The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-02-25
TIE EVENING STORY
Earning His Fec.
By Colin 8. Collins.)

10y S00u >. S011uS.y
What are you doing here. Alma7"
demanded Blake. as he ran across his |
little hostess in the conservatory.
Mrs. Thearle lifted a tearstained face |
to Blake's- In spite Of her three UNI
happy years as the wife Of Osmund |
Thearle (who had obngingly drunk him.
self to death in the third year and left |
her with her youth and a round million
OF dollars). Alma still was REALISTICALLY
a child in many ways.
It's perfectly horrid." he said sob
bingly. 81 had planned to have this
dance a sensation and now
TITS perfectly horrid," she said, Sob
ly. Every one is saying that the ar
rangements could not be improved
upon
That's just it." was the fearful re-
Spouse. TT was all going SO nicely. and
now that horrid Count Cazman has
spoiled 1t ALL"
"He has been annoying you'll" Blake.s
Ever since they were children together
he had loved Alma. That this some
what repulsive scion of nobility should
offer her affront was not to be borne.
He hasn't said anything to me-" ex-
planned Mrs. Thearle. "but don't be-
heve that he Is a count, for all OF his
splendid letters of introduction. He
stole Bessie Vardon's bracelet-you
know the one I mean; the one with all
the diamonds. I saw him slip it from
her wrist. She does not know yet. She
thinks she lost 1t. have asked her to
say nothing about 1t for the moment.
and came here to think what could
do"
Send for a policeman" suggested
Blake grimly.
He was resentful of the counts man
ner toward Alma, and he would be glad
| fn t1,o fn<l nf ~ Ia
rival.
Heavens! I can't do that!" gasped
Mrs. Thearle. Don't you see. Paul.
that IL should even accuse the count
he would make a scandal, and that Is
the last thing I would wish for at my
first entertainment since-since-
Since freedom came" Blake finished
for her. Thearles death had been a
matter of congratulation to more than
his widow.
IT'S sort Of second debut. she ran
on. THE count Is a sort of star feat
ure, and to have him discovered as a
thief would be to make the whole affair
a failure"
so it would" agreed Blake, land yet
We cannot get that bracelet back with
out some sort of a scene. It's not fair
to Bess to let him get away with the
spoils. It's easily worth $4,000"
I'd gladly pay Bess the COST" gasped
Mrs. Thearle. but, don't you see, I
can't do so without explaining why I
should make good her loss"
And that would never do" agreed
Blake. THE question is. what shall be
done?''
That's what want you to TELL" was
the trusting answer. You have never
failed me yet, Paul. even when
Blake nodded. No need to put into
words the memories OF those troublous
times when he had interviewed to save
t,ars Fp-0v, he 1vrr,~ -
man her parents had forced her to
marry.
II think have an idea" he said at
ter a moment Of thought. II don't SUD-
pose the count knows that you saw
him?" 50
81 was on the other side of the room
and with my back turned. saw him in
the mirror. He took it Off Bessie's
wrist and slipped 1t into the breast
pocket Of his coat
I'VE used to have lot of fun over
my magic,'' Blake said reniniscently.
It's hardly the thing for ballroom.
but you might ask me to do a few
tricks
And borrow the bracelet of the
count?" she asked hopefully.
Something hike that" was the laugh
ing answer. Il believe that you have a
bracelet q little like Bess'. Well, put
1t on and loan it to me when ask for
it."
Mrs. Thearle clapped her hands. st
knew that you would think out some
way" she declared. shall ask you
as soon as we get back to the ball
room?"
In about a quarter Of an hour" he
explained. Don't let it look too cut
and dried"
Blake slipped out of the conserva-
tory by another door and his surprise
was well simulated when he was ask
ed to perform a few tricks. Mrs.
Thearie had only to make the sugRes-
ton, for the other guests eagerly took
up the suggestion. Paul Blake had at
one time thought of going upon the |
stage, for he was more than ordin-
arily clever performer and only the
unexpected inheritance from q great
uncle had headed of a professional
career.
OF late he had refused all requests
to perform in drawing rooms, as the
demands upon his good nature had
become too frequent, SO there was the |
promise of novelty in his performance
after two seasons Of retirement.
He rapidly arranged his improvised |
such simple properties as he could |
obtain from his hostess. while the |
guests stopped dancing to crowd |
around and watch his really clever |
work.
Here's a new one" he announced
after he had performed a routine of |
familiar vanishments and appear |
ances. For this I want a piece Of |
jewelry; watch. a ring. anything"
A dozen articles were offered, for
a number Of times he had drawn upon |
the audience for handkerchief and
other small loans. Without seeming
to make any particular selection, |
Blake took the bracelet that Mrs |
Thearle offered and palmed it, while /
he pretended to wrap it in a borrow
ed handkerchief which he gave to /
Mrs. Thearle to hold.
you are positive that you feel tho
bracelet In the handkerchief" he
asked, and Mrs. Thearle in answer to
an almost imperceptible nod declared /
in the affirmative. Blake gave her
closed hand tap with the fan he
used as q wand.