Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-07-18


woman who 1oated by his side, sum-
mer cloud in her hlmy white draper
les
Miss Hamilton seated herself de-
murely and exchanged salutations with
the gentleman at her right. Alfred
seized that moment for word with
Stella.
why didn't you wait for us?
haven't your permission to mention
our engagement, but wish Miss Anna
bel to suspect it. Yet you make it i'm
possible, Stella
She thought of herself entering be-
side that perfect pair and was deeply
grateful to the chance that prevented
it. She noticed Alfred's use of Miss
Hamilton's given name, and the omis-
sion of his usual endearment to her
self, and because she was hurt she
dared not be serious. do let her
think the coast clear; it will be such
fine test of your constancy," she said
with a flippancy astonishing to him.
He was too thoroughly masculine to
fathom the art woman uses to hide
her wound. Neither could he reply,
for Miss Hamilton turned to him with
some laughing remark.
The insistent band, undaunted by two
partitions. blared the popular airs the
day; sentiment, frolic, pathos: When
This Cruel War Is Over" Ever of
Thee,' The Maiden's Prayer"
champagne Charley" Last Ditch
Polka" the last two accompanied by
a soft tapping all along under the
table.
Sally B. sat opposite Stella, her eyes
seemingly on all the walters at once,
he found time for fho syuoSfa and
their conversation.
A slight commotion at the door ar
rested the attention OF the guests.
There came a gust of subdued yet
excited Chinese chatter, pause, and
the entrance of two men carrying a
towering white pagoda, surmounted by
the word God" in huge gilt letters.
With some difficulty the sugary struc-
ture was safely landed in the center
Of the table, and Vic Wah and his as
sistants withdrew to the cover of the
doorway, where Stella saw the cook
peeping expectant1y through. 1t was
his master tribute to the occasion.
An instant of silence followed; then
an infectious smoker ran around the
table, in spots breaking into an actual
laugh.
Stella saw Vic Wah's eyes open
wide with establishment and question;
yet in a breath they cleaned with
anger. lis face went livid, and he
| hurried away.
But Sally B. saved the moment. my
cook set up all night to make that
cake, Mr.. Croker; please don't
Taught" she whispered past the two
| intervening guests.
At once the host rose, and taking
| his cue from her anxious face, pro-
posed a toast to 1.-The Cake and the
| Cook" that was responded to with
hearty cheers. Vic Wah entered,
bowed, and retired with beaming
| face.
| The POSTMASTER now raped for
| order The conversation and laughter
| ceased, the soft rustic of serving and
eating hushed, and the speeches be
gan.
| Mr. Croker spoke first, to the gen
eral topic: 1.-The Railroad" He told
the story of it's inception and progress
paying tribute to Theodore T. Judah,
to the men who furthered the under
| taking in congress and legislature, to
| all the officers, especially to Mr.. Greg
ory; and closed with a neat comph
ment to Alfred. Stella ever so gently
pressed his arm with her own; but the
| woman on the other side smiled a1lur-
| ingly into his face, and pOuted at her
uncle
Uncle Charley didn't say half
| enough about you," she whispered yet
| Stella heard it.
| 81 shall tell him he has left his debt
| of gratitude for me to Hquidate," the
| beauty continued. "Or-or can I pay
Uncle Charley's scores?" she ques-
| toned in mock humility, leaning to-
ward Alfred till her breath brushed
his cheek. Perhaps my coin is not
| current in your market"
| OF course, he had to meet her badin-
| age. She meant her coin should be
current with him, and above par; and
he would have been ice had he entire
| ~ escaped the spell of her witcheries.
| Several speeches followed, among
| them Mr.. Ludlow's memorable toast,
1.-THE Pacific Railroad, the Beautiful
| Belt of the Union, with California as
| the Golden Buckle"
| At the close of the banquet Stella
| escaped through a door; and from
| cover of darkness watched knots of
| men gather and dissolve about Miss
| Hamilton; marked her every motion
| and speech: noted her yivacity, her
| fiattered Alfred's ready response as
| she appealed to him prettily for fact
| or confederation of her own assertions.
| The little court melted away at last.
| Mr. Croker was buttonholed by Mr..