The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1913-11-22

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Il viii do you n NNA -
good tn not be NNhN&4H q
at all afraid to re- ~ Mf5
main here. - ~ MtM
She was very - /h.t
insistent on my AfE
soing and later -1GfI
as walked to the EW a.
club ] could not ~ HE
help thinking Of n AfF MEk
her eagerness 10 w k4EH
get me of. We had Wv ~ NJ
been married but a few months and
his was the first night that had left
her alone Her manner to say the
least, puzzled me
But Nelfs actions. however, we're
soon forgotten. Al the club. ! was
hailed as one back from the dead.
The boys crowded about me, chaiied
good-naturedly about giving the old
lady" the slip and welcomed me into
their midst with open arms. Once
more l was the reckless. fun-loving
devilmay-care fellow that my friends
had known.
The banquet broke up. but ] did not
90 home. The night air was glorious
Never had I known night to possess
such alluring charm A party OF six
kindred spirits set out to do the
town" A masque ball was being held
In g nearby hall and we broke in upon
he dance.
A dainty little creature robed IN
quaint Japanese costume, coyiy ap
preached on tip toes and chucking me
nnder the chin. fitted gayly away.
tried to pursue. but Mephisto In fam
ing red. with a demure little black
1raped nun in his arms, laughingly
bumped me back into the crowd
stood fascinated. All about me was
Iife-life that had once known Gro
tesqae and fanciful attired maskers
waltzed and paraded before me.
tried to join In their march-bui
A dull sickening feeling overcame me
suddenly awakened to my true sell
and my thoughts returned to Nell
dear trusting girl. awaiting alone al
home for my return With conscience
severely pricking turned to leave the
hall
A girl attired in red; red dress. red
slippers, red gloves, red hat and red
mask, fitted past me stopped ab
ruptly. The figure was strangely ia,
niliar stood. bewildered. puzzled
and then, as my gaze followed the red
masked figure whirling about the ball
room. my breath came quick and
short
'Ahl | saw it all. now. saw why
she was so anxious I should 60 tc
lodge. Never could have dreamed
Of such thing-such treachery, such
wanton deceit But here"
The music ceased playing and the
dancers were leaving the floor. Lean.
ing on the arm OF cavalier. she en-.
tered the palm room.
/ walked quickly across the tiooI
and savagely brushed aside the cur.
tains.
| staggered back. clutching the
draperies for support My head
seemed to swing and mist gathered
before my eyes.
The fellow had deliberately kissed
her.
There they sat, her head resting
contentedly on his shoulder and he
holding her in tight embrace.
A few swift strides and stood be
fore them The man. angry at my
intrusion, attempted to arise. but be
fore he could do so, | seized him by |
.ke shoulders and with almost super
hum-a strength. hurled him from me
sprawl to the floor. Turning ] |
gazed at As companion, who covered /
trembling in the seat.
$50 this was why you we're SO
eager that should go to lodge?
Wanted to meet this chiyalrous lover
OF yours, eh?"
Fearfully her hand sought the mask
as if to remove it. but after a mo
ments pause. fell mechanically back
into her lap.
Cant you speak; can't you TALK"
I cried. Let's see your face-lets
see if it has any shame in it,"
Reaching forward with a savage
Jerk I tore away the mask.
The revelation staggered me.
4 beheld-not my wife-but the
sook.
She had appropriated jewelry and
wardrobe from the mistress. !