The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-09-17

back against 1t.
"What do you think Of that?" he
gasped.
81 think we are highly honored,"
Mrs. John replied. II only hope that
our neighbors across the hall saw the
aristocratic Mr.. Marsh when he dark
ened our portals"
"Be serious, Clare. What does that
old blue-blood want of our great un-
cle2"
"You don't suppose, John, that he's
done anything?"
"Well, nothing bad enough to call
Cuthbert Marsh to the fifth story Of
an apartment house on rainy night"
They both suddenly started. 1t was
only the squeak of the speaking tube.
John hurried to it.
"Well?" he called. Then he drop
ped the tube.
"I'm wanted on the house phone"
| he said.
You don't suppose the office is on
fire?"
They wouldn't bother to tell me
of it." He looked around in the door
way. "Ill bet it's some new develop
nent in the Uncle Byron mystery"
1t was fully twenty minutes later
when he returned to his room. There
was confusion on the wires and he
had trouble In finding out who had
called him. Before he could leave
the office he was called again.
But the time had passed rapidly
with Mrs. John. Scarcely had the
elevator bearing her husband gone
down when light rap at the door
drew her attention.
An elderly man confronted her on
the threshold. He was a man of less
than medium height, quite gray and
his wrinkled face had weather-beat-
en- look. He was very plainly dressed,
TIE string tie about his old style COL
lar was out of place and the soft hat
he held by the brim was much the
worse for wear.
Then there Is a Mrs. john was
bis somewhat startling greeting.
Mrs. John suddenly laughed.
Come in, Uncle Byron" she said,
and drew him into the room and took
his hat and shabby little bag.
Uncle Byron, eh? That sounds
good" He stared at Mrs. John. Am
welcome?"
Certainly, Uncle Byron"
Talked 1t over with John, eh?"
YES"
"He agrees with your"
about you? Yes"
Better think 1t over. I may want
to stay"
"Stay as long as you like"
"Honest?"
Mrs. John suddenly laughed.
Haven't l an honest face?
"You have a very nice face, my
dear And very nice voice. I hope
John deserves you"
Mrs. Johns face flushed.
He thinks he does"
"That's different. How's John?"
quite well. He will be back in a
few moments. Take this easy chair,
Uncle Byron"
II will. Snug little place."
Rather too snug. It's the best we
could afford. She suddenly laughed.
I'm glad you are not taller, Uncle
Byron"
"Eh, Why?"
Because we are going to put you
into the hall bedroom. It's our only
guest chamber"
Rather close quarters, Ell? But
that's all right. I'm used to camping
down anywhere. Is there a window
where l can get lots of air?"
eyes"
Fine. How's John doing?"
"Fairly WE'LL
Takes good care of you, eh?"
Mrs. John was much amused.
DO l look like an abused woman?"
"Not bit Of it. l wouldn't ask for
better recommendation for John.
And you are quite sure I'm welcome?"
Very sure"
''I'm not much to look at. You'll be
ashamed of me-"
That's unkind."
$50 it is. But 1 didn't mean any.
thing by it. And there's to be moth.
ing said about paying board?"
Nothing. You are our guest"
Good. That suits me-" He sud.
denly fumbled in his pockets. I'm
awfully careless about money. Could
you let me have a couple Of dollars,
my dear?"
She didn't hesitate, but opened a
table drawer and drew out a little
purse. He watched her closely.
Here 1t is, Uncle Byron"
"I wouldn't want John to know
about this" he said as he took the
money.
Then you mustn't tell him."
Good. like you still better, my
dear. l can see that we are going to
get along amazingly well. And I
haven't said word about paying back
the money"
Mrs. John nodded at him.
I'm not worrying about that" She
paused with little laugh. "I think
you borrowed it Just to test me?"
The old man laughted too.
You're as sharp as tacks, my dear.