The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1906-10-06
The Star
Boarder's Pills
Copyright. by Joseph B. BowIes.,

one was newcomer or she would
nave known that in this very gentee]
boarding house, select as were its
boarders, the star boarder was an Eng
fish taronet, and that 1t was a feature
Of honor accorded him that dinner was
never fairly commenced before his ar
rival at the table.
Inc baronet, to do him justice, was
extremely punctual where replenishipg
the inner man was concerned. But On
this particular evening he was not in
MS accustomed place, and people shuf-
ned and toyed with rings, and tried to
appear not to be waiting, till the new
! conner, vivacious, fresh-tinted little
lady, little turned 40, inquired of her
near neighbor the cause of delay. But
at that moment the baronet appeared,
walking slowly, heavy cloud on his
brow. He took his seat by the side of
Miss Brown, the lady Of the establish
ment, presiding at the head of the Ia
Bile. He stopped and whispered to her
In portentious tones.
Can eat no dinner!" she answered
niOuu LA dldTLueQ accents.
Nothing, nothing" said the star
boarder, unless" with a melancholy
wave of his hand, "a spoonful, just a
spoonful OF the soup. No more, not a
drop more" as in obedience to his re-
quest the soup ladle descended to his
plate. Il have not missed taking them
for ID years. and I dare not attempt
anything like full meal without their
Aid. Until the mail arrives Tomorrow
morning l am a starving man." and
mourafully he applied himself to the |
soup Ilaced before MIN. That dis
patched, he rose, and with a muttered
apology left the apartment for the |
room.
AT his departure Miss Brown gave |
explanation. The star boarder could
eat no dinner because his digestive
pills-the last two he possessed till the
morning mail brought fresh supply
had disappeared from the box. The pill
box was still standing on the mantel-
piece, but the pills, SO the servant re-
ported who had been sent to fetch
hem, were gone.
Does he think the servant swal-
owed them?"
4 don't know" answered Miss
3rown, absently, too anxious for the
nect upon her permanent boarder to ,
DIN in the general litter around the
able; but he says he shall dismiss /
Inn at once for his careiessness.
WHAT Is the number of the baro- +
cts room?" The newcomer asked the
uession with sharp abruptness. "
mo. 15."
Then 1t is next to mine" The lady !
'ohed for a moment attentively at her b
late, then, after the baronet's EXAM d
le, rising, with murmured apologies. q
uitted the table and the room. O
A minute later found her by the star Il
oarder's chair. Are you quite sure? q
erhaps there is some mistake. Your q
'rvant might have overlooked them. :
ay ne just give one more look?" II
divided between surprise at her in Il
rference and her pertinacity, the bar d
let, turning, rang the bell near him q,
Id directed his servant to look once X
ore. n,
The man obeyed. He returned. per- re
exity on his face. with the pill box Of
"a two innocent-looking pills therein.
There, told you SOL" said the little
dy, with clap of her small white
nds. n
The star boarder's first sensation was
y. Madam" he said, with a studied
W, you have the witchery of your
K. But his brow clouded. CHANGING "a
wards his man-servatt, "Your care Or
sness is objectionable. I shall dis M
So you from my service. You might In
We cost me the loss Of" He rose ly
Silly and, courtesy reminding him. on
cred his arm to his benefactress, IN
e two returned to the dining room. OF
Forgive the DOOR man." said the Gle
ly as they went.
No, madam; such carelessness is ria
cuipable.' an
And you are feeling quite well this Ms
rning?" 1t was the morning after 70
the lady whose witchery had Sc.
ed the baronet his dinner leaned 1ne
n his chair. -
Quite, madam" he replied gallant.
owing to your cleverness. | have 'Ie
had dinner suit me so well or en- "I,
ed so perfect nights rest for a . We
g WHILE" .ne
Then you win not be so stern to- 49,
IDS your man-servant?" -.
ut the star boarder shook his head the
oh culpable carelessness, madam" .nr
he lady hesitated. Gould you keen {"
,cret?" Nh,
e bowed solemnly.
Then will tell you something. Ny
n Joins yours; they are much alike.
DO, take pills before dinner, and ] o
t by mistake into your room and
I two pills. Afterwards slipped u
mi placed two of mine in your box Fac
AIRED to tell you lest they should 5uc,
suit You; but you see they have A
d admirably. Pray, say you forgive cor
sant
he baronet's politeness was taxed. com
iadam," he said, "the effects have A
too happy for resentment. Also rien