The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1910-01-25
that unless you really expect to buy
this sword If Is NOT wise in Won fo

MY unclc mas 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"
Il take it. however. that you would
understand" he said boldly.
Il have lived in Vienna. in Paris
and In London, but now | am living
In Edelweiss have not been q shop
girl always"
II can believe that. My deductions
are justified"
my uncle is returning" she remark.
ed suddenly. Il must not tall; to you
any longer" She glanced uneasily
out upon the square and then hurried
~ added, a certain usefulness III her
voice and eyes: II 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 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.
1.-THE broadsword. And, say, Mr..
Spantz. you might assume n different
tone in addressing me. I'm GUS
toner. not beggar"
| The girl left the window and walked
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. m-.
you want the broadsword. eh p he
asked. moderating his tone considera-
bly,. ITS a rare old
It'll give you a hundred dollars-not
another cent" interrupted King. not
yet over his resentment. There fol-
lowed a long and irritating argument,
at the conclusion of which Mr.. King
became the possessor Of the weapon at
his own price. 90"
"Pll come in again." he said indiffer-
| emily. 80
But you are leaving tomorrow, SIR"
1--WE changed my mind"
'Then you have discovered some
thing in Edelweiss to attract you?"
! grinned the old armorer.
II dare say you're right. Clean that
sword up bit for me. and I'll drop
in tomorrow and get it. Here's co
gavvos to bind the bargan-the rest
on delivery. Good day. Mr.. Spantz"
Good day, Mr.. King"
How do you happen to know my
,, name?"
Spant2 put his hand over his heart
and delivered himself Of a most i'm
! pressive bow. when SO distinguished
visitor comes to our little city" he
said, I'VE lose no time in discovering
sir, believe me-"
"pm not so sure that l do believe
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?
| Wot you been up to. sir?'
up to-up to, HObbs?"
"My word, sir. you must have been
or he wouldn't be there to see you"
"Who is DanglossY'
Minister of police. Haven't l told
you? He's keen one, too, take my
word for it. l heard him ask for you"
He lost no time in getting to the ho-
| tel A well remembered. fierce look
ing little man in white linen suit was
waiting for him on the great piazza.
Baron Jasto Dangloss was a polite
man, but not to the point of procras-
dnation. He advanced to meet the
puzzled American. smiling amiably and
swirling his imposing mustache with
neatly gloved fingers.
II have called. Mr.. King. to have a
little chat with you" he said abrupt
ly. He enjoyed the look Of surprise
on the young mans face. Wont you
| join me at this table? A julep will
not be bad. ehY' King sat down op-
posite to him at one of the piazza ia
bles in the shade of the great trailing
vines. A waiter took the order and
departed.
Nov. to come to the point" began
the baron. You expected to leave to-
morrow. Why are you staying over?"
Baron, leave that to your own dis
tinguished powers of deduction" said
Truxton gently. He took Il long pull
at the straw. watching the others face
as he did so. The baron smiled.
You have found the young lady in
the gunshop to be very attractive" OBJ
served the baron. Where have you
known her before?'
Il beg pardon?"
1T is not unusual for a young man
in search of adventure to follow the
lady of his choice from place to place.