The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1910-03-10

sue WAS lcuuluS tOWdio hAh, Az
hands on the counter. a peculiar CLEAN
in her dark eyes, which now for the
first time struck him as rather more
keen and penetrating than he had sus-
pected before.
az simply want to tell you. Mr.. King.
that unless you really expect to buy
this sword 1t is not wise in you to
make it an excuse for coming here"
my dear young lady, T.
my uncle has a 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"
II take it, however, that you would
understand" he said boldly.
Il have lived in Vienna, In Paris
and in London, but now l am living
In Edelweiss. l have not been a shop
girl always"
II can believe that. My deductions
are justified"
my uncle is returning" she remark
ed suddenly. II must not talk to you
any longer" She glanced uneasily
out upon the square and then hurried
ly added. a certain usefulness in her
voice and eyes II couldn't help 1t to-
day. l forgot my place. But you are
the first gentleman I've spoken to
since l came here"
When Spantz entered the oor the
girl was going listlessly from the
window and TruXton King was lean
ing against the counter with his back
toward her. his arms folded and a
most impatient frown on his face.
Spantz's black eyes shot from one to
the other. What do you want?" he
demanded sharply.
THE ~broadsw0rd. And. say. Mr..
Spantz. you might assume a different
tone in addressing me. I'm a Gus
toner, not a beggar."
The girl left the window and walked
slowly to the rear Of the shop, passing
through the narrow door, without sc
much as n glance at King or the OLD
man. Spantz was silent until she was
gone.
You want the b~roadsword, ehT' he
asked. moderating his tone considera
bly,. ITS Il rare old
"Ill give you a hundred dollars-not
another cent" interrupted King. no
yet over his resentment. There fol
lowed q long and irritating argument
at the conclusion of which Mr.. King
became the pOsseSSor Of the weapon a
his own price.
IN come in again." he said indiffer
emily.
"But you are leaving tomorrow, sir.
1--WE changed my mind"
'Then you have discovered some
thing in Edelweiss to attract your
grinned the old armorer.
81 dare say you're right. Clean tina
sword up Il bit for me. and III droI
In tomorrow and get it. Here's G.
gavvos to bind the bargain-the res
on delivery. Good day, Mr.. Spant1."
Good day, Mr.. King"
How do you happen to know IN,
name?"
Spantz put his hand over his hear
and delivered himself Of q most i'm
pressive bow. when SO distinguished
a visitor to our little city" h'
said, I'VE lose no time in d~iscoverin,
his name. 1t is a part Of our trade
sir, believe me-
I'm not so sure that l do believ'
he sauntered up the street toward tn,
hotel.
Mr.. Hobbs, from Cooks, was at hi
elbow, his eyes glistening with eager
ness.
Il say, Old Dangloss is waiting 70
you at the Regengetz, sir. Wots up
Wot you been up TO, sirf'
up to-up to, HobbsT'
"AIy word. sir, you must have beer
or lie wouldn't be there to see you"
"Vho Is Dangloss?'
minister of police. Haven't ! tolt
you? He's a keen one, too, take 10!
word for it. | heard him ask for you,
He lost no time in getting to the no
tel. A well remembered, fierce look
ing little man in a white linen suit wa
waiting for him on the great piazza.
Baron Jasto Dangloss was a polit'
man, but not to the point Of procras
tination. He advanced to meet thu
puzzled American. smiling amiably ant
swirling his imposing mustache wit
neatly gloved fingers.
II have called, Mr.. King, to have
little chat with you,' ne said abrupt
ly. He enjoyed the look Of surpris'
on the young mans face. Won't yol
join me at this table? A julep will
not be bad. etT' King sat down op
posite to him 1T n Of the piazza ia
/ bles in the shade Of the great trailing
vines. A waiter took the order ant
departed.
Now. to come to the point" began
the baron. you expected to leave to
morrow. Why are you staying overT'
Baron, l leave that to your W dis
tinguished powers OF deduction" sail
TruxtOn gently. He took a long pull
at the straw. watching the others fac
40 ho Ala ~ Tho ho RON cmiloA