The Washington times., 1909-10-21

strange somberness into absolutely
impish mirth
to that, can he? Besides, / never buy
without laughing, ne eXpOstulated.
suddenly eXhLarated, ne knew not why.
Don't come in here unless you ex-
pect to buy she said. serious In an in
slant. 1T isn't the custom in Edel-
weiss. Young men may chat with shop
girls all the world over-but in Edel-
weiss, no-unless they come to pay most
honorable court to them. My uncle
would not understand
Il take it. however. that YOU would
understand he said, boldly.
i have lived in Vienna, in Paris, and
in London. But now I am living in
Edelweiss. I have not been a shop
u can believe that NY deductions
are justified"
Pray forgive me for offering this bit
Of advice. A word to the wise ny
uncle would close the door in your face
Tiff he thought"
Il see. Well. I'll buy the blooming
sword. Anyhow, that's what 1 came
NO. You came in because I smiled
at YOU from the window upstairs. It
s my sitting room"
Why did you smile2 Tell me-"
1T was nature asserting itself"
You mean you just couldn't help it2'
That's precisely what I mean
Not very complimentary, I'd say"
A smile Is ever a compliment, sir"
81 say. 90 you know you interest me2''
he began, warmly, but she put her
Ny uncle is returning. | must not
Uneesily out upon the square. and then
hufriedlS added a certain usefulness in
her voice and eyes, II couldn't help II
today. 1 forgot my place. But you are
the first gentleman I've SPOKEN to since
I came here"
IL was afraid you might think
am not a gentleman. I've been rather
'I happen to have known many gem
uemen- Before ! went intJ-service Of
course. She turned away abrupt a
sudden shadow crossing her face. Trllx-
ton King eXulted. At last he was touch
inE the lOnE-sOught trait of the Golden
Girl Here was a romance. Here was
mystery!
Spantz was crossing the sidewalk. The
American leaned forward and half wills
pered, Just watch me buy that broad
sword. I may, in time buy out the
shop, piece by piece"
She smiled swiftly. let me warn
Thanks"
When Spantz entered the door, a mo-
ment later, the girl was gazing listless-
~ from the window and Trtlxfon King
was leaning against the counter with
his back toward her, his arms folded
and most impatient frOWn on his face
Hello! he said. gruffly. I've been
waiting ten minutes for yOl:"
Spantz's black eyes shot from one to
the other What do you want?" he
demanded sharply. As he dropped his
hat upon a stool near the door his
glance again darted from the man to
the girl and hack again.
The broadsword. And say, Mr.
Spantz, you might assume a different
tone IN addressing me I'm customer,
The cir. left the window and walked
slowly to the rear of the shop, passing
through the narrow door without so
a. ID
man. Spantz was 81. ent until she was
gone.
You want the hroadsword. eh?" he
IT'S a rare Old"
I'm give YOU a aundred dolIars-not
another cent" Interrupted King not
YET over his resentment. There follow
ed long and Irritating argument, at
the conclusion ~ which ar King be-
came the DOsseSgOr Of the WEAPON at
MS own price. Remembering himself
IN tine ne fell 20 admirinC Some old
rings and bracelets in cabinet near bv
thus paving the way for future visits.
III come In again, he said, indiner-
But you are leaving tomorrow, sir"
I've changed my mind"
You are no. going?'
Not for few days"
eth, Then you rave discOy red some
grinned the old armorer. "I thought
you might"
u I've s- haG a glimpse Of the swells. my
It's all he good you'H get Of f.
said Spantz g.Gffiy.
/ daresay you're right. Clean that
sword up ~ for me, md I'll drop
In tomorrow e. j get IL. Here's sixty
gavvos TO Eihd the bargain The rest
on deliver. Good day. Mr.. Spantz."
Good day, M. King"
How do you happen TO know my
name?"
spantz put his hand over his heart
and delivered himself Of a most i'm
pressive bow, when so distinguished
q visitor comes to our little .,ity." he
said. I'VE lose no time In discovering
his name. It is part Of our trade,
I'm not so sure that I do believe
you,' said TruxtOn King to himself as
he sauntersd up the street toward the
hotel The girl knew me- too. nov
that l come to think of It, Heighoi
BY 1ove, I do hope 7 can work up a
little something TO interest-HeIIo!'
Mr. Hobbs, from Cooks was at his
elbow, his eyes glistenirg with eager
ness,
i say, old Dangloss is waiting for
you at the Regengetz, sir"
The Continuation of This Story WIN
BE Found I'm Tomorrow
Issue of The Times