New-York tribune., 1912-03-31

So when slender smiling doll in a striking black gown
approached us, | looked straight ahead
aFickcr, Aickcr!7 went the lantern on Diogcncs fob
in most insiscnt manner. He placed his hand upon
it and srokcd it much one would restless pet dog
intent upon jumping down to the floor
"Bu She was his sister, continued the stranger TN.
conscious Of the light "and charming widow not over
twcnty-six or twenty-five | suppose | might as
well confcss-yhat had looked upon up till then as
tircsome business obligation now became pleasure
There was nothing to it but riding around in the taxi
and cOrking little dinner IN a secluded corner. leave
it to YOU was it my fault that their train for Paris
(KcntuckyJ was three hours ate' And wasn't up 70
me TO suggest dropping in at Of the roof gardens 10
fill in the interim? When finally sent them Of % the
station it was after eleven. You saw no" rushed out
Of the hotel as soon as got them off my hands didn't
you? Well could possibly have got home any ooncr,'
But the auizzical eye Of Diogcnes gave back no an.
swcring CLEAN Of understanding Instead be seemed to
be weighing the explanation in the balano. and finding
it wanting; for the light on his watcmoo was ending
out desperate signals Of distress. Dio&cno q. red his
throat mprcssivcly and asked:
"Did you happen TO mention to them 70 this wiiow
that there was a little wife at home for whom 'ae
hours dragged slowly in your absence,
The stranger sat bolt upright. well, lNDe Say,y you
trying to kid me-" he blurtcl ont. "Surc di-n,t'
lust then the car slowed up, and the stranger arted
>, forward and pecred out through the dripping WIN
dow glass.
@Iicy. you," he called angrily TO the chauffeur in
hoarsc whisper "Drivc on down 70 the corner don't
stop in front Of my house,. and, turning 70 Dn2cnc
"Imagnc what my wife would say if She So" "e drive
up in a taxi. Whew I'm cold all over, See .a; light
in the second story window-that's her.
Poor old Diogcncs, doomed as ever 20 point
nent in his eternal quest sighed yearly and gazed
sadly, vacantly, out the window
The car stopped at the corner, and the .atour
reached back and opened the door.
"My friend" said Diogcncs, scizing the .- raw
"why don't you tell your wife what YOU told The
trith?'
The stranger turned and paused one TO-. ,aa pave
ment the other on the running board. he handed the
chauffeur a crumpled BILL and stared az D..us. tx
cuse me for being personal especially since gou'ye
been so kind" he replied slowly; "... reai.y
Mr-cr-cr-a-I guess YOU must have r-.. nat
one woman in ten million always hear a..H' .E.aeyer
see; or you've been Widowcr 50 long that you've .or
gotten the ropes You believed my story, "gld
any fair minded person. But my wife Why. he
wouldn't believe it-not even il had an al. T. r9m
the Angel Gabriel. There is no hope. G..". and
thanks for the lift
With that he slammed the door Of the car .- II
up the street.
Dogcncs shook his head mourn,uuy.
Suddenly he glanced down al the lantern. .ts. one
tiny feeble ray lit up the dull interior; then died
out leaving him in darkness But not 5o,.r. weary
gaze had fallen upon something round ant - and
white lying on the seat Just vacated by Oh. ranger.
Il was Il poker chip,