Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1912-11-15
FATE'S STRANGE FREAK
By BELLE kANARls MANDATES.


E but recently returned from abroad AMI
he contemplated making journey OF
tho morrow to his sisters summel
home He had not seen her Tor three
years, but the prospect OF his visit te
her was somewhat marred by the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon OF a girl whom
she had picked out for him, the glow.
ing descriptions OF whom he had de-
nberately omitted to read In the let
ters
He began to realize suddenly that
he had walked too far and that be
was decidedly wearied, when he saw
anead OF him In a runabout In which
was seated middle-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant were mo
tionless
Can you start my car for me7" she
asked anxiously as he approached.
The trouble was very simple ond
and he adjusted 1t for her deftly and
courteously.
She invited him to ride with her.
and he readily accepted. But when
he had taken the seat beside her, to
his surprise she quickly turned tho
machine around and speeded on into
the country
i beg your pardon." he remon-
strated. Il was about to return 10
the city when l met you. VIII you
kindly let me out?"
My boy, don't you know mel" she
entreated. Il am taking you home"
The speed was increased He re-
called the story he had heard OF a
woman, demented by the death of her
son, who lived in a beautiful home
miles from the city. Presently he
saw touring car approaching at q
rate OF speed equal to his own. There
was simultaneous grinding OF
brakes
Doctor" said the woman, address
ing the elder Of the two men In the
car, this is my son"
1 am glad he has returned" he said
gravely. Il am DR.. Duval," turning to
Stephen with a warning significant
look, your mothers physician"
Il met my mother" said Stephen,
and fixed her car, and she was bring
Ing me home. We can all go on now"
A quick run of three miles brought
them to a driveway leading into a prf-
vate park beyond which was a smooth
laced. stone house. A tall, 1.-THE girl
came into Stephens vision
'Irenei" exclaimed the woman Joy
ully, my son has COME"
Il am so glad" replied the girl, her
ace naifn0 che avtapdod a ruo1c0r,
ng hand to Stephen. But Mrs. Good
vim, you must be SO tired after your
fde. Come and lie down before VISIT
ng with him"
You acted very wisely" Irene said
o Stephen, after Mrs Goodwin had
etired I'VE are under great obliga-
Ions to you, Mr."
Laird"
81 am Miss Mervue, and OF course
on see that Mrs. Goodwin is not in
er right mind. She has a passing
ancy that you are her son. She has
one to sleep now, and when she
she may have forgotten she
let you, and again she might ask for
'r you. If you can spare the time"
me- he FASTENED to assure her. and
g proceeded to relate how he had
ct the unfortunate woman and ac-
,mpanied her home
She has never tried to leave here
'fore. so we were not on the watch.
was proyidential that you met her
Id comprehended the situation She
q lcfc dI hof
en- spend the evening with you"
"Will your" she asked anxiously.
He assented eagerly After dinner
ey went to Mrs. Goodwin's apart
ents. His task was not difficult The
or woman was quite content to sit
side him and prattle gently Then
enc sang In a charming contralto
ice. At 10 o'clock. Mrs. Goodwin's
dime, she babe him a fond good
yht and told Irene to show him to
room.
1T Is too late for you to return to-
int said Irene when they were in
} hall. she will have forgotten you
morning"
1t breakfast the next morning, Irene
ormed him cheerfully that Mrs.
edwin had not mentioned his name.
lie felt an unaccountable disappoint-
mt.
You might go in and see her. I viii
reduce you as a friend OF mine"
] hope you arel" he said ardently.
he flushed slightly and they went
Mrs. Goodwin In silence. She look
up as he entered without recognf-
4.
.fter some desuitory conversation
y went out again. n
May | do what she asked-come to #I
you often?" he asked &
leave here tomorrow. she re-
d. and you-go to your sister's!S b.
have decided not 70 go Just yet" r.
explained And you-may ask
ire you i've"
am not going home from here.
going to visit friend, Mrs. Mere