The Democratic advocate., 1909-10-15

than medium height, quite gray and
his wrinkled face had a weather-heat-
en- look. He was very plainly dressed
the 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 Mrs. John" was
his somewhat startling greeting.
Come in, Uncle Blron,p 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 p
yes"
He agrees with you p
About you Yes"
Better think 1t over. may want
to stay"
Stay as long as you like
Honest ?"
Mrs. John suddenly laughed.
Haven't | an honest face ?"
You have very nice face, my
dear. And very nice voice. ! hope
John deserves you"
MIS-. JOnnS race nuShed.
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"
81 will Snug little place"
Rather too snug It's the best We
could afford She suddenly laughed
I'm glad you are no taller, Uncle
Byron"
"Eh, why ?"
Because we are going 10 put you
into the hall bedroom It's our only
guest chamber"
Rather close quarters, eh But
that's all right. I'm used to camping
down anywhere. is there window
where ! can get lots OF air p
Yes"
Fine. How's John doing p
Fairly well"
Takes good care OF you. eh %
Mrs. John was much amused.
DO ! look like an abused woman 20
Not bit OF f. / wouldn't ask for
a better recommendation for John
And you are quite sure I'm welcome ?"
Very sure"
4 ~ hAA AlANfti W ARDh ~ tbu ~ W.
ashamed Of me"
That's unklnd"
80 II Is. But l didn't mean any
thing by II. 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 # is. Uncle Byron"
Il wouldn't want John to know
about this" he said as he took the
money,
Then you mnsn't tell him"
Good. ! like you stu better. my
dear can see that we are going TO
get along amazingly we'll And I
haven't said a word about paying back
the money"
Mrs John nodded at him.
I'm not worrying about that" She
paused with n little laugh I think
you borrowed II Just to test me ?"
The old man laughed too.
You're as sharp an tacks, my dear.
But you'll never see this money again.
Rest assured OF that"
Very well. Uncle Byron Say no
more about IT, There, mustn't for
get TO tell you that you had caller
this evening"
"A caller Who ?"
Mr. Cuthbert Marsh"
ooh 1aa 1 apkgnug t,,a l.. ~ ,
Good"
He seemed quite anxious to find
you"
Very likely. He wasn't home when
called. | saw Mrs Marsh. very
Impressive woman. Kept me waiting
too long IN her grand parlor / told
her that Cuthbert was the son OF my
half-brother Robert She wasn't a
bit overcome by the information. II
] expected TO be asked to stay TO din
ner ] was disappointed. She showed
too plainly that she wasn't pleased by
my appearance. Told me fatty that
could find her husband In HIS Office
and turned me over 10 the butler who
hustled me out Fine woman, but a
little hard and a little hasty."
Mrs. Cuthbeft Marsh Is one OF the
queens OF society,"" said Johns wife
Well, I'm not one OF her subjects"
the old man chuckled.
She looked at him reilectiyely.
u don't understand you, Uncle BY
rom she said.
You'll understand me better II
stay here long enough" he cried and
chuckled again.
And then the door opened and John
came In. For a moment he didn't
notice the old man in the high backed
rocker.
The mystery deepens," he said.
Somebody at the Switzerland Is wild
to find Uncle Byron; there are FIVE
telegrams awaiting him at The Gros-
venor. and there SENS TO be a wild
impression that I'm eoncealing him
somewhere"
''Hullo John" said the old man
quietly
The younger man started
Uncle Byron" said Johns wife
sudden laugh.
The old man put out his hand.
How are you, my boy Taken
possession, you see. Going 10 camp
down indefinitely. Fixed Il all with
Mrs. John. What do sou think OF an
incubus like that ?"
A queer twinkle In the old mans
eyes caught Johns attention. Some
how he seemed drawn TO this odd
visitor
You are heartily welcome, Uncle
Byron he said, What Mrs. John
says always goes
Il took that for granted. She said
! was welcome and that was enough.
A little too good for you" And his
eyes twinlIled as he nodded toward
the young wife.
Not bit of doubt of it." the young
man heartily agreed.
The old man drew a quick breath.
You looked Just like your mother