Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-01
A Casual Champion

IelaAdllOn, DelHR, IN TACT, upon the
curb at the northeast corner OF Forty
second street and Broadway at eight
O'Clock in the evening, and, in pausing
to give vent to his feelings. he narrow
ly escaped being run down by a taxi
cab which skidded past, the wheel not
five inches away. But the truth is he
was horribly bored. He had not net
with an adventure worth speaking Of
for several days and had decided to re-
turn home to his apartments on Madi-
son avenue. play a game Of solitaire
and go to bed.
He had already arrived at this ad-
mirable decision when his attention
was attracted toward a young woman
OF remarkable beauty who went hurry
ing past. Instinctively he turned
not, of course. with any design Of ad-
dressing her or in any way molesting
her, but TO follow her with his eyes
until she rounded the corner and was
lost TO view among the crowds OF
upper Broadway. For beauty was TO
Lord Jocelyn a lodestar that attracted
him irresistibly. and the beauty Of
this particular young woman was as
that ola peach, let US say, among
basketful OF nectarines.
And then an incident occurred
which changed all his intentions and
resolutions. For, as she was about to
round the corner, a fashily attired
man, whom Lord Jocelyn had OBJ
served hurrying after her, caught up
with her and planting himself in her
path made some remark to her.
Lord Jocelyn felt his blood Jingle.
lie saw the girl shrink back, saw the
fellow pursue her with the evident in
tention of commencing a Irritation,
and strobe through the crowd in hot
anger, an angel OF avenging chivalry.
J. dozen steps and he was at her side.
as this fellow n olesting you?" he
asked, dofiing his hat
The girl raised her eyes TO his ap-
pealingly, Lord JoceIyn swung round
upon his heel and, as the first sneer-
ing words broke from the mans
mouth. he let drive his fist with his
fun force and caught him between
the eyes. The man fell like log and.
striking his head upon the curb. lay
as though stunned. Before JOcelyn
could guide his protege through the
crowd that instantly assembled, a po-
liceman was at his side. He looked
at Jocelyn's evening attire, then at
the rough clothing of the fellow.
whose consciousness was slowly re-
turning.
NO need to explain. sir; I saw the
whole business" lie said. "Giddup and
come" he added, addressing the street
loafer. Station house for yours"
DO you want me TO come with you
as a witness?" asked Jocelyn.
NO need OF that, sir" answered the
policeman. III take your name, and
that of the lady's. and you can be al
the jefferson Market court at ten to
morrow morning"
My names Jocelyn," said the invol
untary hero OF the episode. adding his
address. And this lady is"
Miss Murray-Clara Murray, 46.
West Ninety-frst street." said the
lady promptly.
The policeman noted down thes,
facts in his pocketbook, keeping ont
eye warily upon tho ruffian, who wal
now rising TO his feet and looking
round him with a dazed expression
He snapped the book shut and jerkeC
him TO his feet. Then the NAL
dicament.
"Lemme co." he shouted, struggling
in his captor's grasp. Il gotter speal
TO the lady. l will speak to her"
He fought himself free and, with
blow of surprising force, sent the pc
liceman Keeling backward. The lat
ter. recovering his balance, drew hi
club and brought it down with hi
full force upon the mans head. Fo
the second time he dropped.
Meanwhile, catching the youni
woman by the arm. Lord Jocelyl
forced his way through the crowd to
street car, which they boarded.
"You must let me see you to you
home" he insisted. 'Ninety-firs
street is not far out OF my way, Mis-
Murray"
She turned on him look Of intens
scrutiny. Then she faltered:
II don't live there. ! gave that ac
dress TO the policeman, but l live 4
Fifty-frst street. And here's wher
we get off," she continued, a momen
later.
And, when they were on terra Arm
again, she added:
And here is where we part, Mr.
Jostling?"
Lord Jocelyn bowed. But I mus
nj least insist on being permitted {
accompany you to your door," he prC
tested. Really the streets are nc
safe for you-On account Of your a
fractions" he was going TO add, bu
decided that the acquaintance was to
short TO permit Of such an expression
She hesitated for an instant. Wei
come along, then" she said. finally
and led the way along a deserte
street 10 a small. old-fashioned house
Drawing a key from her wrist bag SD
unlocked the door.
why, it's all dark" she said, pee
ing into the vestibule. "Alf ism
home yet. Mister Jostling, / don
want to send you away empty-woul
you like a glass OF wine before 20
go?"
Il should. immensely" answere
lord Jocelyn. wondering who A
1'ight be and what relationship /