The Washington herald., 1907-06-06


baggage car to remove excess baggage in
the shape Of white satin streamers from
their trunks, would she feel safe. Billy
Beyan was only happy when playing prac-
tical jokes. He was happiest when his
victims were bridal couples.
Suddenly Bevan snapped handcuff upon
her husbands wrist and was drawing the
bride and groom together with a mocking
"till death do thee part" when he felt the
cold steel on his own wrist and heard the
fatal click He. not the bride. was hand
cuffed to Wolcott
Il say" he cried, protestingly. This Is
not fair"
You can unlock yourself in time TO
leave at the next station said Wolcott
Tt $ poetic justice. Billy"
It's confoundedly unpleasant" Billy re-
torted. You see. / did not get the key;
never supposed that should need one.
just could see you going 20 she hotel and
asking that q pitcher OF ice water and a
policeman be sent TO your room.
This is the better joke smiled VOL
colt. 1T will teach you that marriage is
something sacred; not merely a peg upon
which to hang fool jokes Let's go ahead
to the smoking car. We viii be less con-
spicuous there than here"
Arm in arm they made their way % the
cafe car. but once there Wolcott dropped
Bevan's wrist and let the cuff show.
They Immediately became the center Of
attention. One man. more curious than
the rest, turned TO Wolcott. Your pris-
oner?" he asked. The bridegroom regard
ed Bevan with benevolent smile.
He is a prisoner Of his own making. q"
Wolcott explained. THE Jail yawns for
him, but It is more likely 10 be the insane
asylum that finally comes into its own. %
Il see, grinned the questoner You're
that bridal couple three cars back"
Il am part Of that happy pair" con-
ceded Wolcott, but this is not the part
ner OF my joys and sorrows He simply
shares my sorrows at the present time"
You're a sharer all right" agreed
Bevan with a chuckle. There's some
consolation in that. Think OF poor Bess
back there In the chair all alone
she would rather be rid Of US" said
WOlcott comfortably 1T is all YOUR
own fault Billy. l begged you not to
try any Of your fool tricks. Beware Of
the benedicts. Billy. They will all pay
you back some day when your neck
goes under the matrimonial yoke"
The lady says to come on back and
bring your friend reported the white
coated porter There's q seat next
yours he can get"
Bevan's eyes snapped. He could make
things interesting back IN the chair car
But his amiable intention TO turn the
joke on his involuntary host was
checked. for a dapper little man stepped
forward.
Permit me- he said. Il am a hand
cuff magician. II can take those of If
you wish"
Then he'll 60 ranting through the
train,' said Wolcott. I'd rather have
him where I can watch him"
NO, fl will be all right" said the ma
gician. as he threw a handkerchief over
the cuffs. A click and Wolcott with
drew his hand rubbing his chafed wrist.
Bevan attempted to do the same. but
when the handcUT king removed the
cloth it was seen that the cuff had been
slipped around the arm Of Bevan's chair.
You wish him released at the next
station?' asked the magician.
Better carry him to Presbry,' said
Wolcott. "He has some friends there.
Bevan grOaned. Grace Coburn lived
al Presbry. II any one should detect his
plight and tell her He shook his free
fst after WolcOtt's retreating form.
At Presbry, Wolcott came up lust as
the first cuff was unfastened from the
chair
Let him keep the other" he suggested.
He seems so fond of them II would be
a shame to remove them"
quite so. - agreed the magician Mon
sieur is too fond Of a joke to let this ter
inmate so abruptly? Is it not so?''
Give my regards TO Grace in case you
see her." called Wolcott as Bevan made
for the door. Bevan breathed IA prayer
that he would not see her. but as be
stepped to the platform she came toward
him with sparkling eyes.
why didn't you let US know that you
were coming?' she cried as she shook
hands.
Il didn't know It myself" he explained.
You see, I was carried off while 1 was
saying good-by to Ted Wolcott and Bess,
so I came on for a call"
I'm glad you did" she said smllingly.
ITS too bad I did not know that Bess
was on the train. came to see May
Lewis off. Oh. have you hurt your wrist,
Billy?"
"A little" he admitted lamely. scowling
at the handkerchief bandage around the
offending cuffs. III tell you about It as
we drive out"
He followed her over to the dog cart.
That was very careless" she scolded.
YOU must have hurt your wrist"
IT'S not my wrist that hurts, it's my
feelings he began. When he had ex-
planned his plight he added: Bert was
hoping that you would be here to see me
and YOU were. he ended miserably.
Are you sorry that ] was?' she de-
manded.
Sorry? Not bit Of It, only man
feels such a fool"
IF you ever marry. what a lot of
back scores there Will be to be paid of
Yes; Ted was telling me TO beware
Of the benediCts No girl would want 10
marry man that will get the sendoT
that's I'm preparation for me-"
She would not care very much for
you II she could not stand a little teasing
for your sake she said softly.
a little teasing" he echoed WHY.
they are liable to wreck the train to get
square. How would you like"
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