Middletown transcript., 1907-08-10

was little he would not do in re-
turn. and that very day he had
been puzzling about something
which he believed might concern
Jack.
/ mean to be at the wedding
tomorrow, said Willie Carlisle.
Not mine. said Jack, Il
but He grasped the lads arm.
You'd better not remember
that you've seen me tonight
here. My marriage-my mar
riage! He laughed bitter, low
laugh. There will be no mar
riage.
Mr.. Van Brunt! And then
Willie Carlisle was reckless of
his official duty, for Jacks sake.
Has Mr.. Houghton anything to
do with 1t? he whispered.
Why do you ask?
He has, then, I'm sure of it!
There's a Mrs. Tyrrell staying
at Fern House. She telegraphed
to Mr.. Houghton yesterday and
again this morning. He was to
come down at once to-day. She
said something was managed.
He telegraphed back that he
would be at the Lion tonight.
I didn't like it"
Jack pattel the lad on the
shoulder.
Good night, he said good night.
Trust me. / must think this
over.
He walked away rapidly to-
ward the river, and for a while
gazed at the oily CLEAN of the
dark water as it glided past his
feet. He was equidistant from
the Lion Hotel and Fern House.
To which should he go first? And
what then? He sat on the grass
by the water under the bushes.
He was still in a turmoil of
doubts and agitations when
he heard whispering voices.
They came nearer. And then
he gripped his knees as he rec
ognized them both-Hough-
toms and that woman's! They sat
down on bench by the path.
And Jack restrained his breath
almost to the suffocating point
to listen.
Well, Clara, I must say if it
comes off it will be the best bit
of work you've ever done; but
it's too much to expect.
No, it isn't. 1t has succeeded
so far. He has gone. Don't you
see he would surely have come
at once for an explanation if my
letter hadn't settled him? You'll
admit now that / am clever?
My dear child, I never doubted
that. Well, if it comes off, you're
ten thousand dollars richer.
Yes, and l want it badly. If
you knew what a bloodhounds'
game I've had to play! The letter
was quite simple, A fortnight's
practice was enough for that. If
only he will send her her letters,
to back me up? I did so want to
get the ring to pile on the agony, |
and, by a most lucky chance,
that happened. She forgot it for |
the first time in her life, I should |
think, after washing her hands |
for lunch, and I was too sharp
Tor the poor dear. l believe she
me of stealing it, but SO
much the better 1t will give me
IN excuse for a little tiff after
;o-morrow's Mysteries, and I'll
cave the place. Tell me again
you are pleased with me.
Pleased! Jack heard the laugh
which accentuated the word. AS
Punch, my girl! AS Punch! But
we been thinking. ! can't take
Up my cards without an interval.
1t the hotel they will understand
ny going away after an express
ion or two of disappointment,
lon't you know, at revisiting
3arling on, for me, so inauspi-
ious an occasion. 4tter1oard,
Don or late, I'll reappear, and
hen
But you'll give me something
n account before then? urged
he woman.
You may safely leave that to
ne, Clara, safely. You're a pal
D be proud of. But I've had
nough Of this. | want a little
efreshment to cheer my wound
d heart.
Yes, and / must return to en-
ertain the folks at Fern House.
'ur bridegroom's S gentleman
lay have paid us a visit in the
leantime. Poor Sybil will want