The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-10-04

He was equally determined to &C.
cept her conditions and to purge him,
self of his sin of omission. The fact
that Katharine Sewell had taken ref.
uge in absurdity was an actual relief.
He felt that he was getting of re-
markably well under the circum
stances.
"A mere trifle.' he said. moving of |
with cheerful alacrity. How much |
time do you give me to go out to Asia |
or Africa or wherever 1t is to get |
one?"
"Oh-about a-a-week,' she 70
piled. wishing for nothing SO much as
TO have him leave her to her own emo
lions.
"Geei A week from today at 10
a. M" he said. as II 1t were the final
word in the most commonplace bust
ness agreement.
Not until he reached home did the
full extravaganza Of the proceeding
unfold itself to his understanding.
What miracle had he elected to per-
form? He knew perfectly we'll that.
elephant or no elephant, Kate Sewell
was his but how should he manage
this one opportunity she had given
him to show himself a man? He real.
lied it was not a chance to become
hero, but it was something. The more
he thought of it the less trivial II
seemed. White elephant, indeed He
could not remember that he had ever
seen such thing Wasn't it after all
a fabulous beast? The possibility was
so distracting that he resolved to take
ii to the counsel of Stacy, who knew
everything.
Half an hour later he was sitting in
the private Office of the junior mem
Der of the firm of Stacy & Co.. univer'
sal providers. Tom Stacy had been
his class mate at college and they be-
longed to the same fraternity. Tom
was as genial as he was shrewd, and
David had always liked him i'm.
mensely
Il want to consult you on a matter
of business" Minturn said, after the
customary greetings.
Command me- said Stacy. with his
best business manners.
Il believe you supply any demand"
David observed, as an entering wedge.
Universal providers" Tom admit
ted, with large smile.
Suppose one should ask for some
thing very notwithstanding might
say not to be found on the market?"
There was everything in Toms man.
ner to indicate that he regarded such
a condition of things as extremely i'm
probable. IF we were asked to fur
nish any article whatever he said,
with great dignity, I'VE should feel
obliged to make good. Our claim to
be universal providers would demand
IT,"
DO you happen to have such a
thing as white elephant"
Stacy saw in an instant that his
friend was not guying him, the discov-
cry brought with it a temporary en-
barrassment which was a decided
novelty in the young merchants expe-
rience
Il don't believe we have the arti
cle-in stock" he said, hest 'atingly
But of course you can OBTAIN it?'
', said the other, with a grim emile.
"Oh, yes-with sufficient notice. de
t clared the universal provider.
S How long would you require?"
: well" replied Stacy. cooking his
f eye meditatively, Il should say abou
o two years would be about the prop
d err wrinkle"
f Il must have a white elephant one
week from today-at ten o'clock in The
l. morning" said David, with great dis
l. tinctness of utterance. And then HI
t. told Stacy all about it.
y Before he had finished Toms face
O had grown radiant and he seemed t
have been made the happy lodgins
=, place of joyous inspiration. Chez
k up, old fellow" he cried slappin.
l. Minturn on the back with an energ.
e est easiest cinch I've struck in al
d age All you have to do is to g
e into hiding Let it be known tina
T. you have gone for a weeks outing
n and Stacy & Co. will do the rest. Tha
white elephant will make his appear
y ance in front of the Sewell house a
c. the hour prescribed. Go away in per
a. feet peace"
1t seemed incredible, but Minturl
Y. knew his man. and went his way witt
e this assurance that he should not b.
lie compelled to go back TO Katharine
n with a record of humliating failur
r to fulfill her condition. ridiculou
II though it was.
lie As the clock was striking ten OF
y that absurdly specified day Katherin
~ Scwell looked out of her window an
,e saw, in front of her fathers big old
?" fashioned house. a strange sight Tn
:" central figure of the exhibition was
a little. dingy. ivory colored elephant, a
lie most concealed beneath his crimson
lie and gold trappings. On either side O
ct the grotesque little pachyderm, severa
figures in the garb of Siamese priest:
| we're bending low in alteration, an
" two or three others were beating Wis
IN orouslv on native drums.
The street was fast becoming packe
d. with a crowd of delighted onlookers