The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-12-01
A FlLLIP m
FUTURES

Is eccentric He isn't. Concentric
might hit the mark, for-but Wen
drop that. There's no telling where q
long-handled word will lead one
He was out Of money on a certain
date-almost as penniless as beg
gar; and he fell back on his wits to
make good. which he did. Straightest
fellow in Seldridge college, Lysdon
was; there's no :disputing that
Lysdon's remaining two months in
college he looked forward to with real
pleasure. but the string of bills at
tached to the finish made the corners
Of his mouth drop to an angle Of IS de-
grees. That facial expression, however.
he'd from his countenance like frost
before a summer sun when the idea
lodged in his brain 1t took ten min.
utes to put it in printable shape. 1t
read like this
Observation-Disclosures person to
drop fat pocket book on the streets
of Forreston and permit me to find it
and claim reward. need it.. Worthy
Young Man, Box 81, Herald"
The thing done, he hurried it off to
the Herail 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 % wasn't neglected
for day or two. Lysdon had hoped
for an early reply. and was inclined to
be disappointed after three days had
elapsed without 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
dropped my purse some time ago,
and it made such noise that it open
ed the eyes of a blind beggar, who
seized il and ran off with it. He
hasn't returned it,
This was a sample Of half dozen
that found their way into box % in the
next forty-eight hours. Lysdon was
settling down to the conclusion that
the plan was doomed to failure, when
tastefnly addressed envelope found
its way to his table. With a new ccur.
age he made out these words:
Dear Sir-In accordance with your
request, will drop my purse at the
corner of Castle avenue and Third
street. Wednesday, the I'd inst, at
s:15 p. m. Fifty dollars reward il
safely returned to II Ashelot avenue be.
fore 7:30 p. m. Failure on your part
will be serious. Miss Nick"
For Lysdon, the remainder of that
Wednesday was full of interest an
interest that grew in proportion as
the interval to the appointed hour di-
minished
A wide margin before the time ar.
rived he was sauntering resolutely
past the specified corner, his eyes
never emitting movement of the ne.
destrians that hurried past the place.
There was a ladies' wallet directly
under his face and eyes, but how it
got there was mystery he didn't
wait to solve. Quickly Selling 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 ma. ::
Pulling 1t open, he brought to light
fragment of embroidered work, and
diminutive scrap of paper on which
was peuciled: Remember the hour
$780," Nothing more.
1t. was enough-suhicient
Quickly responsive to his ring, q
smiling young lady opened the door.
You are the worthy young man?''
she decided. before he had time ia
speak You are 80 prompt. 1t would
have helped me out finely II my plans
hadn't gone wrong"
"Your plans?"
Yes" she admitted, q twinkle in
her eye. you see, We were going ia
have curiosity party, and l was 60
ing to introduce you az my Offering
OF course. it's all too ridiculous fol-
anything; but your ad. struck me al
so odd l simply couldn't resist. But
the party has fallen through at the
last moment. Wait moment and I'll
get your reward"
',Wait!" broke out Lysdon. ITS 4
poor conundrum that hasn't two solu
lions. Listen to mine.
Il don't need the reward
Then why your advertisement in
| the Herald"
We'll. what l really wanted was al
excuse, and - e: /.
IAN excuse! I" echoed the girl. q
don't understand. I'm afraid I'm com
promising myself by listening to this
mot 1t ALL" ansWered ELysdon. "I,ye
o few weeks more in college, and
promised the old man. i wouldn't: send
for any more funds to carry m az
/ through. I've tried my hes, stut /,