Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-12-17

from MS various pockets his total
cash resources They came to two dol
lars and fifty-ive cents. Would the
constables accept his promise to
pay? He was inclined to think not.
He uttered a sigh of despair, for
without that friendly bulge in his hip
pocket he felt forsaken indeed, when
his eye CHANGED on a lighted window
across the street. u. Schoenhoeven,' $
vas printed on 1t, wigs and cos
tunes" And then his eye lighted
with hope. Saved" he murmured.
Snatching his chance when fire en-
CINE went tearing down the avenue
on its way, no doubt, TO some prema-
ture Santa Claus afire in a Christmas
tree-he dashed across the street, up
the stairs, into the shop.
I'm going to a party tonight he
said to the yong man in charge. Il
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 a 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 a naughty wave of the hand,
the young man pointed to a 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 Door 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
We're just this minute up from din
ner. We were dreadfully late getting
home, and / have to dress. | wish l
had time to hear how you two got
out of Jail"
we didn't find it necessary to ac-
company the officers to the station"
began Reverend Arthur, coolly.
We"
I'm hear all about it later" she in
terrupted. Now run along and help
Mr.. Jones with the Christmas tree in
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. You
must help him get through with the
tree, because he has to dress. He is
going to be my Santa Claus. you
know"
My Santa Claus! If they had known
she regarded it in just that light they
would have fought fer the part them
selves. Well. it was too late now.
So they went to the music room to
the mental occupation of helping
Jones'" But Jones said they could do
nothing for him; indeed his express
sion of fact was so vivacious when
they all but set fire to the tree with
cigarette that they retired in good or
der to the great hall, where they
gloomily discussed Jones and the good
luck that seemed TO attend him. He
certainly had scored on them more
than once already in the course OF this
eventful evening and their love for
him was not increasing with motto q
able rapidity.
Think of him dining here in his
morning coat" observed Delaney.
He makes himself useful, said Rev
erend Arthur. So they stood where
they commanded view of the great
front door, lazily looked over the new
arrivals and waited for Ursula's re-
appearance on the scene to make 1t
worth while taking part.
Jeames stood by the big door grand
ly admitting the guests. The bell rang
downstairs where he could not hear
~ Dut d AOObid4t bu luS p9TCu OF I0e
crunching of carriage In the drive
told him when anyone vas coming.
So he was good deal surprised not
TO say startled, at hearing without any
preliminary sound whatever. a faint
rat-tat on the door.
He opened it little way and was
still more surprised at seeing no one
there. Then, as he was about to close
it fyain, he was electrified by a
hoarse whisper;
Open the door Let me in"
Opening wider. he made out a dark
figure with a venerable beard in the
shadow of the doorway. This was
scandalous.
BE off. now" he said severely. NO
beggars allowed"
"Beggar," said the hoarse voice, as
though something we're choking It. |
I'm friend of Miss Aliens Stand |
aside, you fool, and let ne in. Quick, /
They'll see me in a minute"
You look like a friend OF hers, ]
You do indeed Come. be off now, or |
I'll turn you over to the police"