The Marshall republican., 1906-10-19

Then, after q minutes hesitation. he
glanced up "Capitali" he exclaimed.
enthusiastically. III GEMS about the
only thing TO DO. It'll simply have to
be done, that's all Get ready ~ soon
as you can; we've precious little time
TO squander."
Inside Is minutes Etheredge was
rugged out" in one OF his sisters
smartest gowns. with a great loose
coat to hide his figure. The daintiest
Of French toques surmounted his
curling. blonde hair.
Together they entered a coupe and
drove rapidly away.
1T seems a fearful sham to prac.
tice on the old codger,' remarked
Stamford "a they cIattered over the
cobbIe stones, but that $4,000 Ger.
tainly ought to be sufficient argument
10 scatter a dying persons Illusions.
isis would v recover" laughed
Etheredge. adjusting a refractory
rosette. Luckily it's getting dark. so
that people won't have an opportunity
to observe this curious combination
Of garb and visage I'm sporting"
Five minutes rapid driving brought
them to the Grand Central depot. and
just In time TO purchase tickets and
board the east bound train.
A drilling rain had set in by the
time they reached Springfield, and the
night was pitchy. After some dim.
Guilty, Stamford succeeded In locating
his uncle's carriage. anu once com.
fortsbly installed. they were whirled
away TO the gloomy scene Of their mp
preaching n%uptials.
On the arrival OF the carriage they
we're met and ushered Immediately
into the sick mans chamber. where
a strange priest, lawyer and one or
Two servants M Witnesses were al
ready assembled.
Stamford glanced obviously toward
his uncle whose face was chalky
white and fesyfuliy emaciated. and
knowing that death was Inevitable
he noted with a sigh OF relief that the
once keen, black eyes had dulled To
everything ave bare perception.
scant preparations had been made
for the, bridal. and Just Ave minutes
we're consumed In tying the Gordian
knot.
Hair an hour passed and the dark.
eped sick room became the chamber
Of death. The newly welded couple
fingered for a solemn moment. then
silently left the room to prepare for
tho return journey.
Katherine Stamford entered the
parlor with some t%repidation. Ether.
edge was standing before nm open
window looking out into the street.
but at the sound Of her step he
turned and came forward with out.
stretched hand.
80 good OF you 10 come" she said.
placing her fingers In his; I'VE have
been waiting and wishing for an OPP
p~ortunity TO thank you for the royal
way 10 which you cnme to Dicks
assistance"
Etheredge smiled and caught her
other hand In his. crushing them to-
gether In both his own. And how
about you. Kate?" he' asked. laugh.
Ing suddenly into the telltaie eyes
raised 10 his.
Katherine turned away swiftly 20
hide the burning food OF crimson on
cheek. neck and brow.
mo need TO deny Il. dearest. Thank
heaven luck was the means Of bring.
Ing To me what no amount OF plead.
Ing could"
How did you guess7 ! thought
II was sure"
THAT that nimsy disguise OF yours
was perfectY Never. with me. BE
cause love you. neither wig. nor
clothes, nor the startling resemblance
you bear TO your twin brother could
avail one iota TO deceive me-. BE.
Sides" he went on. II happened To
know that old Dick vas hundreds OF
miles away when that telegram
came"
But Charley. that marriage was all
a sham; the proper parties are TO be
married In two weeks, It--our--can'
not really count. you know"
II did. however. for a fortnight
later there was q double wedding at
81. Pauls.