The Hayti herald., 1913-12-18


of it, then gave 1t up and collected
from his various pockets his total
cash resources. They came to two dol |
lars and fifty-five cents. Would the |
constables accept his promise to
pay? He was inclined to think not
He uttered sigh of despair, for
without that friendly bulge in his nip
pocket he felt forsaken indeed, when
his eye chanced on lighted window
across the street. ~. Schoenhoeven,'
was printed on It, wigs and cos
tunes" And then his eye lighted
with hope Saved" he murmured.
Snatching his chance when a fire en-
gine went tearing down the avenue
on it's way, no doubt, to some prema-
ture Santa Claus afire in Christmas
tree-he dashed across the street, up
the stairs, into the shop,
"I'm going to party tonight" he
said to the young man in charge. i
want to wear something neat and
handsome that-that'll keep my
friends from knowing me-"
Ordinarily, McAdam had only to
appear to command respect, but fall
ing over an ash barrel, staving in his
hat, and lying for half an hour in the
street had made him good deal less
impressive. At least it did not over
power the clerk.
About what price?" he asked,
coldly.
! Jabez looked a bit sick at that.
Something about two-fifty,' he said.
With naughty wave of the hand,
the young man pointed to dingy
heap upon the counter, the last of its
race. That's all we have at two
fifty" he said, and turned away with
his nose in the air, leaving poor Jabez
to paw over the disreputable, worn
and dirty garments and wigs which
looked as If they had done duty at
scores of masquerade balls in the
cheapest quarters of the city.
Reverend Arthur and Delaney
reached the Aliens house at exactly
eight o'clock, simultaneously with six
little girls from across the street. In
the hall they encountered Ursula. She
bundled the little girls off upstairs.
And ! must be off, too" she said
Were Just this minute up from din
ner. We were dreadfully late getting
home, and | have to dress. ] wish
had time to hear how you two got
out of Jail"
I'VE didn't find it necessary to &C
company the officers to the station
began Reverend Arthur, coolly
We"
"I'll hear all about it later" she in
terrupted. Now run along and hell
Mr.. Jones with the Christmas tree ii
the music room; you know"
"Ah, Mr. Jones is here" said De
lancey. Has Mr.. Nc"
"Mr. Jones dined here" said Ursula
turning toward the stairway. "Yor
must help him get through with the
tree, because he has to dress. He !:
going to be my Santa Claus, 20,
know"
My Santa Claus! If they had known
she regarded it in just that light the!
would have fought for the part them
selves. Well. it was too late now.
So they went to the music room Il
the menial occupation OF 'helpinl
Jones'" But Jones said they could d'
nothing for him; indeed his expires
sion of fact was 80 vivacious whel
they all but set fire to the tree with
cigarette that they retired in good ol
der to the great hall, where the
gloomily discussed Jones and the goo
luck that seemed to attend him. II
certainly had scored on them NOR
than once already in the course of thi
eventful evening and their love fc
him was not increasing with notice
able rapidity.
Think of him dining here in hi
morning coat" observed Delaney.
"He makes himself useful" said Re
erend Arthur. So they stood wher
they commanded view of the gres
| front door, lazily looked over the ne
arrivals and waited for Ursula's +
| appearance on the scene to make
| worth while taking part.
Z Jeames stood by the big door gran
7 ly admitting the guests. The bell raj
! downstairs where he could not he
2 it, but football on the porch or Il
crunching of carriage in the dri
told him when anyone was comm
So he was good deal surprised n
y to say startled. at hearing without al
ie preliminary sound whatever, fai
he rat-tat on the door.
It. He opened it little way and W
- still more surprised at seeing no o
- there. Then, as he was about to clio
,r. it again, he was electrified by
at hoarse whisper:
lis "Open the door. Let me in"
Sc Opening wider, he made out da
IN figure with a venerable beard In I
ey shadow OF the doorway. This "
In scandalous.
ry "Be off, now" he said severely. !"
in beggars allowed"
"Beggar." said the hoarse voice,
lp though something were choking
ST. Pm friend Of Miss Aliens. Sta
tie i.side, you fool, and let me in Quit
ac- They'll see me In minute"