Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-07-06

sible," interposed DR.. Deveaux. Il
should not like to be responsible for
any man on foot In such storm al
this."
"rll 60 myself" said Gormly quick
ly.
you. Mr.. Gormly!" exclaimed Mrs
Haldane. why. we couldn't think Of
such thing. The danger!"
Madam, have been afoot in worse
storms than this" he answered. when
I was a mere boy in the far west"
1t was the first intimation anybody
from New York had had as to any
period of Gormly's life outside OF New
York, and one of the company at least
pricked up his ears at this remark
and listened attentively.
I'VE couldn't think of allowing you
to do So" said Miss Haldane.
Il suppose that pair you have could
hardly take US Overt" questioned Liv.
ingstone Haldane.
II am afraid not" answered Gormly.
They have been driven rather hard
today. and they are a light pair at
best. as you notice."
We'll. we are thrust upon you. then.
marooned as It were"
II hope you won't find my house the
typical desert island" answered CORN
ly. smiling. Indeed, I scarcely know
what the resources of the establish
ment are. having entered into posses
sion only today; but whatever they
are. they are at your service"
There's no help for 1t. I suppose"
answered Haldane somewhat gloomi-
ly. II guess you will have to keep us
until morning."
Think how happy you make lone
ly old bachelor" returned GormIy. by
being his Christmas guests. And II
you will accept this situation, as IN
deed fear you must. shall make ar
rangements 30 that you can be taken
to your own place on Christmas morn
ing. Let me consult my butler, who
was Mr.. Goodrich's major domo before
I bought the place. and see what can
be done"
A brief conversation with that func-
tionary threw some little cheer over
the situation. Gormly's own ward
robe, which had been sent down.
would amply supply the men with
whatever they needed. and the butler
impaired the cheering news that the
lodgekeeper was a married man with
two grown daughters, and he had no
doubt that such things as the women
required might be secured from them.
Send at once" said Gormly quick
ly. "and ask Mrs. Bullen to come up
to the house and be Of what service
she can to the ladies. How are we
of for bedroomsr'
Plenty Of them. sir. and all ready
for guests
We'll. see that they are prepared,
and have Mrs. Bullen here Immediate
ly."
As the butler went of to attend to
these orders. Gormly re-entered the
room and found the whole party COM
fortably gathered about the IRE. He
explained that he had found a wom-
an on the place. the lodgekeeper's
wife; that he had sent the station
wagon for her; and that she would be
present doubtless within q half hour
with such indispensable articles of at
tire a. might servo to make the WON.
en- guests at least comfortable.
IF you were only In communication
with your shop. Mr.. Gormly." said Mrs.
Haldane-and whether she meant to
be offensive or not. Gormly could not
tell-"we would lack nothing"
II am sorry for your sake. madam
that am not. As II 10. we shall have
to do our best with the limited re
sources at hand"
Conversation ran on desultorily thil
way for q short time, when the butlel
announced the arrival Of Mrs. Bullen