Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-18
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that Darlington. without a word. started
with him. In the club entrance Preside
whispered: Follow; don't walk with me-
There's not much chance that any one
here will recognize me, but il l was
pinched on any old score you'd better not
be In my company" He went ahead. and
Darlington followed. They had walked
down 9Th avenue several blocks when Mr..
Francis Holt cut in between them. and
Swallowed Preside with elaborate caution.
Darlington saw this and unused Il
think 1 know that young man who has so
plainly got friend Preside under obser-
walton. Surely, it's Holt a year or two
after me. What can he-Hello. say!"
Holt saw the intention Of Preside to
turn off the avenue toward a little church
round the corner. and advancing sudden
ly. laid a strong hand on Presidio's Shout
der. saying: Come quietly with me and
I'll make no fuss: but If you don't III
call a policeman.
Darlington overlook them. Holt was
excited. wild-eyed. disheveled and seemed
not TO have slept for a week. Preside
cooily awaited events.
Hello. Holti' exclaimed Darlington.
How are you, old chap? Haven't seen
you for years"
Good heavens. this is lucky" cried
Holt. Darlington. since the night your
rooms were plundered I've been on the
track of this villain. I was bound to ex-
plain the mystery OF that night; deter
mined to prove that l could unravel
plot. detect crime! Do you UNDERESTIMATE
This is the fellow who rified your room.
Robbed you''
YES. 1 know. old fellow" Darlington
replied. soothingly. for he saw that Holt
was half hysterical from excitement.
He's always robbing me. this chap Is.
It's habit with him. I've come rather to
like it. Walk along with us and I'll tell
you all about it,
They turned the corner and walked
down the side street but only Holt talked
of his sleepless nights and tireless days
solving his first crime case. A carriage
drove up to the curb and Mrs. Preside
stepped out. At a wink from Preside
Darlington stepped in.
Betty" said Preside to his wife.
shake hands with an old friend Of mine
and Of Mr. Darlington. 1 want you to
know him. Mr. Holt shake hands with
Nine. Courvatal. my wife"
why, Mr.. Holt. glad to meet you
personality" exclaimed Betty. This is
the gent. Willie. I'VE told you about:
comes to the show every night just before
our turn and goes out as soon as we are
off,"
Glad you like the turn so much" Pre-
hand to his brox. was gasping The car
riage door opened and Carrington's head
emerged "Oh. Holt, come here"
Holt, with a painfully dazed express
sion. went to the carriage. my dear"
Darlington said to some one inside who
was struggling to hide. this is Mr..
Francis Holt, one of my oldest and dear
est friends. He's the discreetest fellow
know and will arrange the whole matter
in a minute. You must. darling! Fate has
offered us chance for lfe's happiness.
and as I say-Holt. like good fellow.
go into the parsonage and explain who
am and who Miss Caroline Curtis Is:
Your people know all the Curtises, ana
we're going to get married, and-don't
protest darling!-like a good chap. Holt.
go and-for Gods sake man. don't stare
like that. You know us and can vouch
for US. Tell the parson that the Curtlses
and Carringtons are always marrying
each other. Holt. Will you mover"
An hour later little. banquet vas
served in the private dining room Of
hotel, and Mrs. Darlington was explain
ing, between tears and laughter, how
good, kind Nine. Courvatal had told
her that everything was ready for a we'd
ding, and that she would be a cruel wom-
an, indeed, not to make such a loving
lover happy; and she couldn't make up
her mind to say yes. and it was hard to
say no-just after receiving Porter's de-,
spairing note.
my note. dear?" asked Darlington,
but Preside coughed SO loudly she did
not hear her husbands question. Holt
drank to the bride and groom severaltimes
before he began soberly to believe he was
not in a dream. Mr.. and Mrs. Preside
beamed broadly, and declared that life
without romance was no kind OF life
for honest folk to live.
Holt" exclaimed Darlington, when the
train carriage was announced you We
been a brick about all this. l don't know
how to show my appreciation"
"Ill tell you how" suggested Preside.
Let Mr. Holt be the one to tell Mr.. Cur
tbs. He deserves the privilege of inform
ing the governor.
1.-THE very thing. Holt. old chap cried
Darlington. will you do it?"
S"Youre awfully kind, answered Holt,
but l think this old friend could do 1t
with more art and understanding.
What my Willie?" cried Willie's wife.
Hell do it to the queens taste. Won't
you. Willie?"
friend and your admirer. He sits in front
every night" he added in explanation to
Darlington.
As the carriage with the happy pair
drove away to the station. Preside. with
compufsive ardor, took the arm OF MT:
Francis Holt. and together they marched
up the avenue to inform Mr.. Curtis of the
marriage of his daughter.
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