The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1905-03-11
CHAPTER XIV.

One day Mr.. Montgomery invited me
to pay a visit to the Royal Corintllian
Theater. There had been time when
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 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 a casual glance again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently l
heard q voice close behind me, whose
tones sounded familiar in my ears. Turn
ing round, l saw one of the gentlemen
talking to an actress. In an instant
recognized Mr.. Rodwell. 1t was a shock,
in which, for an instant, l forgot the
stage and everything about me. l avert
ed nv head, and dared not move lest he
should recognize me. But l 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 l cast glance upon Mr..
md lob m
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 not re-
member me.
Quick on the heels Of Josiah followed
Mr.. Montgomery. He nodded to me,
and was passing on when, observing Mr..
Rodwell, he stopped suddenly. stared at
him for a moment, then, clapping his
hand upon his shoulder, cried in ia
miliar tone, How do you do, Mr.. Rod
wellT'
He was dressed as an old man. wore
a wig, and was otherwise disguised. The
gentleman whom he addressed honored
him with naughty stare.
''It is some time since we have met,
and l suppose you do not remember the
| Professor in this dressY"
| Mr.. Rodwell looked disconnected at
this recontre.
81 certainly did not remember you, "
he said, coldly.
| I did not hear more Of what passed be-
| tween them, and should not have heard
this had not my passage been blocked
for a moment by change of scene.
| was only too glad to get away from the
vicinity as soon as l could make my es-
cape.
All enjoyment was over for that even
ing. and l would have chosen rather to
have gone home at once; but as had &C.
companied my fellow dodgers to the the
alter, l thought it would appear strange
to leave without them. So, having OBJ
tanned permission. l went into the pit to
witness the rest of the performance.
did not see anything more OF Mr.. Rod
well that night, but l could not shske
of a feeling Of depression, and a pre-
sentiment that this meeting BODIED me
some i'll.
| l waited at the stage door until my
companions were dressed. But instead
Of immediately vending their way home
ward, they expressed an intention OF ad
jourEing to public house. and insisted
upon my accompanying them. l had
never been in such a place before, and
the noise and smoke quite mazed me.
Mr.. Montgomery called for supper
and threw down a coin.
"Hello!" cried Josiah, staring in blank
establishment; have you been robbing q
bank p
mo; l have only been bleeding q
friend was the answer.
l soon began to very heartily wish
that l had gone home by myself Mr.
Montgomery insisted upon drinking; and
that. together with the atmosphere wa,
inhaling. quickly affected my brain.
When We reached Rackstraw's build
ings they would not permit me to &C
to my own lodgings. l must 60 into
Mrs. Jennings and spend half an hour
with them.
i You don't smoke. Siias?" he said tt