The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-12-12
FATE'S STRANGE FREAK
BY BELLE kANARis MANIArEa

|
~, ing descriptions of whom he had do
hoerately omitted to read In the let
ters.
no began to realize suddenly that
ne had walked too far and that he
was decidedly wearied, when he saw
Ahead OF him in a runabout in which
was seated a middle-aged woman
notn machine and occupant were mo
donless.
Can you start my car for me?" she
hAked anxiously as he approached.
The trouble was a very simple ond
ma ne adjusted 1t for her deity and
courteously.
She invited him to ride with h>r.
and he readily accepted. But when
ne had taken the seat beside her, to
Ms surprise she quickly turned IL
machine around and speeded on into
the country.
I beg your pardon!" he remon-
strated. II was about to return to
tne city when l met you. Will you
kindly let me out?"
my boy. don't you know mel" she
sntreated. II am taking you home"
The speed was increased. He re-
called the story he had heard Of .
woman. demented by the death Of her
son, who lived in a beautiful home
miles from the city. Presently he
saw q touring car approaching at a
rate OF speed equal to his own. There
was q simultaneous grinding Of
brakes.
Doctor" said the woman, address,
ing the elder Of the two men in the
car. this is my son!"
i am glad he has returned" he said
gravely. II am DR.. Duval," turning to
Stephen with q warning significant
look, your mothers physician"
Il met my mother" said Stephen,
and fxed her car, and she was bring
ing me homo. We can all 60 on now"
A quick run of three miles brought
them to driveway leading into pri.
vate park beyond which was smooth
faced, stone house. A tall, 1.-the girl
came into Stephens vision.
'Trene!" exclaimed the woman Joy.
fully, my son has comet"
Il am 80 glad" replied the girl, her
face paling, as she extended welcom-
ing hand to Stephen. "But. Mrs. Good.
win. you must be SO tired after your
ride. Come and lie down before visit
ing with him"
you acted very wisely" Irene said
10 Stephen, after Mrs. Goodwin had
retired. I'VE are under great obliga,
tons to you. Mr."
Laird"
II am Miss Mervue. and Of course
you see that Mrs. Goodwin Is not in
her right mind. She has a passing
fancy that you are her son. She has
gone to sleep now. and when she
awaksns 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
be proceeded to relate how he had
met the unfortunate woman and 40.
companied her home.
"She has never tried to leave here
before, 80 we we're not on the watch.
It was providential that you met her
and oomprehended the situation. She
has insisted that dine with you and
then spend the evening with you"
Twill your" she asked anxiously.
He assented eagerly. After dinner
they went to Mrs. Goodwin's, apart
ments. His task was not difficult. The
poor woman was quite content to lit
beside him and prattle gently. Then
Irene sang In a charming contralte
voice. At 10 o'clock, Mrs. Goodwin
bedtime. she babe him fond good
night and told Irene to Show him to
his room.
ut IL too late for you to return to
aight," said Irene whom they were in
the hall. "she will have forgotten you
By morning"
At breakfast the next morning. Irene
Informed him chserfully that Mrs.
Goodwin had not mentioned his name.
He felt IN unaccountabls disappoint.
ment.
"You might 20 In and see her. win
Introduce you ~ = friend Of mine"
~ hope you arei" he said ardently.
She flushed slightly. and they went
70 Mrs. Goodwin In silence. She look.
Cd UP ~ hs entered without recogni.
ton.
After some dssultory conversation
they went out again.
"May do what she asked-coms to
sec you oftsnf" he asked.
II leave here tomorrow" she ~
plied. and you-go to your sistsr's3"
II have decided not to 90 Just yet"
he explained. "And you-mAy I ask
where you liver"
n am not going homo from here. !
am going 70 visit . friend. Ars. Mere.
dith."
MRS. Meredith" he exclaimed ex.
citedly. where does she livef"
"Shs has . place. Ashcroft. near
Helmvills."
"She 10 my sister!"
" thought you must bs her brother,
She showed mo picture Of you once.
"a