Omaha daily bee., 1910-02-27

other traps to the porter. 1t was clear
enough then. l was simply a victim Of the
usual sleeping car robbery. 1 was in a
lather Of Precipitation by that time: the
lady down the car was still dangling and
talking about II: still nearer a feminine
voice was giving quick orders in French.
presumably to a maid. The porter was on
his knees, looking under the berth,
mot there, sir" he said, busting his
knees. He was visibly more cheerful, hav-
ing been absolvod of responsibility,
Reckon It was taken while you was wan
derin' around the car last night
"Ill give you $50 If you find it," I said.
"A hundred Reach up my shoes and
III"
l stopped abruptly. My eyes were fixed
in stupefied amazement on a coat that
hung from a Nook at the foot OF my berth.
From the coat they travelled, dazed, to the
soft-bosomed shirt beside 1t, and from there
to the collar and cravat in the net ham
mock across the windows.
"A hundred" the porter repeated, show
ing his teeth, But l caught him by the
arm and pointed to the foot Of the berth.
"What-what color's that coat?" l asked
unsteadily.
Gray, SIR His tone was one Of gentle
reoroof.
"And-the trousers?"
He reached over and held up one creased
leg. Gray. too he grlnned.
Gray l could not believe even his
corroboration Of my own eyes, But my
clothes were blue" The porter was
amused: he diyed under the curtains and
bro ught UP a pair of shoes. Your shoes,
sir" he said with a flourish. Reckon.
you've been dreaming, sir"
Now, there are two things I always avoid
In my dress-possibly an idiosyncraoy OF
my bachelor existence. These tabooed arti-
Giles are red neckties and tan shoes. And,
not only were the shoes the porter lifted,
from the floor a gorgeous shade of yell,
low, but the scarf which was run through
the turned over collar was a gaudy red, It
took a full minute for the real import Of
thirgs to penetrate my dazed intelligence
Then I gave a vindictive kick at the Of
Tending ensemble.
They're not mine, any OF them" 4
snarled. i"rhcy are some other fellows.
III sit here until / take root before 1 put
them on"
They're nice lookin' clothes" the porter
put IN. eying the red tic with appreciation.
Amt everybody would have left you any
thing"
Call the conductor" said shortly.
Then a possible explanation occurred to
me. o p~orter-what's the number OF
this berth?"
Seven, sir, If you cain wear those
shoes"
"Seyen!' In my relief I almost shouted
It. why, then, It's simple enough. I'm
in the wrong berth, that's all. NY berth
Is nine. ~Only-where the deuce Is the man
who belongs here?"
Likely in nine, SIR" The darby was
enjoying himself, "You and the other gem
teman just got mixed In the night, That's
all, sir" II was clear that he thought I
hal been drinking. ! drew A long breath.
or course, that was the explanation. This
was number seven's berth, that was his
soft hat, that his umbrella. his coat, his
bag, My rage turned to irritation at my
self.
The porter went to The next berth and I
could hear his softly insinuatiug voice.
Time to get up, sir, Are you awaken
Time to get up"
There was no response from number
nire. ! guessed that ne mad opened tho
curtains and was looking In. Then he
came back.
Number mines empty" hc said.
Empty! DO YOU mean my clothes aren't
there?' ] demanded. My valisc? WHY
don't you auswe me?"
You doan' give me time" he retorted.
There aln't uoth'n' there. But It's been
slept in"