Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1910-11-29
A FILLIP IN
FUTURES


This is not to prove that Lysdol
10 eccentric. He isn't. Concentri,
might hit the mark, for-but wei
drop that. There's no telling where I
long-handled word will lead one.
He was out of money on a certain
date-almost as penniless as a beg
gar; and he fell back on his wits I,
make good, which he did. Straightes
fellow in Seldridge college, Lysdor
was; there's no disputing that.
Lysdon's remaining two months II
college he looked forward to with rea
pleasure, but the string Of bills at
tached to the finish made the corners
of his mouth drop to an angle Of 45 de
grees. That facial expression, however
hed from his countenance like frost
before a summer sun when the ides
lodged in his brain. II took ten min
utes to put 1t in printable shape. II
read like this
Observation-Disclosures person to
drop a fat pocket book on the streets
Of Forreston and permit me to find II
and claim reward need 1t. Worthy
Young Man, Box 80, Herald"
The thing done, he hurried II off to
the Herald Office, took supper at a
cheap restaurant, returned to his room
and pored over his books till midnight,
then rolled into bed and slept like a
log.
OF course, box 92 wasn't neglected
for a day or two. Lysdon had hoped
for an early reply, and was inclined to
be disappointed after three days had
elapsed without a response. The
fourth day proved a lucky one. He
opened his letter eagerly, but the only
happy thing about it was that no one
was present to see the chagrin that
spread over his face. The single para
graph ran as follows:
Would gladly accommodate you, but
l dropped my purse some time ago,
and it made such a noise that II open
ed the eyes of a blind beggar, who
seized II and ran off with II. He
hasn't returned IT,"
This was a sample of a half dozen
that found their way into box 92 in the
next forty-eight hours. Lysdon was
settling down to the conclusion that
the plan was doomed to failure, when
tastefully addressed envelope found
its way to his table With a new cour-
age he made out these words:
Dear Sir-In accordance with your
request, l will drop my purse at the
corner of Castle avenue and Third
street, Wednesday, the "a inst, at
AIS p. m. Fifty dollars reward IL
safely returned to 11Ashelot avenue be-
fore 1880 p m. Failure on your part
will be serious. Miss Mex"
For Lysdon, the remainder Of that
Wednesday was full of interest-an
interest that grew in proportion as
the interval to the appointed hour d.
minished.
A wide margin before the time ar
rived he was sauntering resolutely
past the specified corner, his eyes
never omitting a movement of the pc
destrians that hurried past the place.
There was a ladies' wallet directly
under his face and eyes, but how it
got there was a mystery he didn't
wait to solve. Quickly seizing the
purse, he went down the street, too
much dazed to voluntarily direct his
steps.
Collecting his scattered wits, he
found his way to his room, and threw
the thing on the table and himself on
a chair. His curiosity soon got the
better of his inertness when he re-
called that he had neglected to open
the find
Pulling it open, he brought to light
a fragment Of embroidered work. and
a diminutive scrap of paper on which
was penciled: Remember the hour
1870" Nothing more.
Ii was enOugh-sufflcient
Quickly responsive to his ring. a
smiling young lady opened the door.
You are the worthy young man?"
she decided, before he had time to
speak. You are 80 prompt. 1t would
nave helped me out finely If my plans
hadn't gone wrong"
Your plans7"
Yes" she admitted, a twinkle in
her eye. You see, we were going to !
lave curiosity party, and / was 60 ,
ng to introduce you as my Offering.
If course, it's all too ridiculous for
lnything but your ad struck me as
% odd l simply couldn't resist. But
he party has fallen through at the
asst moment Wait a moment and I'll
.et your reward"
"Wait!" broke out Lysdon. TITS a
'oor conundrum that hasn't two solu-
ions. Listen to mine.
Il don't need the reward"
Then why your advertisement In
he Herald?" II
We'll, what really wanted was an
xcuse, and"
An excused" echoed the girl. "T
ont understand I'm afraid Pm com