Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1913-11-14

preston, certain movement or the
shoulders, and above all, firm-footed
but light tread, all of which seemed to
Holton to indicate a man misplaced.
He felt certain of this a moment
later, when the girl again lifted the
menu and the waiter stepped to the
corner of the table, upon which the
gold bag lay. With a quick snakelike
movement his hand shot out and seized
the bag. Then, hardly lifting his fin
gers from the table, he snapped his
wrist upward and the bag flew under
the lapel of his jacket, which had been
held open to receive it by the other
hand. Another instant and he was in
front of the girl receiving her order
with the utmost sang froid.
Holton wasted no time in thought
Quickly springing up he approached
the young woman's table, and nodding
to her as to an old acquaintance, he
placed his hand lightly upon the wait
er's arm.
wait a moment" said Holton pleas.
antly.
The girl in the meantime had been
staring at the young officer in wide.
eyed wonderment.
asked finally
Your bag" said Holton quietly
was on this table, was it not?"
The girl leaned forward with gasp
"Why-why, yes" she said. why
it's gone" She looked up at Holton
with startled eyes. ITS gone," she re
peated, her voice beginning to rise.
Holton smiled reassuringly and nod
ded.
please don't be alarmed" he said
''it is all right" He turned to the
waiter. This man evidently regarded
your bag as among the debris to be
cleared from the table. Rather stupid
Of course, but then, if he we're not
stupid he wouldn't be a waiter, yor
know"
what do you mean, sir!" exclaimed
the man, flushing.
Holton laughed and frightened his
grip on the walters arm.
Come, come" he said. Take that
table or I'll make spread-eagle Of
you"
Give me my bag" said the girl, hel
eyes flashing.
Without word the waiter reached
his hand inside his jacket, and bring
ing forth the missing article, laid it or
the table.
There" he said, 81 thought someone
had left it and was going to take II
to the desk"
Rats" commented Holton. do YOU
wish him arrested" he added, glanc
ing at the girl.
The young woman thought mo
ment and then shook her head
mo, thank you, | think not" she
said. 81 should hate to appear in pro
ceedings, and after all, no harm has
been done 1t may be he was sincere
in removing the bag"
Holton regarded her sharply anC
saw that she really believed in the
| lIIll univ buC vas oNCA % W Soih J ING
the matter further.
"All right" he said, releasing his
grip upon the walters arm. Now
then, you go apd attend to your dutie!
and be sure you don't put any poison
in this young lady's food"
The waiter turned away with an evi
scowl, and Holton bowed and was
about to go to his table, when the cir
smiled at him radiantly.
81 have not thanked you yet fol
your kindness" she said.
ooh, it was nothing at all" responded
Holton.
But 1t was" she insisted. "Tha,
bag is very dear to me, and, besides
it contains things | should hate t.
lose. am sorry that my father is no
here to thank you, and yet in another
way l am glad He would scold me
for being awfully careless"
She was speaking in perfect Eng
fish, with just the faintest accent.
Perhaps So" granted Holton. Their
he took the bit in his teeth. my name
is Appleton" he said; I'm lieuten
ant in the army"
sAld l." she said, IAN Miss La Tos
sa. l think lat least, | remember
seeing you at one of the White House
receptions"
Il remember having seen you" lice
Holton, "but l was trying to recall the
place. think we were introduced. LIZ
Tossa," he unused.
"Oh, come, Mr.. APPLICABLE"
Appleton" corrected Holton.
Thank you, Mr.. Appleton; let us
have done with beating about the bush
You have rendered me a great favor
tonight, and that is quite sufficient
But you do not remember me, and sc
please do not try to make me think
you do"
All right" said Holton, 81 won't
But-but you will not think me pre-
Stunning if said should like to-here
after"
Il should like to have you know me, >
she said simply.
The unexpected nature OF this re
mark quite endorsed the young officer
and for second no words came to his
tongue.