Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-08-10
A Diplo matic Benf.
ey EDWARD S. sPlNNEY.
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duence to secure an appointment l kept my ambition to myself My pupil, Alec Kirk. should have been ready for college, but he was not. and Il was my part to get him ready as soon as possible. His father, after turning him over to me, went to Europe. Be fore leaving he gave me single in- structiOn-viz:
 Don't let any woman snare him while I am away"
 1 made a companion of Alec, and he seemed to enjoy my society in prefer ence to that of young fellows of his own age. He gave me his confidence In everything but one, A woman laid siege for him. and he did not tell me His father had lcctured him be- fore going away on his susceptibility forbid his atteItious to any woman. Alec not only failed to trust the mat ter to me. but told the woman who was trying to snare him of my charge. She was smart enough to keep aloof from me, and l did not discover her or her object till I was informed of both by the housekeeper. 1 warned the house. keeper not to divulge the fact that l knew of what was going on If l could save the boy l would put his father under obligations. Mir Kirk had great political influence.
 Alec wished the lady to win my good opinion. She, supposlng that l knew nothing of their affair. consented, though reluctantly. l was introduced to Miss Martha Collingwood, aged twenty-eight, impecunious, passably good looking and of a common family. l called on her with Alec and during the call manifested friendliness that dsarmcd both. But while extending the olive branch was sharpening the sword. l suggested that Miss Colllng- wood and Alec use the tennis court at his home and even offered If We could find another girl to make up Il set wiS} them myself had In mind Miss Gladys Hoyle, a young lady who had the faculty of making the most rasp- ing remarks with the most kindly pre- tended intentions. Knowing that there Is nothing which win turn man from woman quicker than feminine fight, I hoped to use Miss Hoyle for the pur- pose of drawing out whatever of tenn per Miss Collingwocd might possess and intended that Alec should witness the scrimmage.
 We secured Miss Hoyle. and chose her for my partner, Miss Collingwood opened the game, serving 10 me. sent the ball back. and she returned 1t. It dropped just within the line, but I pronounced 1t foul.
 That wasn't foul" said Miss Col lingwood.
 looked at my partner for support. "Certainly 1t was,' she said
 My eyes must have deceived me- said Miss Colllngwood
 Some people can't play tennis at all," returned Miss Hoyle, ''on account of their eyes. l thought l saw some thing amiss with yours. It's quite noticeable"
 There was an ominous flash from Miss Collingwood. She made no re- ply. and the game went on My own game had opened auspiciously, and fortune continued to favor me Miss IIoyle in volHying close to the net sent the ball against Miss Ceiling woods nose. The latter dropped her racket and caught trickling stream of blood in her handkerchief
 You did that on purpose" she cried. casting a flashing glance at Miss IIoyle.
 You fatter me. If I could hit a mark like that I'd enter for a cham pionship," replied Miss Hoyle.
 Miss Collingwood was getting ready for d rejoinder when l added to her ruffiing by asking If she would pro ceed with the game.
 T don't think she'd better" Miss Hoyle put in, with that nose. It'll be all the colors of the rainbow tomor- row. My advice Is raw beef"
 "Some people are offensive with their advice" snapped the sufferer.
 Pleasure had gone out of the game for Alec. He proposed to stop playing. 4hioc Coiiiuts WO'u SthalNd lOi tit hVuot to put cold water on her nose. Alec, instead of accompanying her. found occupation in gathering the balls and rackets l whispered to him to take Miss IIoyle home. She smillngly ac- cepted his invitation. As the two walked away Miss Colllngwood turned and dartcd fiery spark. saw her home, adding fuel to the flame by tell ing her that thought Miss Hoyle had sent the ball against her nose on pur- pose and was trying to catch Alec
 supposed that I had only made beginning, but l was mistaken. When Alec and met again he confessed to me that there had been an affair be- tween him and Miss Collingw0od lat which l expressed great surprise,. but that if was ended. kindly offered to give him my advice as to the best method of dropping 1t. The Illusion had passed out of him, and nothing could bring 1t back. -
 When Mir. Kirk returned from Eu- rope made no mention of bis sons escape. buthe learned of 1t and asked -.I. u 1.