The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1913-01-24

NA\ opCStdtSICS
ana frock coat first through the cold
corridors and presently along the
streets.
The heat of the pavement striking to
his SOles was the first Of a hundred
exquisite sensations. but Stingaree did
not permit himself to SAVIOR II of
them. Indeed. he had his work cut out
to check the pace his heart dictated,
and it was by an admirable exercise
OF the will that he wandered along,
deep to all appearance in Il Camelot
classic. which he had found in the
criminologist's pocket. in reality blind
ed by the glasses. but all the more
NlEllant out OF the corners of his eyes.
y suburb was the scene of these
perambulations: had he but dared to
lift his face Stingarec might have
caught a glimpse of the bluest Of blue
water. and his prison eyes hungered
for the sight. but he would not raise
his eyes so long as footsteps sounded
on the same pavement. BY taking ju-
ulrlOuS turnings, however, he drifted
into Il quiet road. with gray suburban
," OIC w ~ OuAlNIllS
lots on the other. No steps approached.
lie could look up at last. And the
very bungalow that he was passing
was shut up, yet furnished: the people
had merely gone away. servants and
all: lie saw it at a glance from the
newspapers plaStering the windows
which caught the sun. In an instant
hp was in tho srn rIop ,,I II, a,otbo, Eo
had forced Il side gate leading by an
alley to backyard and kitchen door;
but for many minutes he went no fur
ther than this gate. behind which lie
covered. prepared with excuses in
case he had already been observed.
1t was in this interval that Stingaree
recalled the season with a thrill, for it
was Christmas week. and without Il
doubt h house would be empty till
the new year. Here was one port for
the storm that must follow his escape.
And a very pleasant port he found it on
entering. after due precautionary delay.
Clearly the abode of young married
people, the bungalow was fitted and
furnished with a taste which appealed
"'AACSS l"Ah ~ W NtIIlSulC Z liz a
ing room was draped in sheets. but the
walls carried Il few good engravings,
some Of which he remembered with a
stab. 1t was the dressing room. how
ever. that he wanted, and the dressing
room made him rub his hands. The
dainty establishment had no more lux
urious corner. what with the fitted
hath ,.iTc,llrI Sl,vipr GLASS. p,,l.nI
trouser press. Il row Of boots OF trees
and Il fine Old wardrobe full of hanging
coats. Stingaree began by selecting
his suit, and it may have been his van
ity or a strange longing to look for once
what .he once had been. but he could
not resist the young mans excellent
evening clothes.
He had wallowed in the highly enam-
eled bath and was looking for a towel
when he saw his head in the shaving
glass. He was dry enough before he
could think of anything else. There
was a dilemma, obvious yet unfOre-
seen. That shaven head! Purple and
fine linen could not disguise the con-
vict's crop. 4 wig was the only hope.
But to Wear a wig II must first try
it on-and let the %perruquier call the
police.
Stingaree clapped his hands. His
hunt for a razor was feverish. trem-
ulous. Such Il young man must have
many raZors. He had! He had. Here
they We're. Oh, young man blessed
among young men.
1t was quite dark when a gentleman
in evening clothes, light overcoat and
opera hat sailed forth into the quiet
road. Quiet as it was, however, Il
whistle blew as he trod the pavement,
and his hour or two of liberty seemed
at an end. His long term in prison
had mixed ~Stingaree's ideas Of the old
country and the new. He had forgot
ten that it is the pOstmen who blow
the whistles in Australia. Yet this
postman stopped him on the spot.
BEG your pardon, sir. but If it's
quite convenient may | ask YOU for the
Christmas box you was kind enough to
promise me!"
II think you are installing me for
some m else" said Stingaree.
"Why so | am. sir. | thought YOU
came II OF Mr.. RrintOn's house,
Sorry to di>appoint you," said the
convict. IF | only had change you
should have some of it in spite of your
mistake"
He had. however. Il handsome pair of
opera glasses, which he converted into
change ION the gratuitous plea that he
had forgotten his purse) at the first
p~awnbrOker'S on the confines of the