The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1911-09-05

-dnu hartley. lh0 SOIL, slim lOvIl
ness Of her was wonderful!
She sat on the divan near him, ,
mirthful twinkle In her eyes. "Mr
Hartley's card says that you are prac
tically perfect-with the exception O
a prediction for practical jokes"
Poor old chap! It's a shame tn.
way I've imposed upon his good ma
ture, for no matter how much the
laugh was on him, he always saw the
point OF the joke and enjoyed it. He
has vowed he will get even with me
sometime. but I am not losing any
sleep over his intention"
Miss Dilton's smile of appreciation
came near developing into a giggle
i think we may credit him with hav-
ing made successful effort" her
eyes full Of mirth.
Benton looked at her In surprise
Did he write anything else on the
back Of the card?" he asked quickly.
Nothing at all. Sect" she held 1t
up before him. But I am safe In
prophesying that you will acknowl-
edge that he has paid of all old
scores
Has he 'phoned to you since he
left me?" His tone was puzzled.
mo, he hasn't telephoned. Shall I
tell you the point of the joker" she
leaned forward, smiling.
lie gazed fascinatedly at the white
ness of her throat where the Dutch
neck of her white gown left 1t ex-
posed. I'm consumed with curiosity"
he said gaily
Well-suppose l told you that Mr..
Hartley didn't telephone me tonight,
That he never has 'phoned to me, and
that, Furthermore l never met him in
my life, nor had ever heard his name
until you sent up mis- card tonight"
he rose to his feet In establishment.
WHAT he shouted.
Never she responded laughing.
i hope you are as good-natured az
you represented him to be-for the
joke Is certainly on you"
His face flushed with shame. What
must you think? II you will allow me
a moment to make humble apologies
Will make as graceful a retreat al
the circumstances permit"
Miss Dilton smiled and pressed tho
electric button beside her. Il have
always had weakness for playing
practical Jokes myself, and this seems
an unusually good one. Suppose, since
W. have already met and conversed at
length without proper introduction,
you remain until John brings some
sandwiches and tea. and 3ou can tell
me some Of the college tricks that
led to the just retribution that has be.
fallen you tonight"
His relief was visible on his face.
The gods have not only been merci
full" he said softly, they have been
most amazing kind"
Three months later Benton entered
the lobby of his hotel and ran into
Hartley. Hartley's face expanded in
his old-time grin. Glad to run into
you again. Benton. have you been
stalled here ever since l left you at
the station last fall?" he asked.
Not exactly all the time. l have
been stationed In New York as usual
but have run down to Philadelphia
some few dozen ttnes." Benton an.
swered.
Thought you didn't know anyone in
town."
Benton smiled and led the way into
the grill room. Didn't, until you
gave me that card Of introduction"
Hartley slapped him on the Shout.
der energetically. so you really went
to call on herr" he howled gleefully.
Yes, indeed! And l have called
dozens OF times since"
Hartley's eyes opened wide. by
jove! have been wanting to meet
that girl for the last two years, and !
didn't know soul among her &C.
You don't know the good
thing you have stumbled into. Bent.
old boy. she is the SWEETEST Of the
swell, and practically tho belle OF the
city. let's call bygone bygones," he
said pleadingly. land fix up some plan
to have me meet her"
With the greatest pleasure--but
you will have to postpone it a few
weeks-the lady in question is yerv
busy at present-she is to be married
tomorrow"
Just my luck" Hartley growled
disgustedly. who Is the lucky mani"
Il am" he answered. briefly.
Chimpanzee Picks Cotton.