Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-12-16

1t that evening, should have reposed
You know what had become of it. Nc
Adam, happily for him, did not. He
OF it, then gave it up and collected
from his various pockets his total
cash resources. They came to two dol
lars and fifty-five 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 III his hip
pocket he felt forsaken indeed, when
his eye CHANGED on a lighted window
across the street. -. Schoenhoeyen,'
was printed on it, 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 Christmas
tree-he dashed across the street, up
the stairs, into the shop.
I'm going to a party tonight" he
said to the young man in charge. Il
want to wear something neat and
handsome that-thatli keep my
friends from knowing me-"
Ordinarily, McAdam had only to
appear to command respect, but fall.
ing over an ash barrel, STAYING 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 bit sick at that.
Something about two-fifty," he said
With naughty wave of the hand,
the young man pointed to dingy
heap upon the counter, the last of it's
race. That's all we have at two
fifty" he said, and turned away with
his nose in the air, leaving poor 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 l must be off, too" she said.
Were just this minute up from din
ner. We were dreadfully late getting
home, and 1 have to dress. ] wish |
had time to hear how you two got
out of Jail"
We didn't find it necessary to &C
company the officers to the station
began Reverend Arthur. coolly.
We"
IN hear all about it later she in
terrupted. Nov run along and help
Mr.. Jones with the Christmas tree in
The music room; you know"
All. 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 for 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 a
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
him was not increasing with notice
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 a view of the great
front door. lazily looked over the new
arrivals and waited for Ursula's re-
appearance on the scene to make it
worth while taking part.
Jeames stood by the big door grand
ly admitting the guests. The bell rang
downstairs where he could not hear
it. but a football on the porch or the
crunching of carriage in the drive
told him when anyone was 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 again, 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, mo
beggars allowed"
"Beggar," said the hoarse voice, as
though something were choking it.
I'm q friend OF Miss Aliens. Stand
aside. you fool, and let me In. Quick,
They'll see me in minute"
You look like friend of hers,
You do indeed! Come, be of now. or
I'll turn you over to tho police"
blutf aud hearty honesty. 1t was the