Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-06-24
A SINGULAR GUEST.
BY John Morgan.

BY John Morgan.
Mr.. Benjamin Biddle looked around
the premises cautiously and then pre-
pared to ascend the rear porch. Once
up he opened a window gently and
entered the room. Near the table in
the corner of the room was an iron
safe
WELL he exclaimed, as he mopped
his brow, eff they haven't left he key
in for me. | might have saved myself
a lot of trouble if I'd knowed it."
He swung open the door of the safe
and then listened to the music down
stairs. Young Mrs. BrOadhurst, as
he knew, being posted on social
events, was giving a fancy dress
dance, the first on her return from
Europe after her term of widowhoOd.
III just see that there amt any
hing doing up here" said Mr.. Biddle,
land then for a bagful' He stepped
out into the broad passage with his
Jimmy sticking out Of his CapaciOus
side pockets. Suddenly a girlish fig
ure turned the corner.
Holy smoke, calculated Mr..
BiddIe.
why, how do you do?'' said the
young woman, stepping forward. She
gave a pleasant, soft laugh. This is
really delightful. You know I recog-
nized you at once in spite of your cos
tune"
She held his hand for a moment
while that gentleman gasped for
breath. Then she called for a maid.
Bring me a pencil and card"
she said q must arrange to have a
carriage to take Captain Norman
back to his hotel. You know I was
not certain that you would come"
20, I kin walk" said Mr.. BiddIe,
recovering his self-possession to an
extent
q shant hear of that" said the
young woman. "At what time shall
the carriage call?'
Have her come soon. [ got a lot
of work to do tonight"
you always were an active man,
Capt. Norman"
yes, miss. There's always some.
thing doing If it amt one thing it's
another"
q don't believe you will know any
one downstairs" she said, ''but
couldn't help sending you a card,
Capt. Norman. You remember how
friendly We were on the ST. Louis?
And have you forgotten those even
ings on the Rhine?"
Can l fergit 'em?" asked Mr..
Biddle with much fervr. Il amt
ever goin' to fergit EN-
and don't you remember that
funny little German?"
"He wuz regular cOrker. Amt it
de truth?'
They entered the ballroom, where a
number of young people ran to their
hostess atnd complained of her alb
sence. A broad shouldered young
gondOlier took possession of her with
something like an air of proprietor
ship.
capt. Norman she said, " permit
me to introduce Mr.. Harry Gordon"
pleased to meet you" said Mr..
Biddle How are things?"
What an original costume you
have on, Capt Norman" said the
gondolier. TITS the most realistic
makeup 1 ever have seen. An actor
couldn't have done it better"
Don't you like ito" asked Mr.
Biddle with sudden aggressiveness.
WHAT'S it to you? Can't I wear wat
I likes to-"
capt. Norman" tnterposed the
young hostess laughing, you mustn't
overdo your part. Well sit out this
dance-that is. if you'll keep up that
Bowery talk. I like it. How do you
it?'
Easy" said Mr.. BiddIe. easy
Capt Norman and I have been
great friends abroad" said the host
ess to the gondo1ier as the three
walked acrss the room. He is just re
turned home and he scarcely knows
any one
You must let me show you around
a bit" said the gondolfer with deter
mined gentiltty. ANY friend of
Mrs Broadhurst is a friend of mine"
'Pr' ar here" exclaimed Mr.
Biddle That's the way TO talk"
Isn't it fine" asked Mrs. Broad
hurst. How much more interesting it
would be if every one would Just talk
according TO his character"
I'll go and change to Romeo" said
the gondolier thoughtfully, 'and talk
TO you in that character"
Mrs. Broadhurst arose with some
thing of hurry in her manner and |