The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-21

I 4 ~
 what do you mean. Aiphonseiy demanded Appleton, red with anger at the mans presumption. Pardon. T thought Mademoiselie spoke" said the man on the drivers seat After that he gave his undi- vided attention to the management of the car.
 -I--cannot marry you," said Mar- garet in a strange voice. Tt is quite impossible. have suddenly realised what . mistake 1t would all be. No. I shall not change my mind. would Back to Miss Alden's, Alphonse, commanded Appleton, in a per:<sxed rage.
 "Its cowardly." said Kimberly. as | he gaxed meditatively at the eight chambered revolver he turned over in his hand
 A slight noise made Kimberly raise his head and listen intently. The apart ment was quite dark save for the glfm- mer that came from the street. Aris- ling cautiously, he went to the door of the adjoining room. A man was going through his possession by the aid of . dark lantern. Kimberly stood for a few seconds watching the deft fingers K. of surprise that he had anything that another man wanted. You'll be disappointed" he said, confidentially. Now. you couldn't lend L4ne a million or so, could your" The intruder dropped a er-backed brush with a chatter. You've broken my Dresden tray" said Kimberly reproachfully. How ever. 1t doesn't matter. So don't apol- ogize." Kimberly was holding the revolver in his hand and when the burglar drew one in defense he laughed lightly and tossed his on the dressing table. Smoker" he asked pleasantly, draw ing out his case and passing it to the man who stood undecided what to do. Now. don't let me interrupt your work. never like to have people dropping in when I'm busy. and perhaps you are like that. That stick pin on the cushion, by the way, is better than it looks. Quite an interesting story connected with 1t. Sorry there isn't time to tell you about 1t, for it's a mighty good story. I think there are some other interesting things over in that little Chinese box. The head un- screws" Kimberly was puffing his cigar and swinging his feet, perched on a tall clothes hamper. There was
 
 to enjoy this encounter with a burglar, absolutely without fear of the conse- quences. A man about to commit sui eide would prefer to have 1t neatly done by a professional; or does he fear for his possessions who is about to leave them all behind.
 The burglar threw down his weapon and stood stupidly staring at Kimberly.
 "A thousand pardons, M'sieur! I did N.NA frN of the M'sieur." The intruder bowed obsequiously. Perhaps you recognize meY'
 "No," said Kimberly, T have never seen you before. Still-''
 Does not Msieur remember a little dinner at the Adelphi with a charming mademoiselle? Ah-he does. Tres bienl will tell to Msieur something. It was inteded for me, Alphonse. to make Mademoiselle.
 ''Sit down." said Kimberly with eager hospitality. Now. what Is this wild idea you are telling me?''
 Alphonse sat down gingerly on the edge of a chair.
 "Msieur has pardoned the intru- sion?" demanded the original burglar.
 That's all right" said Kimberly. cordially. Glad you dropped in. Is D have come to take the coin of the realm in a lump instead of by bits, as at the AdelphiT'
 The man smiled appreciatively.
 "Oui, Msieur."
 You said you had something to tell mel" said Kimberly seriously. his ban tering tone quite gone.
 'Tt was this way" began Alphonse impressively. T was. after left the al Irh AA for a man named Appleton. He bought ze automobile as he thought 1t might please ze mademoiselle whom he would marry. I recognized her when she came down ze steps. and I, Msieur II remembered. A pity 1t was for one so young to marry ze old one. Par dons, but garcon hears much he Is not meant to hear. Monsieur Appleton asked ze mademoiselle to marry him. Me, Alphonse, would not let her forget the fine Msieur who loved her. Il turned and looked at her before she an- swered. She knew me. An, no woman ever forgets Alphonse." The man who listened was perfectly white and his eyes were fiercely bright.
 "Go on, man, go on." he cried wild ly.
 'Ze petite table-ze palms--ze soft music--ah-she remember all. Then she told him no. The next day the old one sold his new Panhard." con- cluded the waiter-chaffeur-bu burglar.
 Kimberly came over to his midnight caller and extended his hand.
 You don't know what you've done for me-" said Kimberly. slowly. at last breaking the silence. If there Is any thing I can do for you"
 'Merci. Msieur. You can do much if you keep my little visit entre nous"
 Don't mention it." said Kimberly.