Ladysmith news. [volume] (Ladysmith, Wis.) 1906-1907, 1906-12-29
CHAPTER xxv-continued.

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 well for
grounds for knowledge, and there was
nothing in their appearance or bear
ing to awake a moments suspicion in
a strangers mind. They did not
crowd upon him or appear to watch
him, and Billery found easy means to
tell the result of his mission.
Well" said Aloysius, as if he spoke
unconsciously, che could have taken
no better course We must await
events" He stood musing for mo-
ment, and then, with a movement as
If he dropped an unseen burden from
his shoulders, he added with another
manner, 'YOu had best attend the Ia
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-
sons I am very sorry for it. | could
bear a wrongful suspicion better than
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-
Bary 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 your
names" Each handed him a 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 I wish
you to obey their orders as if I 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 termina-
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 on 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.
Eyes" said Aloysius. 'Tt 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. 1
play the game, but my friend outside,
Mr.. lion, gives me a rock and a beat
ing. He's reckoned the best man IN
the force. He's a perfect mailer is
lion. He's won several tournaments"
"Will you do me the favor of asking
him to give me game"
Favor, sir?" the other answered.
s'Tzon's one of those players who'd go
on till his eyelids dropped off. lion"
he called; heres Mr.. Brangwyn
Dining for game of chess"
Tzon came through the French Win
dows from the lawn with pleased
alacrity.
"This has been a dull job so far, Mr..
Brangwyn," he said. "But if you're
really player I think it'll be pleas
ure to both of us for the rest of it"
"Your friend tellJ me that you are
the champion of the force"
"'The London force" lion answered.
"In6rG'S q man Ill LANCIpOOl S1AA1
take down, try as I will. I've lost four
games in nine with him"
They sat down to the game, and
ennui took wings and fled away, and
danger and sorrow went with it, Inc
true enthusiast in the royal pastime-
there may be a score or so scattered
about the world-thinks Of nothlng
else, cares for nothing else, whilst ne
buckles to at mimic warfare. ana
would neither think nor care IL ne
were sentenced to be boiled in oil next
morning. And thus very sore and
tired heart found a temporary refuge
from pain, for here were two enthusl-
asts together, so equally matched that
at the end of their second days play
they were game and game.
CHAPTER XVI.
A week later great number of peo-
ple were startled by the fact that Mr..
IN