The Mercur miner. [volume] (Mercur, Utah) 1895-1913, 1906-09-05
The Star
BOarder'S Pills
Copyright. By Joseph d. Bowles.)
~ are we waiting?"


She was a 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
lish baronet, and that 1t was feature
OF honor accorded him that dinner was
never fairly commenced before his ar
rival at the table.
The baronet, 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
fed and toyed with rings, and tried TO
appear not to be waiting, till the new
conner, a vivacious, fresh-tinted little
lady, n little turned 40, inquired OF her
near neighbor the cause OF delay. But
at that moment the baronet appeared,
walking slowly, heavy cloud on his
brow. He took his seat by the side Of
Miss Brown, the lady Of the establish
msnt, presiding at the head of the Ia
BILE. He stopped and Whispered to her
In portentious tones.
Can cot no dinner!" she answered
aloud In alarmed accents.
Nothing, nothing" said the star
boarder, unless" with a melancholy
wave OF his hand, "a spoonful, Just a
spoonful OF the soup. No more, not .
drop more" as In obedience 10 his re-
quest the soup ladle descended 10 his
plate. II have not missed taking them
for 15 years. and dare not attempt
anything like full meal without their
aid. Until the mail arrives tomorrow
morning I am a starving man." and
mournfully he applied himself 10 the
soup Ilaced before him. That dis
patched, he rose, and with a 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
pills-the last two he possessed TIL the
morning mail brought fresh supply
had disappeared from the box. The pill
boz was still standing on the mantei-
piece, but the pills. 30 the servant re-
ported who had been sent 70 fetch
them, were Como.
Does he think the servant sval-
lowed thsm."
Il DON'T know" answered kiss
Brown. absently. too anxious for the
effect upon her permanent boarder 10
Join In the general litter around tho
table; but he says he shall dismiss
him at once for his oarslsssness"
What In the number OF the baro-
nets roomr The newcomer asked tho
question with sharp abruptnsss.
| mo. Is"
Then II n next 10 mine" The lady
looked for moment attentively at her
plate. then, after the baronst's exam
pie, rising. with murmurod apologies,
quilted the table and the room.
A minute later found her by the star
bosrder's chair. Are you quito suref
Perhaps there Is some mistake. Your
servant might have overlooked them.
May he just give one more lookf"
Divided between surprise at her in
terference and her pertinacity, the bar
onet, turning, rang the bell near him
and directed his servant 30 look once
more.
The man obeyed. He returned. per-
plexity on his face, with the pill box
and two innocent-looking pills therein.
There. told you sol" said the little
lady, with a cap of her small white
| hands.
The star boarders first sensation was
Joy. Madam" he said, with a studied
bow, you have the witchery OF your
Sex" But his brow clouded. CHANGING
towards his man-servant. your care
| Ia .N.n
miss you from my service. You might
have cost me the loss Of" He rose
hastily and, courtesy reminding him,
offered his arm 10 his benefactress.
The two returned TO the dining room.
Forgive the DOOR man." said the
lady ~ they went
mo, madam; such carelessness n
too culpable."
And you are feeling quite well this
morning." II was the morning after,
and the lady whose witchery had So
cured the baronet his dinner leaned
over his chair.
Quite, madam" he replied gallant
ly, owing 10 your cleyerness have
not had dinner suit me 30 well or en-
toyed 10 perfect a nights rest for Q
long while"
Then you will not be 30 stern to-
wards your man-servanti"
But the star boarder shook his head
Such oulpable carelessness, madam"
The lady hesitated. Gould you keep
a secret?"
He bowed solemnly.
Then | will tell you something. My