Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-27


CHESTER
And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it
shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall
do unto us, the same will we do unto thee
(Num 10: 32)
Then said l, Lo, come in the volume oi
the book it Is written of me. FPS 40. u
And Ruth said Intreat me not to leave
thee, or to return from following after thee;
for whittier thou goest, | will go: and where
thou lodgest, will lodge: thy people shall be
my people, and thy God my God, Ruth
16.)'
1T is getting serious, isn't it? said Valeska
when she brought the last message of Ruth's
" Poor Chester Is halt crazy. He's been work
ing like mad te get some illustrations for The
Universal Magazine done: as to get money
enough to get married on, l suppose But how
in the world they are going to elope, don t see
Love laughs at locksmths," said Astro
But not at stepmothers All the same,
they're going to do it somehow, and want to
see the fun. It's bound to come off in day
or so now I'm diving to speak of it to Chester
and offer to help him: but I'm afraid it would
spoil his fun. Hadn't we better just play
about on the edge cf it, and be ready for any
thing that happens:"
" 1t all depends the next message You
go to the studio tomorrow and see if you
can't find out about the elopement.
All right" said Nalesks
A T ten o'clock the next morning Astro re-
ceived by a messenger a hurriedly pen
Ciled note. 1t read.
Something awful has happened, Chester
broke his leg last night, and was taken to the
hospital; but when it set (the Lego, he in
sisted on being brought home to the studio
He's almost crazy, and has a fever, and I'm
sure the elopement was planned for tonight
I'll get it out of him somehow, and you must
tell me what to do Here's the text he got
last night. | can't make it out; SO please tell
me Immediately. V"
The text indicated was from the 10th Psalm
verse IA
And at evening let them return; and let
them make a noise like dog. and go round
about the city.
As as Astro had looked it up he put
on his hat and coat, and Jumping into his
private hanson drove to Washington Square.
TT was half-past eight when Ruth Lorsson
raised the shade of her window and threw
up the sash. 1t was raining, and the asphalt
pavement shimmered with reflected lights. At
the curb opposite her house cab was wait
ing. She looked at it eagerly.
There came sudden noise like the barking
of dog, repeated three times. Ruth smiled,
let down the sash, and drew the shade Then,
stuffing package wrapped in towel inside
her full blouse, she ran down stairs
Ruth, child! what YOU doingl" Mrs.
Lorsson's voice came in petulant way
Ruth lowered moment by the doorway,
10 say III d VOICE tndJ lTt11lDletl a niue, on.
| only want to get the Smiths address from
of their cards the hall table
She walked swiftly to the front door, opened
it noiselessly, slipped out, and shut it care
fully behind her. She had to slam it to make
it latch, and the Jar frightened her She fairly
flew down the steps now, and ran across the
street straight for the cab. The door in its
side swung open and she popped inside. The
cab instantly drove off at a furious pace
There dark figure inside. She snug
gled up to it deliciously. "Oh. Harry" she
breathed. AT last! Oh | thought this time
never would come" Then with little scream
she jumped away from him. Who are you"
she demanded. Her voice showed terror.
My dear" said Astro, don't be frightened
Mr.. Chester couldn't come. He has had a
slight accident; but not bad enough to pre-
vent his being married tonight. I'm going
to have the pleasure of giving you away |
have your bridesmaid all ready at the studio.
Why, how did you know" she demanded,
staring at him. Then as an electric light sud-
denly illuminated the interior of the cab, she
recognized the fine, picturesque features OF the
Master of Mysteries and gave little sigh OF
relief. "Oh, it's Astro!" she exclaimed. :" You
know everything, don't you? Did you see it
in Your crystal BALI"
He smiled he replied, My dear, saw it
in Your pretty eyes the first time ! saw you
Oh | was SO frightened! But tell me about
Harry! 1t must be bad accident to keep him
IUht