The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1905-10-19
Coayrighf. 1904, BY Otho B. Seaga

Six shabbily dressed men lounged in
front Of the fashionable hotel. Five,
evidently comrades, conferred together
in low tones; then one approached the
sixth man, saying guardedly, Are you
one of uS?"
The man smiled half satirically.
'Naw; I'm de real ting, see"
His questioner turned away in dis
gust.
The man laughed softly, the low, en-
joyable laugh of one who appreciates.
A tall young woman whose attire evi-
denced wealth and refinement entered
the hotel vestibule.
One Of the five groaned softly.
''Who is she, Dyke?' eagerly ques
toned another.
'AIiss Kate Waring of Denver.
Worth half a million and eccentric.
Visiting Cousin Dorothy. And me in
this beastly tramp's rigv'
Miss Warnings stately entrance into
the great dining room was arrested by
the head waiter
"This way, madam" courteously. II
will conduct you to the ladies' dining
room.'
Miss Waring glanced about her.
"It is not necessary" calmly. Il will
remain here"
Pardon me, madam, but ladies with
out escorts are served in the room at
the right will conduct madam
| Miss Warnings calm glance survey
ed the small crowded room at the right
and then returned to the great, cool
room in which she stood, with palms
and ferns in profusion. She noted the
many vacant tables and the number Of
ladies present.
II do not wish to go in there. | pre-
4 fer to have dinner served here" max
ing the statement TRANQUILITY with the
air Of one accustomed to have defer
ence accorded her slightest wish.
''The rule is imperative, madam, =
with courteous firmness. Ladies with
out escort
Reserve that table by the window
with the ferns beside it, the third on
the left And the graceful figure
turned to the outer door.
There was no hesitancy in Miss War
ing's voice or manner as she addressed
the group Of shabby men.
.Will one Of you gentlemen do me
favor?" clearly and unsmiingiy.
Six shabby head coverings were OF
III an instant, and six more or less
No,
THANK you ALL gravely. Il wan
one Of you to act as my escort and my
guest, that may be accorded the rriyi
Iege'-the scarlet lips curled a trife-
.'of having my dinner where | have
chosen to have it, will ask you
please" turning abruptly to the ont
who had designated himself as .de rea
ting"
"Oh, but began one of the un
chosen eagerly.
Miss Warnings face and gesture for
babe further words.
Il thank you all for your courtesy
If this gentleman accepts
1T is privilege, madam" bowin,
grayely.
".De real ting is hey' cried Dyk
vengefully when they We're out Of hear
ing did you observe his speech ant
that bow? He's one Of the fellows Sc
to watch us!''
Nonsense, Dyke! There isn't a ma
in the class as old as he. He's see
actual tramping, I'll stake a thousan
Oh it. Why didn't you tell Miss Wal
ing who you are!'
Aren't we under oath not to dis
close our IDENTIFY" demanded Dyk
hotly. "BesCes, look at me-"
Il ordered table reserved" sal
Miss Waring to ''de real ting"
II see it-third on the left"
He led the way with easy grace,
light Of amusement cleaning in h1
dark eyes at the evident consternatio
of the waiter, who hesitated slight
before seating the serene young lad
and her strange escort.
Miss Naring ordered the dinner wit
precision and discrimination.
Il hope" she remarked pleasant
when the waiter had gone-'I hope 70
;" approve my order.'
: There was not the slightest emba
rassment in her manner or condescel
q sion in her speech--the man was ht
!. guest
d "The order is perfect, madam, ant
e permit me to say, admirably given"
; Miss Waring smiled.
r "Are all of Boston s''-she pause
G for an instant in search Of a word til;
might not embarrass her guest-.su
J. merged, such Chesterfelds as the $
IS to whom l spoken
it 'The others are Harvard students
n Harvard students!' in momental
bewilderment. "Oh, | know. Tht
are doing penance."
n 'aThat is the meaning, madam, thou:
not the term they use"
"Are your lightly, yet with an an
d ious tone in the low voice.
te II am genuine hobo"
She passed her cardcase to him.
re "You should know who is your hos
t. ess,' graciously, "and | will ask Il
hr name Of my guest"
lg He took out two cards, writing I
in the back of one and returning it to b
n with the case.
10 She glanced at the writing:
in JOHN LESTER, HOBO.
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