Gilpin observer., 1913-05-22

proclaimed the witchery Of the night.
With scarcely perceptible tilt.
the boat grounded on the shelving
sandy shore. Bedight sprang out
and pulled the craft further upon its
cushioned anchorage. The girl sat
in the boat, intently watching the
mayor. That gentleman took from
the locker basket well laden. Quick
ly gathering some dry wood. he
stacked 1t over . bunch of tinder-
like weeds, touched . match to the
pile. set the basket at safe distance
and pulling revolver from his pocket,
fired In the general direction Of the
moon.
Having manepvsred thus peculiarly.
he fastened back to the boat. showed
on and rowed from the shore hun
dred yards. Resting on his oars. he let
the boat toss idly upon the lake. Five.
ten minutes passed. The dry wood
burned brightly. making a beacon Of
light. into the circle Of which there
came. at last, three shadows. followed
by unintelligible conversation.
They've found It," said the mayor.
picking up his oars and turning the
boat toward the hotel.
1t was midnight when the sides Of
the craft rubbed its sister boats at
Mine Hosts dock. The mayor and
the girl crept softly up the winding
pathway toward the hotel. Suddenly.
in the moonlight ahead, the form Of
a woman appeared advancing to meet
them. The mayor and the girl saw
her simultaneously. He stopped in
stantly with . restraining hand upon
the girls arm.
"Quicki" he commanded, springing
in front Of his companion and turning
her about face. Walk rapidly down
the path to the boathouse."
She compiled instantly.
Over his shoulder the mayor saw
the woman hesitate. then follow do
terminedly through the shimmsring
moonlight.
90 into the boathouse," directed
Bedight hurriedly. wait until I en-
gage her in conversation. Then open
the rear door and run for the hotel.
And be quiet!"
Il understand" whispered the girl.
excitedly.
Slipping through the door. she
closed 1t softly. Pulling a cigar from
his pocket. the mayor scratched a
match on the sole Of his shoe and
blew a pun of smoke at the same tar
get which earlier in the evening he
had failed to hit with his leaden mis-
sile.
The woman rounded the corner and
came directly toward him.
Il beg your pardon. Mr.. Bedight,"
said Judge" vining in a cold. formal
voice. for following you. but as chap
erone Of the young ladies at the hote!
feel that 1t was my duty to do so.
l."
The mayor bowed.
Duty to the one performing It," he
interrupted gallantly. 'is oftentimes
irksome. but begrudgingly done fire.
quently conveys pleasure to another.
do not desire to appear selfish In
your eyes. but l find your duty pleases
me greatly" bowling again. Now. the
moonlight"
The Judge" made a deprecating
gesture.
DO not attempt to evade." she
warned. 81 am deeply in earnest.
Where is the-the-" She seemed at
loss to proceed. Finally she threw
diplomacy to the winds. who was
the girl with you-alone-at this hour
of the night? have . right to know
and had thought you a gentleman,
though I should have known that no
gentleman would have-have@" she
finished lamely.
kissed your" questioned the may.
or. the frivolity scarcely gone from
his voice.
Certainly" she flashed.
Bedight puffed thoughtfully at his
cigar, the fragrant pungency of the