The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-04-29
CHAPTER XXI,

SAAGA Il LIN AL
Between six and seven o'clock on the
next evening, an elderly man. dressed
like gentleman farmer, hastily entered
the shop Of a picture dealer, situated in
the West End, and asked, in a nervous,
impatient manner, to inspect some very
pretty water-color drawings that were in
the window. The shopman produced
them. Instead, however, of examining
the picture itself, the gentleman seemed
chiefly interested In the back Of 1t. 1t
was growing dusk, and he carried the
picture to the door and carefully exam
ined the blank surface at the back. In
one corner was family inscribed in PEN
Gil the word CLARA"
With an exclamation Of pleasure, and
frightened face, he went back to the
counter, and asked the shopman for the
address Of the painter. The young man
hesitated. II beg pardon, sir" he said;
but it is not usual to give the addresses
of the ladies and gentlemen who work
for us without their permission"
"Let~ me see your MASTER" said the
gentleman, sharply.
In a few minutes the principal himself
came forward.
II wish to purchase all the drawings
you have by this artist, and at the same
time to be favored with her address. l
am not asking this for the qualification
OF Idle curiosity. The lady believe to
be a very near and dear member Of my
family, whom l have lost sight Of for
several years-whom believed to be
dead. Five days ago I was looking In
at the window Of a picture dealers in
the Strand, when saw exposed for sale
a water-color painting, representing my
own cottage down in Suffolk. l have
just such a picture at home, and there
was a popularity Of touch about this
one that led me to believe, wild as the
thought seemed then, that both were the
work Of one hand. l went into the shop,
and purchased the picture. was not
deceived. Inscribed In a corner at the
back was the word Clara But the
salesman could give me no information
about the artiSb; they had bought it
about two years ago, with several others,
OF young girl whom they had never
seen since. Ny nephew dined with me
that day. and told him of the circum-
stance. He at once requested the affair
to be left in his hands. He came to my
hotel last night to tell me that he had
inquired, and caused others to inquire, of
every likely picture dealer, but had not
met with the slightest success. AS this
was my last day in the city l thought
would take a look round the picture
shops myself. I have been about all
day, and was just about to give up my
search in despair when I caught sight
Of these. thought they looked like her
work, and, sure enough, here is her sig
nature in the corner. Yet, stay a mo-
ment; to make assurance doubly sure,
will show you her likeness, painted some
six years ago. You will be then able to
tell me whether it is the same"
He produced the identical miniature
that Sllas had found in Little Bcthle-
hem, and which, it will be remembered,
he had left in a pocket Of the clothes
deposited with Mr~Jonathan Rodwell.
The shopkeeper hesitated no longer,
but at once handed over to him the re-
CURED address. The gentleman purchas-
ed the pictures at very handsome price,
got into a cab that the shop boy had
fetched for him, and drove away in
the direction Of the northwest.
He arrived at Mrs. Wilson's about 8
o'clock, and knocked at the door, To
his inquiries, the servant replied, Miss
Clara has gone with missis to the play
house; and l do not expect she will be
home until late"
docs she frequent places of amuse-
ment much? Is she often out Of an
EVENING"
"Oh. dear no; this is the first time
have ever known her to go; she is never
out late"
"How unfortunate! But l must see
her tonight, at whatever hour she may
return. l will come back at twelve"
Mary looked very much astonished at
the idea of such late visit. Mr.. Jona-
than Rodwell ordered the cabnan to
drive to the nearest hotel, where he en-
gagged a bed and waited impatiently the
passing away Of time.
At II o'clock he knocked again at
Mrs. Wilson's door. They had not re-
turned. would Mary permit him to
come in and wait p Mary did not like
the idea Of admitting a stranger at such
an hour, and she alone in the house.
But he looks gentleman" she thought,
land he Is old enough to be my father"
Don't be afraid; am not a burglar,
my dear" said Mr.. Jonathan, smiling,
and slipping a coin into her hand.
He walked into the parlor, and Mary
lit the lamp. One o'clock by his watch
and still they had not come. He was
growing uneasy; he could not sit still;
he walked up and down the room, with
his watch in his hand, counting the min
utes. The rumble Of wheels at last.
He ran out to the door; the night was