The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1906-09-01
he Star
Boarder's Pills
Copyright. by Joseph b. Bowles.)
BY p. A. BLYTH

why are we waiting
She was newcomer or she would
have known that in this very genteel
boarding house, select as were It's
boarders, the star boarder was an Eng
fish baronet, and that it was feature
of honor accorded him that dinner was
never fairly commenced before his ar
rival at the table.
The harcnet, to DO him justice, was
extremely punctual where replenishing
the inner man was concerned But on
this particular evening he was not in
his accustomed place, and people shut
hed and toyed with rings, and tried to
appear not to be waiting, till the new
conner, a Vivacions, fresh tinted little
lady, little turned 40, inquired of her
near neighbour the cause of delay But
ut that moment the baronet appeared,
walking slowly, a 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 portcntiou8 tones
Can eat no dinner" she answered
aloud il alarmed accents.
Nothing, nothing, said the star
boarder, unless" with melancholy
wave OF his hand, "a spoonful, just
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
Tor IS years, and | dare not attempt
anything like a full meal without their
aid Until the mail arrives tomorrow
morning | am a starving man." and
mOurAfully he applied himself to the
soup laced before him. That dis
patched, he rose, and with muttered
apology left the apartment for the
drawing room.
At his departure Miss Brown gave
explanation. The star boarder could
eat no dinner because his digestive
last two he possessed till the
morning mail brought a fresh supply
had disappeared from the box. The pill F.!
box was still standing on the mantel- |
piece, but the pills, 50 the servant re-
ported who had been sent to fetch |
them, were gone.
Does he think the servant swal-
Lowell them?"
Il don't know" answered Miss
Brown absently, too anxious for The
effect upon her permanent boarder 10
Join in the general litter around the
table; but he says he shall dismiss
lim at once for his carelessness"
What is the number of the baro-
acts I0om?" The newcomer asked the
question with sharp abuptness.
mo, Is
"Then it is next TO mine" The lady
ooked for moment attentiyely at her /
plate, then, after the baronet's exam
Die, RISING, with murmured apologies,
luitted The table and the room.
A minute later found her by the star
Doarder's chair. Are you quite sure?
Perhaps there is some mistake. Your
servant might have overlooked them.
Nay he Just give one more loolt?"
Divided between surprise at her in
erfercnce and her pertinacty, the bar
met, turning, rang the bell near him
nd directed his servant to look once
more
The man obeyed. He returned. per-
,leXity on his face, with the pill box
nd two innocent-looking pills therein.
There, Uold YOU sol" said the little
ady with clap of her small white
lands
The star boarder's first sensation was
oy. Madam he said with a studied
ow, "you have the witchery of your
ex But his brow cioudcd. CHANGING
owarj5 his man-servant, Your care
essness is objectionable / shall dis
Ass you from my service You might
ave cost me the loss Of" He rose
astiy and, courtesy reminding him,
fercd his arm TO his bcnefactress. r
he two returned to the dining room.
"Foreive the noor man" said the
ldy a. they went.
No, madam; such carelessnoss is
70 cuipable.
And you are feeling quite well this
lorniug?" II was the morning after. q
nd the lady whose witchery had Sc !
ired the baronet his dinner leaned (
YER his chair. q
quite. madam" he replied gallant j
:. owing 10 your cleverness. / have j
Dt had a dinner suit me so well or en- Y
,yed SO perfect nights rest for a ?
ng willie" ]
Then You will not be so stern to- y
ards your man-serrant?"
But the star boarder shook his head.
Such tulpabie carelessness, madam"
The lady besitated Gould you keep i
secret2"
He bowed solemnly
Then VIII tell you something. Ny
.om Joins yours, tley are much alike. G.
too. take pills before dinner. and | 81
ent by mistake into your room and N
oh TWO pills. Afterwards ] slipped #
, AMI placed wo o. mine in your box. 81
feared To- toll yol lest they should II
# sHil YOU but you sec they have b
ted admirably. Pray. say you forgive ri
r. II
The hsronrf's politenrss was taxed. ol
"Maaam he said. tho effect have ~
CT too happy f0 rcscu meat Al.o / u
follows my servant is abs0lyed from o.