Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-12-04

about crying: 'Extrey speshul! 'Orrible
disawsterv Or does the magic spring
from writing those thrilling stories
one sees placarded on the boardings?
believe could do 1t. 1 once won a
prize in lady's magazine for set Of
verses, the genuine and unaided pro-
duction of Il girl aged under fourteen"
Philip compelled himself to respond
to her mood. He promised to reveal
his specific for money making ut some
future period when she was sufficient
ly dazzled to accept his words as those
of Il prophet.
With the tact Of woman Of the
world, Mrs. Atherley led the converse
ton back to less personal channels.
The great restaurant was rapidly fill
ing now. The occupants of neighbor-
ing tables cast occasional glances at
the merry trio Which discussed the
foibles of the musical world, the ways
of agents. the little meannesses and
petty spites of the greatest artists and
incidentally did ample justice to an
excellent meal.
Philip thought he had never before
met such a delightful girl. Evelyn
was quite certain that some unknown
good fairy had given her this pleasant
acquaintance. and Mrs. Atherley, after
q silent spasm of regret that her
daughter should be denied the position
in the greater world for which she was
so admirably fitted, abandoned herself
to the infectious gayety of the younger
people.
, Both she and Evelyn confessed to q
feeling of renewed surprise when Phil
lip happened to mention his London ad-
dress.
Whatever faults the denizens Of Park
lane may possess, that of being I'M
known cannot be reckoned among
them, and Mrs. Atherley in period
not very remote knew the occupants
of every house in that remarkable thor
oughfare. She could not, however, re-
call the name of Arson.
At last n most enjoyable meal came
to an end. Philip, supported most ably
by skilled head waiter, spun it out to
the utmost possible limit, but the mex
orable clock would not be denied.
| He thought the two ladies might pre-
fer to drive home alone, SO he sent
them away in his carriage and made
an excuse that he had IN appointment
at his club. In truth he wished to be
free to walk far and fast while his ex-
cited brain demanded solution Of the
strange congeries Of events which had
so crowded into his life during forty
eight hours.
About the time that Philips coach
man safely deposited Evelyn and her
mother at their residence Victor Gre
nier, again attired in evening dress and
accompanied by Jocky Mason, whose
huge frame was incased in suit OF
gray tweed, entered fashionable West
End bar and found an elegant young
person leaning against the marble top
ped counter, engaged in war Of wits
with barmaid.
The arrival of the two men, however
put quick stop to the badinage. The
youth quilted the counter with care
less discourtesy that annoyed the cir
to whom he was talking.
well" he demanded from Grenier
did anything happenY'
Jimmie" was the cool reply, II toll
you that your stupid rusc last nigh
would result in failure. Far worse; II
has supplied you with rival against
whom you may as well give up tht
game at once"
'Rot3 cried the other fiercely, with
an oath. Don't irritate me. Tell me
plainly what bas gone wrong now"
"She was there and sang delightful
ly. Pom my honor, she is pretty
girl. Bur the man was there, too, and
he managed to improve SO well on the
opportunity you were kind enough to
provide for him, Jimmie, that after her
show was over she and her mother
met him Mt the main entrance, and
they drove off together to the Savoy
in carriage and pair"
"Then who the deuce is he?" de.
manded the angry youth.
II tell you, Jimmie, you have no
earthly chance. Last nights intruder
was none other than Mr.. Philip Arson
Iethe millionaire"
IMP aHsou. NFeat ocotl! he-
Of all men in the world!'
The younger man became very pale
and his eyes rolled in a species Of de-
lirious agitation. But Jocky Mason
had caught the name, though he did
not comprehend the exact subject oil
their discourse.
Phillip Anson' he said. "If there's
anything on foot where Philip Arson
is concerned, count me as his enemy
Curse him! Curse him to all eternity!
And he struck table with bis great
| fist until other men began to stare, and
Grenier was forced earnestly to coun
sci his associates to control themselves
In such public place.