The Washburn leader., 1913-10-31
THE IMAGE IN
THE MIRROR
A Story For Allhallow Eve
By ADELAIDE BURNHAM

By ADELAIDE BURNEiAM
Edward Dix was sportsman from
the crown of his head to the tip Of his
great toe. One October evening. when
he had been hunting in the woods all
day. he came to little lake nesting
among the hills. its surface covered
with fallen leaves of every color from
the iightest yellow hue to the deepest
crimson. And looking down q valley
he saw landscape that filled him with
delight.
What place for a summer cot
tage!" he exclaimed. ''Some day I'm
going to build one here.''
And he did. Now. I'm going to tell
you how he came to carry out what
was but thought
|. Looking to his right. he saw the deep
red Of brick chimney against brown
limbs Of trees. He knew that where
there was a chimney there must be
house and started to 60 and make
an investigation. He came upon a
very pretty cottage. with a broad piaz-
"a around 1t. Queen Anne roof and
dainty windows.
And I'm jinged If don't build
match to that" he added to his first
assertion.
There was not living thing in or
near the cottage, and it was evident
that It was intended only for summer
use. Mr.. Dix went up on the piazza
and looked into the living room
through q window. The apartment
contained cottage furniture. but the
chief attraction was large fireplace.
I've good mind to sleep there to-
night" he said to himself and tried tho
window to see II 1t were securely lock-
ed. 1t was. but Mr.. Dix hunted for
place Of ingress as energetically as he
had hunted for game and found one by
getting on the piazza roof-a window
not well secured. Going downstairs.
he opened door from the inside. ad-
mitting him to the wood house, and in
few minutes had q fire blazing on the
hearth. Then he settled himself down
in an easy chair before 1t. and. look
ing at his reflection in mirror on the
mantel opposite him. he remarked:
"Your comfort is only equaled BY
your assurance
And straightway he fell asleep.
Now. it happened that this was
Halloween. and a party of girls were
coming to spend 1t at this very cot
tage. Flora Stebbins. q daughter Of
the owner, was the hostess. and the
others were her guests. Mr.. Dix went
to sleep about dark, which comes early
at the last of October. and the young
ladies arrived about 8 o'clock.
my goodness gracious!' exclaimed
Miss Stebbins. There's some kind Of
a light inside. It looks as IL there
were fire on the hearth. Wait min
ute till reconnoiter." She went to a
window and saw the slumbering Mr..
Dix sitting before a 6re that was still
blazing merrily. She beckoned to the
others. They came and saw the same
sight.
''Girls," said Flora. "there is the best
chance to celebrate Allhallow eve I
ever heard Of Let one Of US 60 in
stealthily. make just enough sound to
waken him 20 that he'll see her reflec-
ton In the mirror on the mantel and
get away before he can catch her"
The idea was eagerly caught upon.
and Flora was urged to play the part.
The others returned to the vehicle that
had brought them and waited for the
play to be- over and her to Join them
In retreat.
Mr. Dix was awakened by the fall
ing OF some article behind him and,
opening his eyes. saw 4 girls face re-
dected In mirror before him. But
only for IN instant If he had been
wide awake he would doubtless have
arisen from his chair Immediately and
made an investigation. Az It was, he
delayed just long enough to allow the
conspirators. to make good their e.
cape. He did not even hear the sound
OF wheels. for the carriage had gone
far enough to prevent that. Flora get
ting intosit near the gate.
When Mr.. Dix got fairly around he
did what he would have been expected
10 do. He went to the hall and out
through the front door. He ,encouu.
tered nothing. and ill he heard was Z
distant sound Of laughter. but 90 dis
taut that he was not sure whether It
vas or was not laughter. he was
very much puzzled. Y
Mr.. Dix had q Job Of hunting on bis I
hands far different from following up
gaine. He was q methodical chap and
began by learning to whom the cottage
belonged, Then be went to the winter
residence Of its owner. ostensibly TO-
peddle books. he could not be driven
away until he had caught sight Of
Flora stebbins. whom be at once rec0g-
mixed a. the reality Of the image be
had seen 10 the mirror on Allhallow
eve. She recognized him, but pretend!
Cd ignorance oi him. saj. Il
4 .You are my fate. !. be said. II saw
rn,,r faNA IN = mirror m vvf1af have |