The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-06-03
THE EVENING STORY
Beware the Benedicts.
(By n. NJ. Kerner.}

4 y
/ Bevan distrustfully. Not until tne
train had pulled out and she had sens
1 nef newly acquired husband 13tMa ..,..
to the baggage car to remove excess
baggage in the shape of white SATIN
| streamers from their trunks, would Sne
/ feel safe. Billy Bevan was only happy
when playing practical jokes. He was
| happiest when his victims were bridal
| couples.
| Suddenly Bevan snapped handcuff
upon her husbands wrist and was
with knocking It'll death do thee
part" when he felt the cold steel on
his own wrist and heard the fatai
click. He, not the bride, was hand
cuffed to Wolcott.
81 say he cried protestingly. This
| is not fair
You can unlock yourself in time 20
leave at the next station" said VOL
colt. Its poetic justice, Billy.
It's confoundedly unpleasant" Billy
retorted. You see, / did not get the
key; never supposed that l should need
one. just could see you going to the
hotel and asking that pitcher or ice
water and policeman be sent 70 your
ROOM. .
This is the better joke smiled
Wolcott. 1T will teach you that mar.
rage is something sacred; not merely
plea upon which to hang fool Jokes.
Let's go ahead to the smoking car. we
will be less conspicuous there imam
Arm in arm they made their way to
the cafe car, but once there Wolcott
dropped Bevan's wrist and let the Gun
show.
They Immediately became the center
of attention. One man, more curious
than the rest, turned to Wolcott. our
prisoner he asked. The bridegroom
regarded Bevan with a benevolent
smile.
'.Hs is a prisoner of his own max,
ing" WoIcott explained. THE jail
yawns for him, but it is more likely 70
be the insane asylum that finally
II see,' grinned the questioner.
you're that bridal couple three cars
back
II am part of that happy pair" con-
ceded Wolcott, but this is not the
partner of my Joys and sorrows. He
simply shares my sorrows at the pres
ent time"
you're sharer all right" agreed
Bevan with a chuckle. There's some
consolation in that. Think of poor
Bess back there in the chair car all
alone"
"She would rather be rid of u.s."
said Wolcott comfortably. ut is all
your own fault Billy. 1 begged you
not to try any of your fool tricks
Beware of the benedicts, Billy. They
will all pay you back some day Wnen
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 a 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 dapper little
man stepped forward.
Permit me- he said. Il am a
hand-cuff magician. 81 can take those
off If you wish"
"Then he'll go ranting through the
train,'' said Wolcott. I'D rather have
him where I can watch him."
mo, it will be all right" said the
magician as he threw a handkerchief
over the cuffs. A click and Wolcott
withdrew his hand, rubbing his
chafed wrist. Bevan attempted to do
the same but when the handcuff king
removed the cloth it was seen that the
cuff had been slipped around the arm
of Bevans 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
at PreSbry. If any one should detect
his plight and tell her. He shook
his free fist after Wolcott's retreating
form.
At Presbry, Wclcott came up just as
the first cuff was unfastened from the
chair.
LET him keep the other. he sug-
x
would be shame to remove them"
"Quite so,'' agreed the magician.
Monsieur is too fond of a joke to let
this terminate so abruptly? Is it not
sop
"Give my regards to Grace in case
you see her." called Wolcott as Bevan
made for the door. Bevan breathed a
prayer that he would not see her, but
came towards him with sparkling
eyes.
"Why didn't you let us know that
you were coming?" she cried as she
shook hands.
'I didn't know it myself" he ex-
planned. You see 1 was carried off
while 1 was saying good-by to Ted |
Wolcott and Bess. so I came on for |
CALI
I'm glad you did," she said smiling |
ly. Its too bad did not know that
Bess was on the train. I 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. "I'll tell
you about it as we drive out"
He followed her over to the dog |
cart.
THAT was very careless she scold- |
ed. You must have hurt your wrist. "
Its not my wrist that hurts; it's my |
planned his plight he added: BERT
was hoping, that you would be here to
see me-and you WERE" he ended
miserab bly,.
Are you sorry that I was?" she
demanded.
Sorry? Not bit of it. only man
feels such fool"
III you ever marry. what lot OF
back scores there will be to be paid
Off"
Yes, Ted was telling me to beware
of the benedicts. No girl would want
to marry a man that will get the send !
off that's in preparation for me-"
'She could not care very much for
you If she could not stand a little teas
ing for your sake" she said softly.