The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1910-08-13


faced. and very angry man. In dead
silence the two men glared at each
other; then the elder spoke.
THAT was a most unfortunate
sneeze. my man." he said sharply. AZ
! suppose you realize that hiding in
| gentleman's room is serious bust
ness?" Bert continuing silent. he
added impatiently: We'll. what have
you to say for yourself?"
| Nothing" CURLY. You won't be-
| lieve me if l tell you that had no
more intention of robbing these rooms
| than you have"
You do not underrate my creduli-
! ty,'' returned the other grimly. Next
i you'd probably be telling me that you
are friend of the man who owns
these rooms"
Bert returned his stern glance with
one of assumed Indifference.
You hold the trump, and will, of
course, dispose of me as you see fit"
he said coldly. He was rejecting
that what the other proposed might,
after all, prove the easiest way out
of difficulty. If Phil would only
delay coming little longer.
But the girl interposed. Her bright
eyes had not been idle. and she had
seen. what her father had failed to
see-that the ridiculous garb and con-
strained manner did not become the
young man.
why don't you let him go. papa?'
she suggested. she does not look
like a thief, really. And you can't
spare the time to appear against him. "
Tut my dear Annie! That's just
| like a woman. Because a rogue pos
sesses a pair of speaking eyes he
must needs be innocent. We would
be putting a premium on robbery and
acting unfairly toward Mr.. Howard
besides, were we to let the fellow go
free. No; much as l hate the fuss,
I'm going to call up the nearest po-
T, lice station" AS he reached for the
receiver the telephone bell rang.
In voluntarily, Bert stepped for
ward. THAT call is for me, think
he exclaimed. But Gordon Marsh, re
ceiver in hand, waved him inpatient
ly back
Hello! Yes. this is Towards stu
do. No; I'm not Bert, whoever he
may be. What's that? Voice doesn't
sound like Bert's? Well, why should
it? Haven't l just told you-(dash
the fellow! He rattles right on with
out the least regard to what l say)
What's that? You met those people
and they are not coming here today p?
Yes, I'm listening. Go on
A pause. Then he addressed his
daughter:
Howard, it appears, is waiting at
the cleaners for a suit which, | gath
er, was by accident delivered to
some one else. And he declares that
if the young imp, his own words, my
dear, isn't back in five minutes he,
Howard, will return to his rooms and
swap clothes with the fellow Bert,
whom, he fondly believes-thanks to
his thickheadedness-h is addressing.
Bert seems to have some sort of ap-
pointment that must be kept-What's
that?" into the phone. Cant afford
to face old March in the buds of the
lamented Captain Binks." Aha!
see a light. No; of course. I'm not
Bert Didn't I try to tell you that in
the beginning? Who am 1? Ha! Hal
Come home and find out. Goodby.
Hanging up the receiver with a
crash. Gordon March turned to the as
founded Bert.
''Why under the sun didn't you tell
me that you are Robert Hilary" he
demanded.
you didn't ask me my name" the
young man reminded him coldly. His
temper was considerably damaged as
a result of the ridiculous position in
which he found himself
Bert, my boy, I'm afraid I've been
acting the part of an officious fool, u
he exclaimed with that ready tact
which made him so popular with all
classes. But you'll own that | was
justified, somewhat, in the suspicious
which, believe me, l heartily regret
My daughter, 1 am sure, is delighted
to meet the nephew of my Oldest
friend. She has more discernment
than 1, it appears"
Although the young man took the
ready little hand. his reply to Miss
MARGINS prettily expressed apology
was trifle stiff. If her father noticed
he did not show it in his manner.
I'm taking my new secretary fol
granted he said, beaming on them
both. "And I'm going to ask you tc
dine with us tomorrow evening sc
that 1 can explain some of your new
duties to you
Bert hesitated. Against his will
his eyes sought the young girls face
and something in the blue ones thai
met his, SO frankly eager, dispelleG
the last remnant of his wounded pride
He turned to her father
Thank you," he said simply, 81 vii
be pleased to come"