The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-12-06
FATE'S STRANGE FREAK
.y BELLE KANARls MANlATEs.

Uy 08Ile NANAHio MANN 10
Stephen left the city streets and wan.
Aered out into the country. He had
but recently returned from abroad and
he contemplated making Journey on
the morrow 70 his Sisters summer
homo. He had not seen her for three
years. but the prospect Of his visit to
her was somewhat marred BY the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon Of girl whom
she had picked out for him, the glow.
ing descriptions Of whom he had d.
hbsratsly omitted to read IN the It,
tiers. W.. 3.
He began to realise suddenly thaz
he had walked too far ana that 10
was decidedly weaxisd. when he saw
ahead Of him In . runabout In which
Wis seated 1 middle-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant were mo
tionless.
Can you start my car for met" she
asked anxiously - he approached.
The trouble was very. simple ond
and he adjusted II for her deity and
sourteously.
She invited him to ride with be-
and he readily accepted. But whso
he had taken the seat beside her, 70
his surprise she quickly turned H.
machine around and spssdsd on into
the country.
II beg your pardoni" hs rsmon-
stratsd. Il was about 70 return to
the city when met you. Will you
kindly let mo out,"
my boy. don't you know mel" she
entrsated. Il am taking you home"
The speed was increased. He re-
called the story no had heard Of =
woman. demsnted by the death Of her
con. who lived In beautiful homo
miles from the city. Presently he
raw touring car approaching 1t
rate Of spssd equal to his own. There
va simultaneous grinding Of
brakes.
Doctor" said the woman, address
Ing the sldsr Of the two men In the
oar. this q my son!"
II am glad he has returned" he said
gravely. II am DR.. Duval," turning TO
stephen with . warning significant
look. "your mothers physicisn."
II met my mother" said Stephen,
Sand fixed her car, and she was bring
Ing me home. We can all 20 on now"
A quick run Of three miles brought
thsm to 4 driveway leading into pri-
vats park beyond which was smooth
faced. stone house. A tall, lithe gifl
came Into Stephens vision.
''lrsnei" exclaimed the woman JOY.
fully, my son has come!"
II am 20 glad" replied the girl. her
face paling, a. she extended wsloom-
Ing hand to Stephen. But, Mrs. Good
win. you must be 10 tired after your
ride. Come and lie down before visit
ing with him"
"You acted very wisely" Irene said
70 Stephen. after Mrs. Goodwin had
retired I'VE are under great obliga-
tons to you. Mr."
Laird
Il am Miss Mervus, and Of course
you ses that Mrs. Goodwin 10 not In
her right mind. She has q passing
fancy that you are her son. She has
gone to sleep now, and when she
awakens she may have forgotten she
met you. and again she might ask for
for you. II you can spare the time
There are no demands upon my
time" he fastened to assure her. and
he proceeded TO relate how he had
met the unfortunate woman and 90
oompanied her homo.
"6he has never tried TO leave here
before, % We were not on the watch.
Il was providsntial that you met her
and comprehended the situation. She
has inslstsd that dine with you and
then spend the evening with you"
WIN your" she asked anxiously.
He asssnted eagerly. After dinner
they went to Mrs. Goodwin's apart
ments. His task was not difncult. The
poor woman was quite content to lit
beside him and prattls gently. Then
lrens sang In . charming contralto
voice At 10 o'clock, Mrs. 0oodwin's
bedtime. she bads him . fond good.
night and told Irene to show him to
his room.
7 1T b too late for you 70 return To-
night" said Irene when they were In
the hail. she VIII have forgotten you
hy morning"
At brsakfast the next morning. Irene
informed him chssffully that Mrs..
Goodwin had not mentioned his name.
He felt an unaecountabls disappoint-
mont. ), s
'You might 80 In and - her. WIN
Introduce you 40 friend q mine.s
II hope you arsl" be seid ardsntly.
: She flushed slightly. and they went
TO Mrs. Goodwin In silence. She look
cd up - he entered without rsoogni.
ton.
i Altar some desultory conversation
they went out aga1n.
4 May DO what she asked-oome TO
- Won o{Nan ~ h. aakAA %