Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-10-06

|
"Perryw reproved Cynthia sternly,
jerking his arm to show that Phelan as
well as Alwyn was recipient of the
highly intimate tidings.
"Oh, don't mind me, children" put
in Phelan. "I'm used to 1t. was
young myself once, SO I've been told.
though don't clearly remember it my
self. Can butt In with line Of con-
gratulations"
He extended his big hand with an
honest cordiality that quite won Gym.
thia.
Thanks, alderman" grinned Perry
effusively. "Now. Alwyn, we've got to
60 and break it to your mother If we
can find her. Come along and back US
up"
Dragging Bennett between them, the
two youngsters started of on their
quest. Phelan was about to return to
his beloved bar when he was checked
by seeing in the opposite doorway
man who stood as though petrifed
watching Cynthia Garrison's departing
form. The intruder was about to with
draw when Phelan hailed him.
Good evening" called the Alderman.
"Good evening, SIR" said the new
romer respectfully, pausing on the point
Df leaving the foyer.
"I've met you before, think" went
on Phelan.
Some days ago In the mayors Of
fice," assented the other. II am Thomp-
son. Mr.. Wainwright's private secre-
tary."
I'm Alderman Phelan Of the Eighth,
and I've seen you before we met at his
honors."
$50 you said then. sir But you were
mistaken. Good evening""
He turned again toward the door,
but Phelan resumed, without seeking
to stop him:
"a mistake, was It? I'm not man
who makes many mistakes, Mr.. Gar
rison."
The retreating secretary matted as
though struck.
"That is another mistake, sir" he
said In q muffled voice. MY name Is
Thompson"
"Is it. though" inquired Phelan in
nocently. ITS queer how l could get
mixed up so. When was chief Of po-
lice there was a bank president named
| Garrison who shot himself after beln'
swindled an whipsawed by fnancier
who was his dearest friend. He left
little daughter, Miss Cynthia, who you
was lookin at SO keen just now, an a
son, who disappeared. That was nine
years ago, an only saw the boy once,
so maybe I've overplayed my hand
in pipin you off for him. But" added
Phelan, laying strong. OBTAINING
hand on Thompson's shoulder, "here
comes some one who can clear 1t up
easy enough"
The secretary twisted In the iron
grasp and sought vainly to break away
as Cynthia and Perry entered.
"Cynthia's lost her FAM" explained
Perry at sight Of the alderman. Shes
had me looking all over for the measly
thing. Wait here minute" he added
to her, land III chase into the con-
servatory and see If we left 1t there"
And, depositing the girl in a chair,
he bolted away In search Of the miss
ing article
"Now then, young man." said Phe.
Ian, "if your names Thompson, as you
say, there's no reason why you should
object to my introducin' you to this
young lady. Step up. son."
Still holding the reluctant, struggling
secretary by the shoulder, Phelan turn
ed to Cynthia.
"AIiss GarrisonS said be, "here's n
gentleman | think you know. Would
you mind lookin' him overT"
Wondering at the odd request, Gym
thia raised her eyes to the stranger
But the latter persistently kept his
face averted.
81 don't think I know him." she an
swered doubtfully. There Is some
thing familiar about
The secretary shifted restlessly. un
consciously bringing his profile into
her range Of vision. With gasp. Gym
thia sprang to her feet. her face white.
her eyes wide and incredulous.
"It's not-its-oh, Harry" she cried
in an ecstasy Of recognition. fingng
her arms about the secretary's neck
Harry! Brother! Back from the dead!
Don't you know mel It's Cynthia!
| DON'T
Il am afraid you've made u very
strange blunder, Miss Garrison" re
turned the secretary, his voice hoarse
and tremulous. "My name is"-
"Your names Harry GarrisonT Phe.
Ian shouted. whats the use Of lyin
| to your own sister, give you credit
for havin' good reasons for callin
yourself Thompson, an ! think begin
| to see what them reasons are, but when
1t comes to denyin' your own sister
you're playin' 1t down low, whatever
your game may be. and I've a good
mind to-
Harry" the girl was pleading, you
| do know mel After all these nine
lonely years have you no greeting for
me3 Every night I've prayed that
God would bring you back to me. and
now
The secretary's pallid, expresslonless
mask of face broke in flash into