Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-04-14


Government. smiling and nodding III
a condescending way that Is irritating
to say the least
Just then N.ynheer Joe has a pecul-
lar sensation sweep over him; ne is
conscious of 4 deep dislike toward TINS
man. He does not attempt 10 eN'
plain the feeling. Perhaps 1t Is rival
ry that brings these two together-a
striving after the smiles OF Deauti.
full girl.
Molly Tanner brushes past the baron
at this moment, having been able 10
leave her parent, who is not badly IN
iured in any way. The Russian puts
out a hand to stay her passage. but
she heeds him not, advancing stralght
as the home fight Of bee for the
SPOT where the explorer stands. In
another moment she Is at his SIDE.
"How is your father!' he manages
to ask, feeling like hypocrite; and'
but for the fact of his face being al
ready tanned, tie blood mounting up
ward would betray him.
Ike ItplS IlO CHVNt ii''i' i''' '---'
but is full of deer anger" Molly re-
plies.
gainst-thc man who struck him"
"No, sngularly enough he doesn't
seem to feel that way toward the
wretch. His anger is wholly directed
against the man who threw the ban
ana skin upon the flags ON which he
slipped at the time he was struck"
"Ohw says Joe, with gurgling smile,
as he grasps the defeated gladiator's
ruse to excuse his downfall. "Singu-
lar how incidents will happen. I've
had as strange things occur to me at
times. But, Miss Molly, how Is 1t with
you? If your father does not bear
malice toward the unlucky offender
who was SO rash asto measure strength
with him, do you also forgive him"
"Not 1.-THE wretch. 1t was my dear
old governor he struck. If had been
present I'm afraid | might have done
something desperate"
And her flashing eyes give Joe an
idea that this is no mere idle threat
on her part.
He shrugs his shoulders and contin-
ucs:
Il believe 1t was fair. stand-up
husin .ss. But we will not discuss it
further, Miss Molly"
Pardon me, but" she stammers
"What can | do for you?' seeing
she is about to ask some favor at
which she hcsitates.
Il don't know why I speak to you
IN this way, since | have known you
for so short a time | have numerous
friends hcrc-acquaintances. l should
call thcm-but you saved my life, and,
somehow l feel that can say to you
what | should hesitate to speak to
others
"Ics," he utters enCouragingly. feel
Ing deeply flattered by her words, and
yet conscious of an uneasy sensation,
for the baron is glaring at him from
across the room. and there is some
thing balcful in that diplomats frown.
"Will you help me- she asks blunt
ly.
II promise you, to the best Of my
ability" he replies without second
thought.
"A thousand thanks. l knew could
depend upon YOU" she murmurs.
Mynheer Joe does not dream the ma.
turc Of the request she is about to
make.
what can do for you,' he finally
asks. do not hesitate. Speak out"
You may think me virdictiye. per-
haps."
"Neverw
but when I think OF the dear old
governor being so badly used, my
blood fairly boils."
"Ahw
"Do you think you could find the
wretch who beat my governor, Myn-
heer JoeY
Il am sure of it," stoutly.
"Will you do this--for me?"
"Assurediy."
And bring him before me?
Il will drag him there by the neck
and the heels. though he has the
strength of a Samson"
This wonderful speech receives its
reward. Of course in the shape Of
sweet smile; but it Is still too early
to tell what the designs of the explor-
er may be-
you are very kind. Mynheer Joe.
Whom this fellow is before me. l am
In doubt what to do-whether to give
him a piece Of my mind or use a whip
On him, as | have read of energetic
women doing. In some way l must
show him that he cannot beat my
lear governor with impunity."
Joe almost smiles as he thinks of
having need of such defender as
this. But the situation is SO extremely
delicate and desperate that he has no
heart to be amused at Its ridiculous
side.
"Will you leave the decision with
me?" he asks having bold idea
"With pleasure" she replies.
"And abide by the result2"
eyes, indeed. 1t will take a load
off my mind to have you decide my
course"
"Then, If I were you, I would not
think of doing anything with swhip.
In the first place it will get yOuriname
In the papers-news gatherers are SO
ready to seize upon sensation and
make the most Of it. Thus you would
find people turning to look at you in
the street, not because you had done
anything noble, but because you had
horse whipped a man who for some
reason was powerless to resiot."
Say no more; really did not dream
of it."
HResidesu hp poes on 0uietly or