The San Francisco call., 1906-11-11

ing behind Judge Pike, accidentally re-
ceived blow from the same weapon,
all the guests of the evening sprang
to view the scene, only to behold the
culprit leap through crevice between
the strips of canvas which enclosed the
piazza He was seized by the colored
coachman of the mansion, Sam Warden,
and Immediately pounced upon by the
Gordon of Caterer Jones dusky assist
ants from Chicago, who were in am
bush outside. Unfortunately after
brief struggle he managed to trip
Warden. and the others stumbling
upon the PROSTATE body of the latter,
to make his escape in the darkness.
1t is not believed by many that his
Intention was burglary. though what
his designs were can only be left to
conjecture, as he is far beyond the
age when boys perform such actions
out of sense of mischief. He had evil.
IDENTIFY occupied his hiding place some
time. and an idea ~of his GOODNESS may
be obtained from his having procured
and eaten a full meal through an un-
known source. Judge Pike is justly
incensed and swears that he will pros
ecute him on this and other charges
as soon as he can be found. Much
sympathy is felt for the culprit's fam
lily, who feel his shame most keenly.
but who, though sorrowing over the
occurrence, declare that they have put
up with his derelictions long enough
and will do nothing to step between
him and the Judges righteous indig
nation.
The Pike mansion, scene of festiv-
ity. and mirth" (not quite so unaI-
loyed, after all, the stricken Flitcroft
keeping his room for a week under
medical supervisory, had not been the
only bower of the dance in Canaan
that evening; another temple of Terp-
sichore had shone forth with lights;
though of these there were not quite
myriad The festivities they illu-
mined obtained no mention in the pa
per. nor did they who trod the meas
ures in this second temple exhibit any
sense of injury because of the Tocsin's
omission. Nay. they were of that class,
shy without being bashful, exclusive
yet not proud, which shuns publicity
with a single e-heartedness almost
unique in our republic, courting OBJ
servation neither in the prosecution of
their professions nor in the pursuit of
happiness.
Not quite a mile above the northern
most of the factories on the water front
there projected into the river near the
crescent bend above the town a long
pier, relic of steamboat days, rotting
now, and many years fallen from its
maritime uses. About midway of its
Z.
ago utilized as a freight storeroom.
This had been patched and propped and
a dangerous-1ooking veranda attached
to 1t, overhanging the water. Above
the doorway was placed a sign where,
on might be read the words, Beaver
Beach, Mikes Place." The shore end
of the pier was so ruinous that passage
was offered by single row of planks,
which presented an appearance so tenn
porary, as well as insecure. that one
might have guessed their Office to be
something in the nature of a draw
bridge. From these a narrow path ran
through a marsh. left by the receding
river. to country road of desolate
appearance. Here there was rough
inclosure, or corral, with some tumble
down sheds which afforded shelter, on
the night of Joseph Louden's disgrace,
, for number of shaggy teams attached
to those decrepit and musty vehicles
known picturesquely and accurately as
night-hawks. The presence of such ques-
tionable shapes in the corral indicated
that the dance was on at Beaver Beach,
Mixes place. as surely as the short line
of cabs and family carriages on upper
Main street made it known that gayety
was the order of the night at the Pike
mansion. But among other differences
was this, that at the hour when the
guests of the latter were leaving those
seeking the hospitalities of Beaver
Beach had just begun to arrive.
BY o'clock, however, JOY at Mikes
place had become beyond condition un-
confined. and the tokens of it were
audible for long distance in all direc-
tions. If. however, there is no sound
where no ear hears, silence rested upon
the countryside until an hour later
Then lonely figure came shivering
from the direction of the town, rot by
the road, but sinking through the snow
upon the frozen river. 1t came slowly,
as though very tired, and cautiously,
too, often turning its head to look be-
hind. Finally it reached the pier and
stopped as If to listen.