Los Angeles herald., 1906-04-29

midst Of painful operation, and they should
have informed you at the door that I could not
be disturbed"
| [Slr, said the lady, calming down somewhat
under the influence of his imperative tones, 'I
must ask you to pardon this unwarrantable in
truslon, but l am in great trouble l am seek
ing Tor very dear friend-I might add my af-
famed husband, Mr.. Whitehouse" (Here tSe
patients legs trembled violently that Robin
son In turn trembed for his draperies) IL saw
him enter residence within this block, and am
at present making what might almost be called
house-to,house search" with nervous laugh),
''as my business with him is of very pressing
nature"
You see plainly for yourself Madam" said
Robinson blandly, Chat am the only male oc-
cupant OF these rooms, nor have the pleasure OF
knowing the gentleman in question. The other
apartments in this house being all rented to mid
de-aged ladies of highest respectability, cannot
encourage your further search. and once more
must insist upon your withdrawing" With
which utimatum he firmly conducted the dash
ing blonde, now almost hysterical, to the outer
door, turning deaf ear to all her entreaties for
assistance in tracing her truant lover.
Having seen her safely in the street, he reen-
tered his rooms, carefully locking both doors,
and still carrying the now depleted gas-bag un-
der his arm, he rejoined the unhappy victim
who minus cloak and table cover, sat mopping
his wet brow.
MY FRIEND" said he, ''I may say, my very
dear friend am forever yours to command, for
you have rescued me from the most deucedly
awkward scrape of my life. Even now, however,
| cannot consider myself entirely out of danger
but must ask the shelter of your hosptabe roof
until evening" when, under cover of the darkness.
l can safely depart in cab"
So there all day he remained, and a busy one
it proved for Robinson. First inquiry was
sent for stateroom on the big White Star boat
sailing the following day. This soon brought an
affirmative answer; and second epistle was dis
patched to Mrs. Whitehouse, in which her loving
husband broke the joyful news and bade her get
ready to accompany him, deploring the fact that
few last matters of great Importance would re-
quire his attention and keep him from her side
until the evening. Lastly, his partner was sent
for, and as much information as seemed desra
BILE conided to his keeping, and when at length
the shades of evening descended upon the afore
said dwelling, Mr.. Amos Whtehouse (having
first sent Robinson to reconnoitre) crept sad
der and wiser man, into the waiting cab.
As he wrung Robinson's hand in parting he
said tremulously: "I sha'n't feel positively safe
till I'm actually the ocean, but again let me
thank you from the bottom of my heart for your
kindness. From this day forward you shall care
for the teeth of every member of my family with
whom | have particle of influence, and mean
while | beg you to accept this trihing expression
of my eternal gratitude" (Which was check to
the order of j. V. Robinson for two thousand
doars)
''Truy,' said Robinson, as the cab rolled away
and sinking into a chair he gazed, still half ~
credulous, at the check in his hand, "There is
tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the
food leads on to fortune"
Copyright by ]. B. Lippincott Co.