The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1910-03-24
You don't

look the part"
Now she smiled divineIy. land why
not, pray? His sister was my mother"
.'In order to establish a line on which
to base my calculations, would you
mind telling me who your father is?"
He asked the question with his most
appealing smile, smile so frankly i'm
pudent that she could not resent it.
"My father is Dead she said seri-
ously, land my mother is dead. Now
can you understand why 1 am living
here with my uncle? Even an amateur
may rise to that. Now, sir, do you
expect to purchase the sword? If not
shall replace it in the window"
'Thats what l came here for" sufd
he, resenting her tone and the icy look
she gave him.
II gathered that you came in the ca
pacity of Sherlock Holmes or some
thing else" She added the last three
words with unmistakable meaning.
She was leaning toward him. her
hands on the counter, peculiar CLEAN
In her dark eyes. which now for the
first time struck him as rather more
Keen and penetrating than he had sus-
.Dected before.
81 simply want TO tell you. Mr.. King.
1t-S.t yco 1Sully eADCCl 10 Uuy
tais sword it is not wise in you to
mtike it an excuse for coming here"
My dear young lady, y
My uncle has n queer conception OF
the proprieties. He may think that
you come to see me. Young men may
chat with shopgirls all the world over.
but in Edelweiss, no, unless they come
to pay most honorable court to them
My uncle would not understand"
81 take it, however, that you would
understand" he said boldly.
Il have lived in Vienna, in Paris
and in London, but now 1 am living
in Edelwciss 1 have not been q shop
girl always"
81 can believe that. My deductions
are justified"
''NIy uncle is returning" she remark
cd suddenly. II must not talk to you
any longer" She glanced uneasily
out upon the square and then hurried
ly added. n certain usefulness in her
voice and eyes: Il couldn't help it to-
day. l forgot my place. But you are
the first gentleman I've spoken to
since came here
When Spantz entered the door the
girl was going listlcssly from the
window and TruXton King was lean
ing against the counter with his back
toward her. his arms folded and n
most impatient frown on his face
Spantz's black eyes shot from one to
the other. what do you want?" he
demanded sharply.
The broadsword. And, say, Mr.
Spantz, you might assume different
tone in addressing me. I'm a Gus
toner, not 4 beggar."
Tho irl loft no nj
slowly to the rear of the shop, passing
through the narrow door, without so
much as a glance at King or the old
man. Spantz was silent until she was
gone.
You want the broadsword, eh?' he
asked. modcra ting his tone considcra-
bly,. Its Il rare old
III give you hundred Gollars-not
another cent interrupted King. not
yet over his resentment. There fol-
lowed 4 long and irritating argument,
at the conclusion Of which Mr.. King
became the possessor Of the weapon a
his own price.
I'll come in again." he said indifrcr-
emily.
but you are leaving tomorrow, sir"
1--WE changed my mind"
'Then you have discovered some
thing in EdelweiSs to attract your"
griilned the old armorer.
Il dare say you're right. Clean that
sword up 4 bit for me, and I'll drop
in tomorrow and get it. Here's co
Savvos to bind the bargain-the rest
on delivery. Good day, Mr.. Spantz."
Good day, Mr.. King
How do you happen to know my
name?''
Spantz put his hand over his heart
and delivered himself of Il most i'm
pressive bow. when SO distinguished
visitor comes to our little city, he
said, I'VE lose no time in discovering
his name. 1t is a part of our trade.
sir, believe me-"
"TnA not so sure that / do believe g
YOU said Truxton King to himself as
he sauntered up the street toward the
hotel.
Mr.. Hobbs, from Cooks, was at his
elbow. his eyes glisteninG with eager
ness.
Il say. old Dangloss is waiting for
you at the RegenGetz. sir. Wot's up?
Not you been up to, Sfr?'
up to-up to, Hobbs?"
My word. sir, you must have been
or he wouldn't be there to see YOU
"Who is DanEloSS?'
Minister of police. Haven't l told
you? He's 4 keen one, too. take my
word for it. l heard him ask for you
To loo IN, 70 4 1,., 1,l