The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1913-09-18

what the devil is it you want me to
do2"
do appear to be agitatedT
WELL should say So"
well. | am. You know how | loath
asking a favor Of any one Besides. it's
rather an extraordinary one I'm going
to ask of you Came to me in fash
this morning when | saw your name In
the paper Sort Of inspiration. pom my
word. | think Edith sees it the same as
| [, although haven't had time to go into
1t thoroughly with her. She's ripping.
you know-pluck to the very core"
Brooks face expressed bewilderment
and perplexity.
Wont you have another drink, old
MANI" he asked gently.
Another? Hang it all. haven't had
one in a week! Come along. | must
talk it all over with you before | in
troduce you to her. You must be pre-
pared"
Introduce me to whom" demanded
Brock. pricking up bis ears. He was
following Medcroft to the elevator.
'"To my wife-Edith," said Medcroft.
annoyed by the others obtuseness.
docs it require preparation for an
ordeal so charming2" laughed Brock
He was recalling the fact that Med
croft had married a beautiful Phila
delphia girl some years ago in London
a young lady whom he had never seen.
so thoroughly expatriated had she be-
come in consequence OF almost a life
time residence in England. He re-
membered now that she was rich and
that he had sent her ridiculously ex-
pensive present and congratulatory
cablegram at the time of the wedding.
The Londoner did not respond to the
innocuous query. He merely stared in
q preoccupied, determined manner at
the succeeding etages cs they slipped
downward. At the fourth floor they
disembarked. and Brock led the way
to his rooms, overlooking the inner
court. Once inside with the door clos
ed he turned upon the Englishman.
Now. what's up. Rox? Are you In
troubleT he demanded.
"Are we quite alone?" Mederoft
glanced significantly at the transom
and the half closed bathroom door.
With a laugh Brock led him into the
bathroom and out and then closed the
transOm.
you're darned mysterious" he said,
pointing to a chair near the window.
Medcroft drew another close up and
seated himself.
Brock" he said, lowering his voice
and leaning forward impressively. II
want you to 60 to Vienna in my place"
Brock stared hard. "You are a god
send, old man. You're just in time to
do me the greatest Of favors. It's ut
terry impossible for me to go to, Vienna
as | had planned, and yet 1t Is equally
unwise for me to give up the project
You see. I've just got to be in London
and Vienna at the same time"
ut will require something more than
stretch Of the Imagination to do that.
old man. But I'm game, and my plans
are such that they can be changed
readily to oblige a friend shan't
mind the trip in the least, and I'll be
only too happy to help you out. Cad!
/ thought by your manner that you
were in some frightful difficulty"
"By Jove, Brock, you're brick!
cried Medcroft, shaking the others
hand vigorously. At the same time
his face expressed considerable uncer-
tainty and no little doubt as to the
future welfare of his as yet partially
divulged proposition. - =. .>...-.
Its easy to be brick, my boy. II
it involves no more than the changing
of a single letter in ones name. I'd
like to attend the convention anyway"
- said Brock amiabiy. - -. !.
"Well. you see. Brock" said Mederoft
lameiy. 81 fear you don't quite appre
/ ciate the situation | want you to pose
as Roxbury Medcroft"
"You- What do you mean ?"
81 thought you'd fnd that facer
That's just It, You are to go to Vienna
as Roxbury Medcroft, not as yourself
Ha, ha! Ripping. .eh? ~
"'Pon my soul. Rox, you are not In
earnest?'' ass $50, E: J
"Never more So q
But my dear feIlow"-zs. ;
"You won't do it? That's what your
tone. means in despair
:. ut isn't that. and you know 1t, I've
got nothing to lose. It's you that will
have to suffer You're known all over
Europe. What will be said when the.
trick is discovered? Cad. manr'
Then you will go?'' with beaming
eyes Il knew IL would appeal to You
as an American
ssyVbaf docs II n N m IA :, ~,
I "It's all very simple If one looks at
1t from the right angle. Brock. Up to
last night ! was blissfully committed
to the most delightful of outings. so to
speak. At 10 o'clock everything was