Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-09-09
The Lady In
the Case
BY Virginia Leila Wentz
Copyright. 1906. by Virginia Leila wen,n

courses" said the Hon. Joseph Brew
ster In matter Of fact way. IL was
during table d'hote dinner ON
Rhine boat, and he addressed the stran-
ger who ut first glance shortly after
they had steamed out of Cologne he
had decided was a likable fellow.
"Yes, really" answered the young
man. Its bit difficult to be sure OF
ones etiquette on foreign shores"
"Oh. felt sure you We're an Amer
ican" cried the elder man dcllghte,ily.
And / spoke to you because | was
rather homesick for the voice of one
Of my countrymen today
Just here there twanged from across
the table the voice OF Chicago butch
er:
Like 'em to see | mean business"
He winked TO nobody In particular and
to everybody IN general ms he poured
into the hand OF the surprised waiter.
interrupted In his duties. quantity
of small change.
The llkable stranger looked at Judge
Brewster and murmured humorously
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 Coblenz The younger
fellow, whose name was Gale. told
stories OF the Philippines. where he had
been for five years. lie had important
business in Germany and had come
home that way-for the United States
was home to him. lie 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
likable chap had experienced the trag-
edy as well as the comedy of life. II
was true he had good honest laugh
and a certain merry way OF saying
things. but. also. In repose there was a
stern sadness about the mouth rs OF
one who has suffered overmuch. The
kindly judge found himself wishing he
knew more about him. Perhaps he
was hunting for leader when. as the
twilight was coming on. he remarked:
Strange a man who's as fond Of the
States rs you are should have left
them for five years-especially as you
don't belong 10 the army"
perhaps twas for the comprehen-
sive reason that ninety-nine men out
OF hundred do anything-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 Rhelnfels." volunteered the
Judge. But his companion seemed not
20 hear.
"You see," he breathed. half 10 him
self, Il loved her too much 10 stay. SO
l determined to bury myself some
where. The Philippines We're as good
as any other place"
so she was married, then-that's
why you couldn't stayT'
"She was married TO u drunken
wretch who ought to have been horse
whipped all over the states. lie gam
bled; he raced; he made her life I'M
bearable."
How hard that must have been for
you. And she loved youi"
The Judge spoke with genuine sym
patty. II 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. IL was my
knowledge OF that which In the end
gave me the pluck to tear myself away.
Out there N the Philippine; l don't
suppose there's been an hour In all
these five years that I've forgotten 1t.
Why"-his firm, manly voice broke
iittle-"if I hadn't remembered that
she was still loving me. praying for
me. believing In me, life would not
have been possible. that's air.
where il she nowY" asked the judge
at last, breaking long silence.
''She's at wiesbaden just at present.
She's spending the season there with
her younger sister. who's been perfect
Ing herself In music-in Munich.
could tell you tales that would make
even heart of stone love her-tales OF
her devotion TO Rose chats her little
sister. of the sacrifices she has en-
dured. the deprivations she has under
gone. In order that Rose might have
the very best musical education. oh.
! swear she's woman In a Million
The Judge noticed he could not help
but notice that his young friends deep
chest was swelling deeply with unaf-
fected pride, that his eyes We're flash
Ing and that a ruddy color had crept
into the brown of his chin. by Jove,
he's handsome chap. he commented
to himself
Gale consulted his watch.
Just think" he said as he slipped
II into his pocket again. Fin few hours
shall see her. We're due AT BlebrIch
at $50, and then Wiesbaden"' He
was like boy In his fresh gladness.
"Ruf I" said the ftidge slowly trying