Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-03-24
MONT FREDERICK COUNTY, Md MARCH "a, 1904


vast audience, indeed, sir. Would you
kindly relate your story In detail, OF
at least that portion Of it concerning
Gordon"
His manner Is persuasive, his voice
honeyed, and after would fail to
melt in his mouth. Unfortunately he
has laid hold of the wrong man. Myn-
heer Joe lays hand on his shoulder
and almost crushcs him.
For particulars must refer you to
my press agent. Just now l am en-
gagged. Your arm, Mr.. Grimes, If you
please"
But where can l find him? l beg
that you will inform me. This is
matter that concerns the whole civil
lied world. Think Of it, sir! Tell me
the name of this gentleman" and the
excited correspondent even lays hold
of the explorers coat in his eagerness
to gain his attention.
"You will find him yondcr. Sandy,
will you attend to This gentlemanT
Great Scott. Barlow knows 1t all!
I see 1t now. A grand conspiracy to
beat me off. Well. I've Lic!-2d Hs .si
/umors. ana iii consolidate them into
a sensation that will equal the truth.
| Catch Il weasel asleep, eh?'
He is Just about to rush off when
Sandy laughs.
Left again. old fel. The wires are
entirely at my service from now uItil
seven o'clock in the morning. You
couldn't get line out now on your
individual responsibility If the khe'
dive committed hara -kiri.'
BARLOW, let ne into it a little. I'll
he entirely disgraced if I'm left entire
" on this deal. Is Gordon deadT'
"YeS."
"And Khartoom truly fallen?'
"Without a doubt
"What will YOU take to let me send
five lines merely announcing the fact"
WHAT will You give in promises for
the future for Il few crumbs, my hoyE
SO the rival correspondents walk
down the piazza hagglinS. Sandy has
| long waited for this hour; his cup Is
| full and running over pressed down
with good measure.
Meanwhile, the other couple move
along the piazza In an opposite direr'
ton. enjoying the delicious atmoS-
pnere, their cigars and the bright
! scene.
By this time the great crowds have
In a measure ceased to iostlc elbows
in the square called Eshchiych, for the
Iour grows late. still there are
enough present to keep up a lively ap-
! prarancc--to please the eye of the OBJ
server with the change of colors as
| they pass TO and fro.
/ Something is on the mind of Mt
| Grimes, hut he perhaps thinks the
! present moment is hardly propillous
one in which to speak. Several times
| he opens his mouth, as though the
! spirit moves him, but on each occasion
| he shakes his head and rcnninS silent.
As they cross the light thrown from
| the windows more thaa one curious
| glanco is cast upoi. them. Tor ALREADY
! mas word been whispered around that
| Mvnhcer Joe has come from he scene
OF acton, and there is an air OF myS-
| tnvy thrown about him. which his per.
Snuality increases rather than dim.n-
| ShrS: for, MS has been aid before, his
face and figure are such nS would at
tract attention even Oh Pan Mall or
the Champs Elysecs.
Looking into the danre-rOom they
see Molly Tanner gliding about in a
dreamy waltz with n foreiCn-looking
man wearing an Immense mustache
that curls up to his earS--nO doubt the
baron She mods her head to them
and smiles as she glanccS toward her
partner in the dance: there is some.
thing so spicy and rognish about it
that Mynhcer Joe feels drawn toward
the girl more than ever.
"Shc's n dandy" the efferveScent
correspondent had said to him, while
on the way to the hotel, and the more
he sees of her the better ,hiS peculiar
comparison applies, though, upon try
ing to analyze it he is bound to con-
fess the meaning ambiguous and Il
trite dim.
From the window they walk down
to the end of the piazza. Here an &C
quaintance sczcs hold of Mr.. Grimes
and begs few minutes private con-
vcrsation will, him. which. CT c2u>se.
ne gives, asking Joe's pardon for lcav-
ing him.
The latter steps down to the square
to walk II little upon the cool flags.
The events of the night have been
more than singular. when his fortunes
are concerned, and he has plenty to
reflect upon as lie strols there in front
of the hotel.
Around him are scenes also that
must make some impression on his
mind, although they are far from new
to him.
While thus strolling aimlessly about
with the intention of killing little
time, so that he may rcjoin Mr.. Grimes
whom the latter is discngaged, Myn-
heer Joe chances to pass that portion
of the hotel known rs the bar
In common with all other hotels,
Shepherd's has retreat where the
thirsty traveller can wash the dust out
of his throat, and judging from the
manner in which it is being patron
lied Oh this night the dust must be on
the move in Egypt. A sandstorm
could not cause the guests to call more
frequently.
Mynheer Joe arrives upon the scene
tust In time to witness a rather comi-
cal spectacle. OF rows in the grand
square there is always plenty, but as
a general thing these are not among
the guests OF the hotel, but rather dis-