The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-04-01
CHAPTER XIV.


One day Mr.. Montgomery invited me
to pay O visit to the Royal Corinthian
Theater. There had been time when
no proposition could have been 80 de-
lightful to me; but since those days /
had scared into higher regions Of Ideal
ity than the theater could represent. New
ertheless, I accepted the invitation, and
one evening accompanied him and Jo-
siah. .,u ." t~
While 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 casual glance again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently l
heard a 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
recognized Mr.. Rodwell. 1t was a shock,
In which, for an instant, l forgot the
stage and everything about me. I avert
ed my head, and dared not move lest he
should recognize me. But 1 soon began
to think how improbable this was that
he would do so In such situation, and
with my altered appearance.
l 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 yourselfT he cried, as he pass
ed me.
Instinctively I cast glance upon Mr.
Rodwell. saw him start and look me
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 q moment, then, clapping his
hand upon his shoulder, cried In a IA
miliar tone, How do you do, Mr.. Rod
wellf'
He was dressed as an old man, wore
a wig, and was otherwise disguised. The
gentleman whom he addressed honored
him with a naughty stare.
ut Is some time since we have met,
and suppose you do not remember the
Professor in this drsss7 ,"
Mr.. Rodwell looked disconnected at
this recontre.
81 certainly did not remember YOU"
he said, coldly.
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 a 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 | would have chosen rather to
have gone home at once; but as had ac-
companied my fellow dodgers to the the
alter, thought 1t would appear strange
to leave without them. So, having OBJ
tanned permission, 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 shake
OF a feeling Of depression, and a pre-
sentiment that this meeting bodied me
some Ill.
waited at the stage door until nv
companions were dressed. But instead
~ HASNAoSSAS "SAulhS their way nome
ward, they expressed an intention OF ad-
journing to public house, and insisted
upon my accompanying them. ] had
never been In such a place before, and
the noise and smoke quite maxed me.
Mr.. Montgomery called for supper,
and threw down a coin.
"Hellor cried Josiah, staring in blank
establishment; "have you been robbinE a
bank?" a- = -. :.
'No; I have only been bleeding
friend" was the answer.
l soon began to very heartily wish
that / had gone home by myself, MFR,
Montgomery insigtsd upon drinking; and
that, together with the atmosphere / was
inhaling, quickly affected my brain.
When We reached Rackstraw's build
ings they would not permit me to go
to my own lodgings, l must go into
Mrs. Jennings and spend half an hour
with them, -=se5-=..-- .-.ss--=-.
"You don't smoke. Silas?" he said to