The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-12-28

CHAPTER xxv-continued.


came: When 'Aloysius arrived he
emerged from four wheeler in the so.
ciety Of two people of unobtrusive as
Pect. They were well dressed and had
very much the air of country gentle
men. Billery knew them we'll for
what. they were. but then he had
grounds for knowledge. and there was
nothing in their appearance or bear
ting to awake moments suspicion in
n strangers mind. They did not
crowd upon him or appear to watch
him; and. Billerys found easy means to
tell the result Of his mission.
well" said Aloysius, as if he spoke
nnconsciously, che could have taken
no. better course. We must await
events" He stood musing for mo-
meht, and then, with movement as
II he dropped an unseen burden from
his shoulders. he added with another
manner. "You had best attend the la
dies, Mr.. Billery, and leave me to my
escort"
In this order they returned. Out
side the gate of Truscott's old villa.
lillian, took Aloysius by both hands.
you are to be cleared at last" she
said, proudly.
YES" he said. "And for many rea-
eonsI am very sorry for it. could
bear wrongful suspicion better than
I can bear what is coming. shall not
see you again until this part of the
drama is over"
He stopped and kissed her hand and,
raising his hat to Billery and his wife,
went into the house. Then turning to
his escort he said:
This must be to you a rather I'M
pleasant piece of business, gentlemen,
but hope that SO long as it is neces-
sary for you to remain here you will
make yourselves as comfortable as you
can" ,The gentlemen of the escort
bowed civally enough. Il have not
yet the advantage of knowing you:
names" Each handed him card.
'Thank you" He rang the bell and it
Was answered by the cook. These
gentlemen are staying here for a few
days, and whilst they are here wish
you to obey their orders as if myself
had given them"
eyes, SIR" said the cook, and after
the gentlemen of the escort had de-
clined an offer of refreshment she re-
tired to her own quarters.
Then began weary, weary waiting,
which had a sudden pleasant ternlina
ton. Aloysius had tried to read, tried
to- write; tried to make a sketch or
two in silver-point water-color and
wax. but all to no purpose, until in
sheer ennui he set his chess board and
pieces on the table and began to try
If he could lose himself in the con-
struction of a problem.
This was just after luncheon Oh the
second day, and one of his two eternal
comrades sat with him, as bored as he.
The other was stretching his legs upon
the. lawn.
'Chessplayer. sir?' said the watcher
of the moment
YES" said Aloysius. 1T is my ia
vorite relaxation"
'should you like game, Mr..
Brangwyn?"
"Of all things" said Aloysius, with
the first sign of vivacity either of his
guards had seen in him. Are you a
player?
well. yes" the man answered. Il
play the game, but my friend outside,
Mr.. Izon gives me a rock and beat
ing. He's reckoned the best man In
the force He's a perfect mailer is
lion. He's won several tournaments"
win you do me the favor of asking
him to give me gamer
Favor, sir?" the other answered.
LIONS one Of those players who'd go
ON till his eyelids dropped off. lzon!"
he called; there's Mr.. Brangwyn
pining for game of chess"
ton came through the French Win
doWs from the lawn with pleased
alacrity.
'"This has been dull job so far, Mr..
Brangwyn," he said. "But if you're
really player think it'll be pleas
ure to both of us for the rest of it,
tYour friend tell. me that you are
the champion of the force
"The London force" lion answered.
.There's man in Liverpool can't
take down, try as will. I've lost four
games in nine with him.
They sat down to the game, anu
ennui took wings and fled away, and
danger and sorrow went with it. The
true enthusiast in the royal pastlme-
there may be score or so scattered
about the world-thinks of nothing
else. cares for nothing else, whilst he
buckles to at mimic warfare, and
.voulA neither think nor care If he
Weredsentenced to be boiled in oil mex
morniHE. And thus very sore ant
tired heart found q temporary refuge
from pain, for here were two enthusi
asts t6gether, 80 equally matched tina
eEfhe end Of their second days pla:
< tl,ey were game and game.
I :s CHAPTER XVI.
Msek later greett, number NUM- Of pee
sie we're startled by the fact that MI
4 xioyaias Brangwyn was placed in from