The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-03-11
CHAPTER XIV.

NENs
One day Mr. Montgomery invited me
to pay a visit to the Royal CoFinthlan
Theater. There had been time when
no proposition could have been 50 de
lightful 10 me; but since those days |
had scared into higher regions Of IDEAL
ity than the theater could represent New
ertheless, I accepted the invitation. and
one evening I accompanied him and Jo-
siah.
While 1 was standing in the side
scenes, looking at the play, some stran-
gers came through a private door that
led from the boxes. They were gentle
men, dressed in full evening costume.
After casual glance | again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently l
heard a voice close behind me. whose
tones sounded familiar in my ears. Turn
ing round. | saw one Of the gentlemen
talking TO an actress. In an instant
recognized Mr.. Rodwell Ii was a shock,
in which, for an instant, forgot the
stage and everything about me. | avert
ed my head, and dared not move lest he
should recognize me. But | soon began
TO think how improbable this was that
he would do go in such a situation, and
with my altered appearance.
screwed up my courage, and turned
round to leave the spot. when, just ~
was brushing past the object Of my
fears, adverse fortune brought Josiah
Cook across my path
Hello, Silas, old fellow, how are sou
enjoying yourseIf7' he cried. as he pass
ed me.
Instinctively / cast a glance upon Mr.
Rodveil. I saw him start and look me
ftill in the face. A row Of gasliEhts
leaning against the side scene glsred
| full upon rs both. His gaze dwelt upon
me for an instant. but he gave no sign
Of recognition. and went on talking as be-
| fore. fondly hoped that he did not re-
member me.
/ Quick on the heels Of Josiah followed
/ Mr.. Montgomery He nodded TO me,
/ and was passing on when, observing Mr..
4 Rodweli, be stopped suddenly, stared at
| him for a moment, then, clapping his
| hand upon his shoulder, cried in q Ia
miliar tone, How do you do. Mr.. Rod
| WellP'
He was dressed as an old man, wore
a wig. and was otherwise disguised. The
| gentleman whom he addressed honored
| him with a naughty stare.
| cit is some time since we have met,
and suppose you do not remember the
| Professor in this dressr
Mr.. Rodweu looked disconnected al
/ this recontre.
II certainly did not remember you. -
he said. coldly.
did not hear more ~ what passed b..
tween them. and should not have henrd
this had not my passage been blocked
for a moment by change Of scene.
was only too glad to get away from tbs
vicinity as soon rs I could make my es
cape.
All enjoyment was over for that even
ing, and I would have chosen rather e
have gone home at once; but as I had nc
companied my fellow dodgers to the the
alter, / thought 1t would appear strange
to leave without them. SO, having oh
tanned permission, | went into the pit Il
witness the rest Of the performance.
did not see anything more Of Mr.. Rod
well that night, but I could not sh1k,
of feeling Of depression. and a pre-
sentiment that this meeting BODIED IN
some III.
waited at the stage door until m!
companions we're dressed. But instcat
Of Immediately vending their way home
ward. they expressed an intention OF ad
JourninR to a public house. and insisteI
upon my accompanying them. ha'
never been in such place before. an
the noise and smoke quite mazcd me.
Mr.. Montgomery called for supper
and threw down a coin.
Hello" cried Josiah, staring in blanl
establishment; have you been robbiug
, bank -
"No; have only been bleeding
friend was the answer.
, soon began to very heartily wis
, that | had gone home by myself Nj
. Montgomery insisted upon drinking: an
that. together with the atmosphsrs | wa
p inhaling quickly affected my brain.
When We reached RaekstraN's build
} ings they would not permit me 10 z
TO my own lodgings. / must 20 int
Mrs. Jennings and spend half az hou
with them.
you don't smoke, sllasT' be said /