Mexico Missouri message., 1913-07-31

forward; but as he advanced, q white
figure stepped boldly out from behind
that partial screen. With a sharp ex-
clamation. which found a startled
echo from the girl, the Governor
stopped; stepped back as far as the
table.
What mummery is this?" His lips
shaped the words uncertainty; his
hand, reaching out with that first
startled instinct OF danger. touched
the bell
Your Ladyship rang?" On the OPP
posite side Of the room was the door
thrown suddenly open. The look OF
expectancy on the face OF the COM
mandant, who had so promptly APP
peared. gave way to one OF surprise:
CONSERVATION. His Excellency!" he
muttered, and mechanically saluted
Over the Governors visage faint
trace OF relief fitted; dryly he looked
from the mountebank, now erect and
motionless. to the girl; but the face
was averted and his EXcellency could
not see the sudden Wilderness Of her
cheek; again he regarded the officer.
You answer our summons with
alacrity." he observed to this last sub
ject of his scrutiny.
The commandant redeemed. 4
your Excellency-the truth is, was
waiting without, at the door"
What you have just stated" re-
turned the Governor. us patent; what
| should like to know. however" with
subtle change of tone. rs why you
were stationed there"
ITO take this mountebank player
away. when 1t pleased her Ladyship
to-"
Yes; to take him awayi" interrupt
ed the lady in hurried tones, the agi-
tation of which she strove to conceal.
And was about to call him, when"
The Governor continued to address
the commandant. you brought him
here?" incisively.
Yes; your Excellency; a stupid
fellow we arrested for making trouble
with his dolls, and-but with her La
| dyship's permission" awkwardly
turning to the Governors daughter, II
will explain"
To this the girl, however, made no
answer; as IL fascinated, watched
| them, the commandant. her father, the
still, white figure at one side-not fer
awayi
II think" the Governor spoke soft!
ly. you will do that. anyway"
Exactly, your Excellencyl II hap
pened in this wise" and not without
evidence OF constraint and hesitation,
the officer slowly related the story of
the disturbance on the platform; the
taking into custody OF the rogues and
knaves. and my iady's interest in the
vagabond clown whose play had oc.
casioned the riot.
Because 1t was seditlous, designed
to set authority at naught?" interrupt
ed the listener. grimly cycling for an
instant the motionless form of the
mountebank.
ION the contrary, your Excellency!"
quickly. Her Ladyship assured me 1t
was the loyal and faithful sentiments
OF the play that caused the unruly
rascallions to make trouble, and that
the clown deserved no punishment be.
cause he had intended no mischief"
Her Ladyship?" The Governors
brows went suddenly up. How" he
asked at length in voice yet softer,
Should. her Ladyship have known
about the loyal and faithful senti-
ments' Of piece given In the town.
before a crowd Of brawlers?"
Because | was a spectator" said
his daughter, a red spot now on ner
cheek; changing lights in her eyes.
"A spectator" repeated. in mild
surprise, the Governor.
II will explain-after!" she added
In tones, low. constrained.
"Hum!" His Excellency's glanca
swept to the commandant.
cro NE CoNTINuxnA