The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-01
wIxUM IN sOUBRErrE ROW
BY JASPER BARNETT CowDTN.

ftslsSe LuIl SluD, ana, whatever m1BHt have been his bibulous anticipations,a at the moment he was as sober as thou sand-year- r-old tortoise He was also in his right mind, which may seem an unnecessary remark at first blush but wait.
 Hello, there Corkindale," called a strange voice as Wixum turned the corner into Broadway. Don't you know that Trixie has been looking for iyou for over a week? Whats up old man. that you keep away from your lodgingsg'
 Wixum turned a suspicious glance on the stranger who had addressed him with such offensive familiarity. He was large man, very fiorid, and a good type of the Tenderloin rounder. He was accompanied by a smaller man, also very fiorid. and close miniature of the other as to fashionable clothes and general contour.
 Excuse me, sir, you have made mistake" said Wixum gravely. scent ing a bunco game of some sort. My name is Hawkins
 Wixum tried to proceed, but the big man blocked his way.
 "Oh, I say" he persisted, "come in and have cigar on that" pointing to a tobacconists. And as he turned to his associate, Wixum heard the whis- pered remark, Run and get Trixie; hurry up"
 Let me pass!" cried wisum notly. It was no use, and he turned to the po- liceman standing at the curb. See here officer; this man is up to some game with me; want him arrested"
 This man, sir" explained the other, 'has lost his identity. His memory is blank. and he has been missing from his home for more than a week. He lives over in Soubrette Row, and his name Is Corkinda1e."
 Not a bit of 1t! My name is wix- um-George Wixum."
 "Why, just heard you tell him your name was Hawkins" grinned the blue coat.
 50 I did, but that that was merely a bluff," foundered the victim. T know who I am all right
 His wife will be here in a few lmoments to take him away" said the big man to the officer.
 I'll knock down the first one who lays hand on me-" exclaimed Wix- um.
 Here, now, no disturbance, or I'll run yez all in," threatened the arm of the law.
 There was a distinct odor of burning rubber as first one pedestrian. then an- other, paused, until a small crowd had collected.
 The big mans pal was seen return ing across the street, a dainty little blonde following hastily in his wake The lifting of her white embroideries displayed the real thing in black silk hosiery. also the highest and tiniest of French heels. Excitedly elbowing her way, she reached the side of Wix- um, enveloping him in a fragrance of violets. He knew instinctively that this was "Trixie"
 "Corky, dear! What in the world surely you haven't forgotten? Don't look at your own Trixie like that! Heavens! His memory is a blank oh!
 They were real. warm, sweet wo- manly tears that fell on Wixum's wrist and they moved him strangely.
 You are mistaken, little girl" he said gently T am an entirely different person from what you imagine. have never seen you before" And he felt like adding. T have lost something by lit" o.i--'8
 The appealing blue eyes of Trixie were still searching his face. Her own was pretty enough to be litho- graphed on an insurance calendar. "Corky. love, try and remember; you haven't forgotten our song and dance turn on the vaudeville circuit, and Wellingtons offer. fear he will go on the road without us now. You have been away so long"
 Madame. we will go to a telephone and l will prove to you that I am not your husband, but George Wixum."
 "Yes you are, and no you're notw laughed the witching little mouth bub- bling over with unkissed dentistry. Anyhow, you're the same dear old Corky."
 All right! all right! Then Corky 1t is," surrendered Wixum desperately. If 1t was his fate to be petted loved and caressed by this little dear for the mere trifle of changing his name pshaw! change 1t.
 Come, youse can't block this side walk no longer" ordered the brass buttons. "You'll have to move on, flaw kins Wixum Corky, and fix up your quarrel in the house somewhere"
 T will go with them peaceably if you will consent to come along and see that I am protected" said Wixum.
 All right; push ahead" assented the voice behind the club.
 As the quartet moved down the gas lit thoroughfare, followed by the po- liceman and a small rabble, Trixie, her tiny bediamoned hand clinging trust fully to Wixum's arm, confidingly un- yelled some of their closest marital in timacies in the vague hope that her husbands lapsed memory would catch on at some pivotal incident and bring him back to himself.
 They soon reached the block of plain brown stone houses known throughout I the ClIy Uy the uuSd'OIy tllle OL SOu- brette Row.
 I'll hang around outside for few minutes" said the copper to Wixum reassuringly as they paused in the middle of the block.
 The little group mounted the front steps and conducted their charge to a prettily arranged and coZy room on the second floor, where Wixum seated 3 himself in a Morris chair beside the mantel,
 Has the doctor been here, Marie?' r asked Trixie, as the maid brought in S a tray and some glasses. II No, ma'am; but he told MT. Teale down stairs over the telephone that he e might be here late" D "Is there a telephone in the house 1? e Inquired Wlxum with sudden interest $ "Why, yes. dear; can't you remem- fl ber?" soothingly coaxed Trixie. Sure. 2 ly you haven't forgotten MT. Teale, tho D, dramatic agent on the first floor" 5 Wixum started to rise from his seat o but Trixie dropped her plump little figure into his lap. throwing her arms n about his neck, and rubbing her purs 7. ed lips, pussy-wise, along his mus if tache
 n After all. why should not Wixum en- Is joy himself? Had he not sought to bt q honorable. and they would have nont IT of it? With such dainty one hundred s. and twenty pounds of femininity or