Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1911-06-15

er, and after awhile small boys and the
roly poly policeman joined in the chase.
Each n saw in anticipation Of Muf-
fms recovery a transfer of money from
the pocket of the we'll dressed man to
their wi more or less itching palms.
Cornered at last by the policeman
and three small boys, Mullins was de-
livered to the stranger, who distributed
largess among them before he re-
turned to Mullins waiting mistress.
He was a repentant Mullins, and he
leaped upon her and licked her white
veil with his pink tongue, while Rags,
somewhat subdued in spirit, cast yearn-
ing glances toward his handsome mas
ter.
The recovery of Mullins was too
much for Alice's composure, for it had
been an exciting morning ever since
breakfast, when her father had made
his last appeal to her. Now she sud
denly burst into tears, and, leaning her
head upon Mullins ugly ears, she Sob
bed brokenly.
"Oh, what is the matter? I'm sorry
it happened, you know. Is there any
thing I can do?" pleaded Rags master
incoherently.
"No. 1t isn't the dog. That's all
right. You couldn't help it, and I'm
much obliged to you for bringing Muf-
fins back. It's something else" sobbed
Alice through her white veil.
eff you are in trouble The stran-
ger hesitated. looking. from the girls
handsomely groomed dog to her own
dainty and costly apparel.
ooh. thank you! It's nothing you
can do. I'm feeling hateful this morn
ing anyway, and SO would any n I'M
der the circumstances. You see, my
fathers going to be married"
"Ah! And you naturally object?"
This came after a little startled pause.
"Who wouldn't? I don't want a step
mother. I know 1 shall positively hate
her, though everybody says she is per
fectly lovely. I'm going away from
home. When they ONE back 1 won't
be there"
The stranger laughed shortly. Its
almost funny, but I'm in the same
boat" he confessed.
Alice looked up and dried her tears.
How is that? Is your father going to
be married also|
"NO, but my mother Island to a man
I've never seen. I came back from a
long stay in the west and found that
she was going to be married. We've
always been great chums, and she was
afraid to tell me about it. so she was
going to get married first and tell me
afterward. but l came home last night,
and when the poor mater confessed l
was so mad l walked out of the house
and haven't been near her since.
Beastly of me. wasn't it? But some
how l couldn't help it," He frowned
into the distance and quite overlooked
the surprise in Alice's brown eyes.
Don't you like the man-your
mother is going to marry?" she asked
after awhile.
Never saw him or heard of him
till last night and have positively de-
clined to meet him. I'D like to
punch him.. he added vindictively.
when is it going to be-the we'd
ding?" pursued Alice.
"This afternoon at g. he was be-
ginning when she interrupted him.
"Your mothers name is Pomroy?'
she demanded.
He nodded speechlessly.
"Then she's going to marry my
father! cried Alice dramatically.
"Why. l don't see how you can OBJ
ject to him. for there never was a
Lot%op ~ loou1. No. Ta--
Ransom"
Il a believe that now" he said
slowly, "but you know you seem to
have a prejudice against my mother.
! You can't blame me under the circum-
stances"
mo: I cannot blame you,'' said AL.
; ice slowly. Then all at once they be.
) gan to laugh.
With jealousy gone there remained
pity and love for the middle aged
,, couple who were making a new ven
: ture in life. They talked about the
: loneliness Of the bride and groom and
how there would be no son or daugh-
ter to lend a loving presence at the
: ceremony. Their strange meeting that
morning was another marvel in a day
> that was always to be marked in their
. memories for it's important happen
: ings.
! "I'm going home to Dress" said
: Alice suddenly. and Philip Pomroy
! called a taxicab for her and left her
at the park entrance. while he went
home to make peace with his mother,
Henry Ransom found peace when he
walked up the aisle of the church and
saw the loving face Of his only
. daughter smiling upon hts new found
happiness.