The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-02-26

IN ng-room OF tho ST Louis Club it sAingl,
hot and for the twentieth time Hildrcth moppcd
the perspiration from his face.
For the twentieth time, also, he glanced at
letter. lying open before him. The occasion OF his
pcrplesity lay in this open letter. which thus
DEAR FRED: I'm writing detective yarn which calls
for scene on the St Louis lcvcc. AS haven't even
been in the city I'm decidedly shy on local color.
Send me 4 few points, like the good old chap you al
ways were, and shall be
Your eternally grateful
Hildreths reply began blithely enough, like this
DEAR WrcKsIE: What in thunder do you think I
know about the levce7 As for its local color
well till it danced. 1t only after much mopping
that he proceeded:
an unp1eJudiced observer might call it pretty
black.
And there he stuck again He was still proiding
mopping and mutterng when Daniorih looked in.
"Ob, it's you. is it7 drawled the newcomer.
Thought smellcd something frying
Hildreh smiled the acs-luster smile OF the who
looks funny to others.
:" If you want to save my reason, Danforth" he
begged. " tell something about the levee,'
The levcel What in thunder"
I've said that And that its dirty. What next7"
"Why-I don't know. But" Frightening up, III
bet Toman does"
Who's Toman7"
"A friend OF mine from up North He's brought
party down here a house-boat and I'm going down
with him dino on board he finishes
teephoning. Come out here and I'll introduce you as
seeker after truth about the leyce. He weighs
hundred and its most all heart, so maybe he'll ask
you to go along"
And it was even so Alter feeble protests from Hill
drcth into which he vainly endcavored to put some
backbone Toman led the way to his touring which
waiting outside.
Perhaps I'd better up he said they
about to start: intended to do the bold buccaneer
and surprise Daniorth by carrying him off; but
won't treat you so uncercmonously Mr.. Hildreth.
I've Just elephoned the wharboat to have my
get up steam Wen go up the river this evening and
be back here by nine ten in the morning II either
Of you want TO send word TO anybody you can telc-
phone from the Planters on the way down"
Danforh closed his eyes and leaned carefully back.
Don't wake mel" he whispered. It's the first
pleasant dream I've had this summer"
And your laughed Tolman, turning to Hildreth.
cts too late to lose mel! was the firm reply
"Tve had Lifelong yearnng to be carried OFF by
pirates"
So it was settled and as the auto stcmmed the tide
of homeward traffic. Hildreth idly wondered what
of an experience was in for him.
At the hotel Danforth disappeared in tho telephone
booth from which he shortly emerged, breathing male
diction.
Il tod you not to let me wake upl" he groancd
Here I've got to go to Chicago tonight"
Afterward, when Hildreth tried to account for the
rontrctemps at which he arrived, Daniorth's failure
to go with them that night loomcd big the begin
ming OF it all.
Halfway down, Toman pointed to two dazzingly
white boats, the houscboat in front, the steamboat
smuggling close behind it, Screen awnings, cool green
and white, were dropped the sunny shoreward side
and little breeze was lazy worrying long pcnnant.
Hildreh drew deep breath OF pleasant anticipation.
This being carried off by pirates is all my fancy
painted it " he remarked they up grooved
gang-plank and nosed in between several other autos
on the forccastle OF the steamboat
The staterooms over on the houseboat arc full'
said Tolmsn he led the way upstairs; but here's
room and a bath where you make the best OF your
captivity. I'll send boy to what you need and
I'll come after you i'll time for dinner"
Hldreth emitted the usual inartioulate mumbles as,
In hospitable Western fashion, he was presented to
person after person. When he finally took the place
beside his host, he retained but facts OF the
medley Of ntroductious The small boy his hosts
little son Harold nat IdCt was NOT particularly IN
terestng but the thought of the other he shot
satisfied glance toward the opposite end OF the table
1t the place where would naturally expect
to find the vile OF ones host but Hildrch recalled
with satisfaction the words OF their introduction in
Tolmans hearty voice
Dolly, here's prisoner I captured at the club
Mr. Hdreth my cousin. Miss Neville"
1t went and over in his mind. Ny cousin,
Miss Neville My cousin Miss Neville" just then
A.
little thrill explore every corner OF his being.
II that afternoon. when he struggling vainly to
define the local color OF the evee anybody had hned
that inside Of two hours he would be going into a
'rcmor glance from girls laughing eyes, he
ould have scorned the prophecy.
OF course the idea OF love at FIRST sight had sweet