Evening star., 1909-05-09

bromide; and he must act ac-
cordngly.
Very soon," he answered.
She drew sigh of relief and he felt
her clasp on his hand relax. I've
been worrying little she confessed
1t was evident that she willing s11
to talk and Astro waited moment
without answering, bending in closer
scrutiny over her palm. He finally put down her
hand nodding his head mysteriously. Il see
that you are in trouble If l can be of any help,
shall be glad to do what l can"
Miss Wister released her hand and opened her bag,
from which she drew a small envelop. Her lips
trembled as she looked at the Seer.
Il am to be married tomorrow evening at eight
O'clock" she said that is, if nothing happens to
prevent it." Her fingers clasped the letter
tightly. Il am engaged to Mr. Edward Farralon;
but-but | haven't heard from him since yesterday
gazed up at him.
AS Astro, however, only nodded gravely, she went
on Il tried to telephone to him last night, and he
was not at home; at least, he didn't answer. tried
this forenoon and they told that he had not been
down to his office. And-and I'm to be married to-
morrow!'' Miss Wster had almost broken into
tears.
You've been seeing him often and quite regu-
lar1y, / suppose!
'Oh, yes, every day That's what makes it seem
SO strange. Do you think anything can have hap
pened to him? don't know what to do! daren't
tell anyone for fear of making talk and if he's all
right, that would be dreadful But there's something
ese-Here, look at this letter | got this morning.!
Astro glanced at the enveop she passed him.
that it addressed with typewriter and took out
the single sheet it contained. On this was type
written the line:
Beware the Vengeance of the P Ro Nu
"Wen' he said, that certainly is enough to give
girl the creeps on the day before her wedding.
You have no idea what it means, | suppose?"
mo. I'm awfully alarmed; but at the same time
I'll have to tell you-Edward is awful jollier,
and is all the time playing Jokes on me; SO never
be sure of anything He says he's training my
sense of humor' Miss Wister smiled sadly But the
fact that he's missing is different. 1t frightens mel
MY dear Miss Wister," Astro said clasping her
AvA hand in assurance If you'll leave this to me-
I'll promise you that you shall be married time.
You need give yourself no anxiety about it. As it
happens, have nothing else to do, and shall be
glad to help you.
only try you could solve the mystery You know
used to know Mrs. Chester when she was Ruth Lors-
son. and she told the story of how you helped her
1t was that made me want to tell you"
Astro smiled Eyes, l confess love affairs do
rather amuse me, and I'm always willing to help
straghten them out So, if you're willing to do ex-
actly as l say, I'll take this on
"Oh, I'll do anything!
1T may cost considerable money, too
But think of having trouble with your wedding!
It's awful! Why, l don't know but l ought to
countermand the invitations! Of course, don't
want to unless it's absolutely necessary; but it's
terrible thing to do"
Go right ahead and trust to me- I'll promise to
have Mr. Farralon time Is it at church,"
No, we're to be married at my house, 5678 Lex
ington-ave
''All right. Where is Mr. Farralons Officer
Eighteen West 32d-st. He's the American agent
for Belgian rubber firm, you know, and has only
small place for headquarters"
He's college man, suppose?"
Yes, Cornell 'o4.'
Who is to be his best mani"
Why, Mr.. stringer, cIassmate Of his. He's
lawyer; patent lawyer, l think I've told him