Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1906-11-08

making the cards purr.
Il can not say have. amused.
We'll, no more have II"
Why, then do yOu do it?"-with 70
newed interest.
Shall | tell your fortune?"
Not now. | had much rather you
would tell me the meaning of this
play"
leaned toward her and whispered
mysteriously: The truth u.s. belong
to a secret society, and l was cutting
the cards to see whether OF not l
should blow up the postofice tonight
or the police station. You mustn't
tell anybody"
OH" She started back from the
table. You do not look It," she added
suddenly.
Il know It,; appearances are 30 do
ceptive," said | sadly.
Then the old man laughed, and the
girl laughed, and laughed; and
wasn't quite sure that the grave
waiter did not crack the ghost Of .
smile-in relief.
And what, may ask, was the fatal
card?" inquired the old man, folding
his paper.
THE ace OF spades we always
choose that gloomy card in secret So
cieties. There Is something deadly
and suggestive about IT," answered
morbidly
Indeed"
Yes. All, IL only you knew the ter
rible life we lead, we who conspire!
Every day brings forth some CALLING
disappointment We push a king OF
into the dark, and another rises i'm
mediately in his place. Futility, fulfil
lty everywherel II only there were
some way of dynamiting habit and
custom! / am a Russian; all my
family are perishing in Siberian
mines, '-dismally.
"Fudge!" said the girl.
"Tommy-rot!" said the amiable old
gentleman.
Uncle, his hair 10 too short for an
anarchist"
And his collar too immaculate"
$50 the old gentleman was this charm
ing creatures uncleD
I'VE are obliged to disguise our
selves at times" explained. The
police are always meddling. 1t is dis
couraging."
You have some purpose, humorous
or serious said the girl shrewdly
~ man does not bring pack Of
cards"
Il didn't bring them; I sent out for
them"
bring a pack of cards here simply
20 attract attention" she continued
TRANQUILITY.
Perhaps | am prestidigitator in
a popular dime museum" l suggested,
willing to help her out, and am doing
a little advertising"
Now, that has a plausible sound"
she admitted, folding her hands under
her chin. 1T must be an interesting
life Presto--change and all that"
"Oh, find it rather monotonous in
the winter; but in the summer it is
fine. Then I wander about the sum-
mer resorts and give exhibitions"
You will pardon my niece" inter
polated the old gentleman. coughing a
bit nervously. IF she annoys you"
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
Heaven forfend!" | exclaimed Gag
erly. There is a charm in doing I'M
conventional things; and most people
do not realize it, and are stupid"
Thank you. sir" said the girl, smil
ing. She was evidently enjoying her.
self; 80 was |, for that matter. DO
trick for me-" she commanded pres
emily.
| smiled weakly. | couldn't have
done a trick with the cards,-not il
my life had depended upon it. But |
rather neatly extricated myself from
the trap.
Il never do any tricks out OF busi-
ness hours"
Uncle, give the gentleman ten
cents; want to see him do sleight-
of-hand trick"
spirit of the affair, dived into pocket
and produced the piece of silver. 1t
looked as II 1 were caught.
There! this may make it worth
your while" the girl said, showing the
coin in my direction.
But az ain managed to slide under;
| was not to be caught.
1T is my regret to say,"-frowning
slightly, that regularity in my bust
ness is everything. 1t wants half an
hour for my turn to come on. II l
tried q trick out of turn, l might
foozle and lose prestige. And besides,
/ depend so much upon the professor
and his Introductory note: Ladies and
gents, permit me to introduce the
world-renowned Signor FantOccini,
whose marvellous tricks have long puz-
zled all the crowned heads Of Eu-
rope"
"Fantoccini," - musingly. That's
Italian for puppet show"
II know II, but the dime museum
visitors do not. Il makes q fine i'm
preston"
She laughed and slid the dime back
a. Aar ,,nola