The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1905-03-23
CHAPTER XIV.


One day Mr.. Montgomery invited ms
TO pay a visit to the Royal Corinthiar
Theater There had been time wher
no proposition could have been so de
lightful to me; but since those days
had SCARED into higher regions OF ideal
ity than the theater could represent. New
ertheless. l accepted the invitation. and
one evening l accompanied him and Jo-
siah.
While l 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 a casual glance l again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently
heard 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 l
recognized Mr.. Rodwell. Ii was 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 so in such a situation, and
with my altered appearance.
| screwed up my courage. and turned
round to leave the spot. when. just as
was brushing past the object Of my
fears, adverse fortune brought Josiah
Cook across my path
Hello. Silas old fellow. how are you
enjoying yourself?" he cried. as he pass
ed me-
Instinctively cast a glance upon Mr..
n nj
full in the face. A row of gaslights
leaning against the side scene glared
full upon US 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 mot re-
member me-
Quick on the heels Of Josiah followed
Mr. Montgomery. He nodded to me.
and was passing on when. observing Mr.
RodweH. he stopped suddenly. stared at
him for a moment. then, clapping his /
hand upon his shoulder. cried in a IA /
niliar tone, How do you do, Mr.. Rod
1ellY'
He was dressed as an old man. wore |
, wig. and was otherwise disguised. The |
gentleman whom he addressed hOnOred /
lin with a naughty stare.
at is some time since we have met. /
md suppose you do not remember the
Professor in this dressT
Mr.. Rodwell looked disconnected at
his recontre.
Il certainly did not remember you"
e said. coldIy.
/ did not hear more Of what passed be-
xeeu them. and should not have heard
his had not my passage been blocked
or moment by a change Of scene
yas only too glad to get away from the
icinity as soon as / could make my es-
ape.
All enjoyment was over for that even
~. and / would have chosen rather 10
ave gone home at once; but as had ne
,mpanied my fellow dodgers to the the
ter. | thought IL would appear strange |
, leave without them. SO. having OBJ
lined permission, | went into the pit to
illness the rest OF the performance.
ID not see anything more Of Mr.. Rod /
ell that night, but / could not shake .
! feeling Of depression. and a pre- ,
ntiment that this meeting BODIED me ,
me III.
/ waited at the stage door until my
,mpaniOns were dressed. But instead
Immediately vending their way home y
ard, they expressed an intention OF adj
urning to a public house. and insisted
)on INK accompanying them. I had
.ver been in such a place before, and a
g noise and smoke quite mazed me. Il
Mr.. Montgomery called for supper.
NJ threw down a coin. II
"Hellop cried Josiah, staring in blank
tonishment; have you been robbiug a ;,
INK % u