Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-12-12
IN perplexity. then in rage, at one an

IN perplexity. then in rage, at one an
other.
There must be misunderstood
ing" said John. Surely there can be
but one hero or heroine OF single
book"
The three women talked at once, the
heroes muttered bitterly, the personal
conductors exchanged hasty conf
dences; John cast a glance toward the
door, but Brandon laid OBTAINING
hand on his shoulder.
MY friends" he said, "it is plain
that Mr.. Hastings has drawn compos-
lite characters, taking from each the
quality for which you are best known.
Is one clown in a three ringed circus
less clown because there are two
others?"
Nothing could have been more In
geniously offensive, and smoldering IT.
ritation threatened 10 burst forth. The
widow stood by John TO protect him.
Brandon tried again.
I'VE have all seen Uncle Toms Cab
in with two Uncle Toms, a pair OF
Topsies and brace OF Evas. and none
Of them differeth from another in
glory"
Here the butler announced that the
doctor was wanted across the street
For hea"en's sake, don't gor' whis-
pered John.
Talk to them yourself; make 'em
laugh"
Before John could utter a word Sam
Bangs rose in wrath.
"Chis is a nice job you have put up
on us. If these amt the real folks in
the book how do we know you are the
real authorf"
Approaching footsteps turned atten-
ton toward the door, through which
marched lively gentleman. who salut-
ed and addressed the company.
IL am rejoiced. delighted, enchanted
lures of my imaglnation-the charac-
ters of my book. 1.-The famous-the
clever-the inimitable-the greatest OF
authors, greet you"
II knew it," sam exclaimed. Then
you really wrote Aunt Mary Moffat'
and he is an lmpostorT pointing to
John.
TO perdition with him in five min
utes. Certainly | did wrote all the
books in all the libraries-I made the
world, and the people are my chill
dren.''
Its genius" said the maiden.
IT'S rum" said the widow.
Its mania," said Brandon, entering,
followed by a man who, stepping be-
hind the elated gentleman, took him
by the elbows and walked him out OF
the house.
THAT is a paretic patient OF mine,
who overheard me speak of this party
TO his daughter today, and stole away
from his attendant 10 come"
Il don't believe he is a bit craZier
than you are, with your composite
clowns, your three ringed Topsies and
your pirate patients" said Sam.
There is no time to eXplan-I have
terrible news" said Brandon. One
Of the servants has developed malig-
nant smallpox. and you must all leave
the house as soon rs possible to avoid
Infection. There is train to New
York in half an hour"
Sam made a bolt for the door, fol-
lowed by all but the widow, who re-
fused to leave John.
You needn't wait-I will attend to
him. said Ethel, confronting her sud
denly.
who are you?" demanded the aston
ished widow.
Il am the girl who is to marry Mr..
Hastings"
Are you sure you are the original
girl or only one of several?" asked the
widow sarcastically. But perhaps
YOU are a composite.
Without saying goodby she marched
majestically out Of the room.
Heaven forgive that lie about the
smallpox said Brandon hopping his
brow. Nothing less would have
saved the roof over our heads"
Breaking the Chain.