you in the corner.
sS4es, and how are you, generalP said
the young man, advancing, with cordial
smile.
Mr.. Bromley Brown felt a sudden cold
perspiration on his forehead. He was en-
tlrely unable to utter q word
'Mr.-Mr. !" said the young man-"was
so kind as to ask me to have a whiskey
and soda. 1t is so wonderfully hot for
April, and I've been out doing this bless
ed topography for the last four hours" Z
"Ahl then you don't know each otherW
said the General. Brown, this is Lord
Estcourt, son of my old friend whom
| have often talked about, you know.
lie is working like q niger at the col
lege," and the speaker pointed toward
distant view of large white building
miles away beyond the grove Of pines.
"Estcourt, this is Mr.. Bromley Brown,
one Of my best neighbors.'
Mr.. Brown felt as il some one had
struck him violent blow on the head
He was giddy, as he stiffly extended
an icy hand toward the young man.
Papa! papa" A fresh young voice
came echoing from the garden, and in
another moment young girl ran into the
room. Lord Estcourt was just recalling
to mind a well known advertisement:
Bromley Browns Cough Lozengers are
the Best! They will cure cough Of long
standing, arising from no matter what
cause" but the girls face caught his
attention. 1t was fair and flushed, and
the large gray eyes shone starlike under
her broad black hat.
Papa, there are two policemen here!
They say they have come for some one
what roes it meanY
"Oh, only about the chickens that were
stolen, my dear" said her father miser-
ably.
you wouldn't have any, because you said
they spoil the garden"
"Did | say chickens?" Mr.. Bromley
Browns dreary expression was that OF
a victim being led to execution. "Of
course, / mean the forced strawberries,
Valentine, my dear
The young man was still gazing at
the lovely, puzzled face of his hosts
daughter.
"Your father has been so kind to me,
Miss Brown" said he. II am struggling
over military drawing, and in daily terror
of being .ploughed. But this morning |
am going back to work, invigorated and
rested, and full of courageW
She blushed as her eyes met his smil-
"Oh! You are studying at the col
Iegep'
"Yes-I wonder-would you and your
father care to come over and see it some
day."
ooh! that would be delightful, papa,
DEAR wouldn't it?"
eyes, indeed, indeed it would" Mr..
Brown was still feeling half paralyzed.
Goodbye, Estcourt, my boy" said
Gen. Compton. 81 have got to have a
word now with Brown on some most
important business about which came
down."
Lord Estcourt drew little nearer to
Valentine
"You will drive over very soon, then,
Miss Brown"
'Thank you'll am sure we shall enjoy
it ever so muchp"
'Then we won't say goodbye, think"
said he, as he took her hand.-The King.