Norwich bulletin., 1914-05-26
THE SMOKE OF DECISION.


 Hold on. sir.' demanded the of
 'sNothing- nothing. Don't detain mc-rm going in ap awful hurry!" struggled the youth.
 How do you know you are7" asked the policeman, mildly.
 How do I-you blamed zool!"
 s'There-none of that! I'll pull you in,' threatened the officer.
 T beg your pardon" the young man pleaded But you don't understand how important 1t is for me to lose no
 How do you know I don't?''
 'sBecause-beeause. why there's a man waiting for me up at the next corner. I have an important dispatch. kept him waiting half an hour al- ready. He'll give me fits"
 q don't believe word of this stun, ' solemnly declared the policeman. You haven't got any important dis
 Il have!" The youth glared at the officer like wild animal.
 "Then let me see 'em." the police man demanded.
 'T-that is-the message is verbal, !" explained the other.
 T told you you hadn't got any dis patches. You didn't even see the par ties you were ordered to see"
 The younr man began to turn pale. How in thunder did you find out all about my affairs?" he gasped.
 T just know; that's enough" as- serted the officer, grimly. And l know another thing; you don't want to see that old chap up there on the corner"
 But I do; I must" protested the youth, making an effort to tear away from the officers grasp.
 No, you don't. He sent you down here on a fool erTand. He knew that none of the Stillmans were in the city. You want to marry his daughter and he wants you to marry her But he's |. got it in his head that if you don't get back by the time he had finished a cigar he wouldn't give his consent He's got through with the cigar. Now of course, you don't want to see him. The youth stood wrapped in be- wilderment. "Heavens!" he exclaim- ed, at length. What am I going tc do?"
 Well. I'll tell you if you want me l to- replied the policeman. DO you really want to marry this girl?" Yes" Does she want to marry you?" '1-she-said she did "An right. Do you know where she is?" "I do.'' How long would it take you tt have the matter straightened out | ceremony performed and all that?' | The young man calculated rapidly Two hours would be sufficient" ht | announced. l "Then get about it quick: I'll 'tent | to the old man." The policeman turned and saun. | tered back to where Bondell was stil | standing. | "No!'' the broker thundered. HI, won't get the girl. you can bank or | that" 'How was he dressed?" asked tn, l officer.
 Light brown suit. blue tie, blacl | derby hat" Then it was he Great heavens!' | broke in the policeman. "Was what? Tell mel" exclaimed | Bondell. l He was run over by an automo bile a few minutes ago and taken t' ! the hospital"
 .sMy God, And I was to blame | Which hospital?" the broker asked | frantically. l I'm sorry" replied the officer, "bu 1 I can't tell you. If you want to se ! him you'll have to make the cirucui of them all.' Late that night Bondell returned t | his home after a fruitless search fo the unfortunate lover. As he wa mounting the steps cab halted a l the curb.
 Papa" came a wee voice. 'Henr. ] and have been married tonight, an. <. you'll forgive your own little gir | won't you?''
 The broker staggered down tn l steps with arms outstretched. 'Go 1 bless you both!" he exclaimed fer vently.-St. Louis Globe-Democrat. |