The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1907-10-13

Oxenham and Kate showed open signs
of revolt. The most puzzling part Of
the situation was that Fred did not
write, nor had Mr.. Oxenham caught a
glimpse of him in st. Anne's. Days
grew into weeks-no letters came-no
Fred so Stephen began to plume him
self on his strategy.
Just at this time st. Anne's became
convulsed with new topic. group
of mysterious MINISTRIES. There were
three men dressed in long coats and
slouched hats, heavily masked, SO that
no recognizable feature could possibly
be seen. They were accompanied in
their travels by a smart pony, which
drew an empty dog-cart. in which was
precariously mounted small piano and
a seat for the pianist. They Travelled
for hours each day, giving concerts
everywhere-in front of hotels, in and
houses and the larger private resi-.
dences. Their little concerts were
greatly appreciated, inasmuch as the
pianist was well above the average,
the tenor most interesting, and the
baritone not only capable singer, but
an entertaining elocutionist, too.
Rumor had it they were impecunious
and impoverished scions of noble
houses. Some formed the opinion that
they were dukes disguised and out for
a lark. Others, again, averred they
were well known operate professionals
having a Bohemian vacation. The most
literal formed the idea that they were
very needy buSkers, seeking to ado
glamor to their performances by the
element of mystery. But rumor is not
reliable jade, and in this case was
guessing. What they were no one real
ly knew.
In the weeks itinerary they took in
the Laurels, Mr.. Oxenham's hired
house, at o'clock. They gave their
little entertainment on Monday ard
Wednesday in the first week, to the
delight of the whole household, and
Mr.. Oxenham, pleased to give his wife
and daughter some little entertain-
ment, literally subscribed.
Still there was no appearance of
Fred, and no letter. Kate began to
droop and grow respondent. Her
mother grew more and more irritable,
and more inclined to revolt. Stephen
grew slightly more complacent, and the
discipline relaxed a little as suspicious
conditions ceased to present them
selves.
On the Saturday, the mysterious min
strels appeared on the lawn about $50. |
Their only audience was Kate; Mr.. and |
Mrs Oxenham had dared an entertain
ment on the pier.
The three masked figures took up |
their places and trolled the opening |
chorus. Then the tenor began popu-
lar ballad. Kate watched them with |
interest. The baritone came towards |
the open window with a collection
plate.
will you patronize our entertain
ment?' he asked, his eyes twinkling
through the mask.
Kate put few coppers on the plate.
II am sorry it is not more; papa is
out,' she added in explanation.
is hep" said the baritone. Quickly
ne slipped off the slouched hat which
dragged away the mask as well.
Fred" Kate screamed, delightedly. i
LET me ill.," he said.
'tHow jolly!" Kate exclaimed, as they /
greetings in the hall. Out
tide the tenor was singing rapturously
20 the still evening.
He will keep it up until I get back,
Fred said.
Mother is tired of this foolishness,"
said Kate, after their greetings were
,ver: ''she is on our side"
"All the better" Fred said; well
md it at once, We might elope next
Friday evening"
"Oh. I couldn't" she said.
'Of course you could; I'll show you.
There's the cart and my friends. We
an come as singers about $3.50, in this
You pack your boxes and
rive the signal about $40. Over goes
he piano, on go the boxes and our
selves, and hey! for the station and
he $50, which just catches the mail
It Preston for town.
Kate pouted. "It seems very easy"
he said; but you are thinking only
If yourself"
Don't you trust me, sweetheart"
lie urged.
''Yes-yes; but
Butt know I'll write to my aunt
n town, and get her to write to your
mater. Then she can meet you, and
We will be married by special license
he next day.
ST think mother might not OBJECT so
much if she had such an assurance.
the and your aunt in town were great
riends.'
"It is funny to elope with the con-
ent of ones mother-in-law," Fred ad-
led, with a grin. Twill your
Yes" she said, softly, after a long
'ause.
The s!ouched hat and the mask
vent on once more, and Fred went
ack to his company, treating Kate to
parting serenade, rollicking bari
one song of a lover and his lass who
an away to Gretna Green, when post
haises were fashionable.
They were finishing the short enter
ainment when Mr.. and Mrs. Oxen
am returned The three men salpted
hem. and Fred proffered the plate. to
which old stephen made generous
Then they disappeared.
The plot thickened very quickly.
fred wrote to his aunt and explained. :
lis aunt entered eagerly into the spirit ,
f the adventure. and wrote to Fred
nd to Mrs. Oxenham by return, prom !
sing lust the assistance that would re-