Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1912-09-13

IL Il ulSdSfeedDle cIOdk.
But Mr.. Austin declines to inter
fere / came to see you on private
business and am not permitted to
do So
1--WE don't know this fellow, Louise,
and | can't allow you to talk to him.
said Austin brusquely. II found him
where he is, and there he stays until
the marshal comes out from town. His
actions have been very suspicious and
must be investigated | can't take
chances on letting horse thief escape.
Swallow will watch him until | can
secure assistance.'
Il implore you, Mrs Delaney, to give
me moment or two in which to ex
plain" cried Crosby. He knows I'm
not here to steal his horses. and he
knows l intend to punch his head the
minute l get the chance" Mrs. Aus
tins little shrek of dismay and her
husbands fierce glare did not check
the flow of language from the beam.
II am Crosby, of Rolfe & Crosby, your
counsel | have the papers here for
you to sign and
Louise, l insist that you come away
from here. This fellow is a fraud
He's refreshing, at any rate" said
Mrs. Delaney gayly. There can be no
harm in hearing@what he has to say,
Bob"
You are very kind, and 1 won't de-
tain you long"
txyn0 ind TO l. n1- Won nf
| barn." cried Austin angrily.
II don't believe you're tall enough,
my good fellow" Mr.. Crosby was
| more than amiable He was positively
genial. Mrs. Delancy's pretty face was
| the picture of eager excited mirth and
! he saw that she was determined to see
| the. comedy to the end.
Louise" exclaimed Mrs. Austin,
speaking for the first time, ''you are
| not fool enough to credit this fellows
story, I'm sure. Come to the house at
| once. l will not stay here" Mrs
Austin's voice was hard and biting, and
Crosby also caught the quick glance
that passed between husband and wife.
81 I'm sure Mrs. Delaney will not be
be so unkind as to leave me after I've
had so much trouble in getting an
audience. Here is my card. Mrs. De-
lancy." Crosby tossed a card from his
perch, but Swallow gobbled it up in
stantly. Mrs. Delaney gave a little
cry of disappointment, and Crosby
promptly apologized for the dogs
greedness. MIR. Austin knows I'm
Crosby" he concluded.
II know nothing of the sort sir, and
forbid Mrs Delaney holding further
| conversation with you. This is an out
rageous imposition, Louise. You must
hurry, by the way, or Wen miss the
| train" said Austin, biting his lip inn
| patiently.
THAT reminds me, | also take the
o'clock train for Chicago, Mrs. Delan-
| cey If you prefer, we can talk ov :.
| our affairs on the train instead of here
I'll confess this isn't a very dignifed
manner in which to hold consulta-
| ton said Crosby alphabetically.
"Will you be kind enough to state
| the nature of your business, Mr. Cros-
| by?' said the young woman, ignoring
Mr. Austin.
"Then you believe I'm Crosby?" cried
| that gentleman triumphantly.
"Louiser' cried Mrs Austin in de-
spair
''In spite of your present occupation
I believe you are Crosby said Mrs.
Delaney merrily.
"But, good gracious, l can't talk bust
ness with YOU from this COMPOUNDED
| BEAM he cried lugubriously.
MI Austin will call the dog away"
she said confidently. turning to the
man in the door. Austin's sallow face
lighted with sudden malicious grin
and there was positive joy in his voice
'YCu may be satisfied, but | am not
If you desire to transact business with
this impertinent stranger, Mrs. De-
Iancy, you'll have to do so under exist
inc conditions. | do not approve of
him or his methods. and my dog
doesn't either You can trust dog for
4 knowing man for what he is. Mrs.
Austin and | are going to the house.
You may remain. of course. | have no
right to command you to follow. When
YOU are ready to drive to the station
please come to the house. III be
ready. Your Mr. Crosby may leave
when he likes-if he can. Come, Eliza
beth" With this defiant thrust Nj.
Austin stallled from the barr. 10 lowed
by his wife Mrs D~iancy started to
follow, but. checked herself immedi-
\ ately, flush of anger mounting to her
brow After a long pause she spoke.
Il don't understand how you came to
be where you are, Mr.. Crosby" she
said slowly. He related his expert
ences rapidly and laughed with her
simply because she had a way with
her.
You'll pardon me for laughing" she
giggled.
with all my heart" he replied gal