Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1905-09-28
The Lady In
the Case
By Virginia Leila Wentz
Copyright, 1895, by Virginia Leila wentz


knife and fork for several other
courses" said the Hon. Joseph Brew
ster in matter of fact way. 1t was
during table d'hote dinner on a
Rhine boat, and he addressed the stran-
ger who at first glance shortly after
they had steamed out Of Cologne he
had decided was lkable fellow.
Yes, reallyi" answered the young
man. Its bit difficult to be sure of
ones etiquette on foreign shores"
''Oh, felt sure you were an Amer
ican," cried the elder man delightedly.
And | spoke to you because l was
rather homesick for the voic Of one
Of my countrymen today
Just here there twanged from across
the table the voice of a Chicago butch
er:
Like 'em to see ! mean business"
He winked to nobody in particular and
to everybody in general as he poured
into the hand of the surprised waiter,
interrupted in his duties, quantity
of small change.
The likable stranger looked at Judge
Brewster and murmured humorousiy
as he caught the elder mans smile:
"Well, there's another one of our
countrymen. One gets bit ashamed
of the species though-eh:
They went on deck together shortly
after they left Cobenz. The younger
fellow, whose name was Gale, told
stories OF the Philippines, where he had
been for five years. He had important
business in Germany and had come
home that way--for the United States
was home to him. He had interesting
tales of the Philippine Islands, Of the
great things that had been done during
the American occupation and OF the
many things that were yet to do. He
had something to say Of the wealth OF
virgin material in the country; also he
had something to say OF the trials and
desolation.
Obviously, the judge concluded, this
lkable chap had experienced the trag-
edy as well us the comedy OF life. 1t
was true he had Il good. honest laugh
and certain merry way OF saying
things, but also, in rcpose there was Il
stern sadness about the mouth rs OF
one who has suffered overmuch. The
kindly judge found himself wishing he
knew moro about him. Perhaps he
was hunting for leader when, as the
twilight was coming on, he remarked:
-hp' Of N
States rs you are should have left
them for five years-especally ms you
don't belong to the army"
perhaps twas for the comprehen-
sive reason that ninety-nine men out
OF Il hundred do anythng--a woman
"Ah, there was Il lady in the case
The young fellows eyes were turned
rather gravely toward the grim. gaunt,
massive skeleton Of departed prowess,
heaped high above st. Gaur.
That's Rheinfels," volunteered the
judge. But his companion seemed not
to hear,
'.You see" he breathed half to him
self, Il loved her too much to stay: Sc
determined to bury myself some
where. The Philippines were as good
rs any other place"
$50 she was married, then-that 8
why you couldn't stayT'
"She was married to drunken
wretch who ought to have been horse
whipped all over the states. He gam
blel; he raced: he made her life un-
bearuble."
How hard that must have been for
YOU And she loved you?'
The judge spoke with genuine sym
pathy. 1t was the sort of night which
induces conference.-the peaceful river,
the little sleepy village. the quiet Gid
ing Of the boat
Yes, she loved me- 1t was my
knowledge Of that which in the end
gave me tie pluck II tear myself away.
out there in the Philippines ! don't
suppose there's been an hour in ell
these five years that I've forgotten 1t.
Why"-his firm, manly voice broke a
little-"if | hadn't remembered that
she was SIN loving no, praying tJv
me, believing in NE, life would not
have been possible, that's air
Where is she now?" asked the judge
at / It. breaking Il long silence.
shes at Wicsnnien just at present.
She's spending the season there with
her younger sistcr, who's been perfect
ing herself i'm luSic-in Munich.
could tell YOU tales that would make
even heart of stone love her-tn.es OF
her devotion to Rose chats her little
sister, of the sacrifices she has en-
dured. the depriyatons She has under
.1nc in order that Rose might have
| the very best musical education Oh
| swear she's woman la a millionH'
The Judge noticed he could not hell
but notice-that his Young friends decl
chest was swelling deeply with unlt.
fected pride. that lis eyes were dash.
lux .a8 IAat Ii rudty .2c' aNs v1@ IA
into the brown of his chin. By love
he's handsome chap" he commented
70 himself
Gale consulted his watch.
Just think" he said as he slipped
II into his pocket again. in a few hours
| shall see herl We're due at Biebricl
AT $50, and then Wicsbadeu" HI
was Ike a boy in his fresh gladness,
But" said the Judge slowly, trying
| 10 get into the spirit OF the thing. "you