The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1906-11-24
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room. 1t was roomy and quaint, and
able room in which George Washing
ton had slept. The great hooded fire
place was merry with cracking logs. +
Casually l observed that we were not
alone. over yonder, in a Swallowed
corner, sat two men, very we'll bun
died up, and, to all appearances, fast
asleep. Moriarty lighted a four
.branched candelabrum and showed us
the way to the little private dining
room. took our orders, and left Us
|..This is romance" said |. They
used to do these things hundreds of
years ago, and everybody had good
time"
1T is now all very wicked and i'm
proper" murmured the girl, laying
aside her domino for the first time
but delightful! l now find l haven't
the least bit of remorse for what
have done"
In that dark evening gown she was
very beautiful. Her arms and shout
ders were tinted like Carrara marble;
and knew instantly that I was never
going to recover. I drew two chairs
close to the crate. I sat down in one
and she in the other With a con-
tented sigh she rested her blue-slip-
pered feet on the brass fender
My one regret is that l haven't
any shoes. What an adventurei"
Its fine!" Two hours in the soci-
ETY. of this enchanting creature! It
was almost too good to be true All,
if it might always be like this-to re-
turn home from the days work. to be
greeted warmly by a woman as beauti-
full as this one! / sighed loudly.
Moriarty came with the chicken and
ham and coffee.
IF We would like, it won't be bit
of trouble to show We George Wash
ington's room; or"-with inimitable
Irish drollery-'I can tell ye that he
dined in this very room"
That will serve" smiled the girl;
and Moriarty bowed himself out.
His departure was followed by the
clatter of silver upon porcelain. OF
q truth, both of us were hungry
Il was simply ravenous," the girl
confessed.
And as for me, I never dreamt
could be so unromantic. Now" said
I, pushing aside my plate, and drop
ping sugar into my coffee, and vainly
hunting in my pockets for a cigar,
-
be cleared up"
And what might this mystery be?'
she asked The whereabouts of the
bogus Haggerty?'
The bogus Haggerty will never
cross our paths again. He has skipped
| by the light Of the moon No, that's
not the mystery. Why did you tell
me you were an impostor; why did
| you go to the cellars with me- when
/ all the while you were at the ball on
Mrs. Hyphen-Bonds' invitation?"
She leaned on her elbows and
smiled at me humorously
Would you really like to know
Signor? Well, l was an impostor"
She sat with her back to the fire, and
a weird halo of light seemed to sur.
round her and frame her. Mrs. Hy-
phen-Bonds accidentally dropped that
invitation in my studio, a few days
before she sailed for Europe. l sim
ply could not resist the temptation
That is all the mystery there is
And they still think you were there
rightfully!"
You are no longer mystifed?"
Yes; there is yet another mystery
to solve: myself l knew it. With
out rhyme and reason, I was in love;
and without rhyme or reason, 1 was
glad of it.
Shall you ever be able to solve
such a mystery quizzically.
It all depends upon you"
"Mr Comstalk, you will not mai
the exquisite humor of our adventure
by causing me annoyance. I am sure
that some day we shall be very gooC
friends. But one does not talk of love
| on eight hours acquaintance. Besides
you would be taking advantage of M
helplessness; for really depend upoI
you to see me safe back to New York
It is only the romance, the adventure
and such moonlight nights often su
perinduce senumentality What d.
you know of me? Nothing. What d.
know of you? Nothing, save tina
there is a kindred spirit which is al
ways likely to lead US into trouble
: Down in your heart you know you ar,
only temporarily affected by moon
shine. Come, make me a toast!"-lift
ing her cup.
you are right" said L q am
gentleman. But it was only consist
ent that. having been the fool,
should now play the ass. Here's!
and 1 held up my cup.
: But neither Of US drank; Their
wasn't time.
For the door opened quietly, and 4
walked the two men we had seen upo
: entering the Inn. One of them gent