The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-01

cept1ve. said sadly.
Then the old man laughed. and the
girl laughed, and / laughed; and
wasn't quite sure that the grave
waiter did not crack the ghost OF a
smile-in relief
And what. may ask, was the fatal
card:" inquired the old man, folding
his paper.
The ace of spades: we always
choose that gloomy card In secret so
cieties. There is something deadly
and suggestive about it," l answered
morbidly.
Indeed"
Yes All. II only you knew the ter
rible life we lead, we who conspire!
Every day brings forth some CALLING
disappointment. We push king of
into the dark. and another rises i'm
mediately In his place. Futility. futil-
ity everywhere. II only there were
some way of dynamiting habit and
custom! l am Russian; all my
family are perishing in Siberian
mines. s.'-dismally.
Fudge" said the girl.
Tommy -rot!" said the amiable old
gentleman.
Uncle, his hair is too short for an
anarchist"
And his collar too Immaculate"
$50 the old gentleman was this charm
ing creatures uncleo
We are obliged to disguise our
selves at times" | explained The
police are always meddling. 1t is dis
couraging."
You have some purpose. humorous
or serious said the girl shrewdly.
"A man does not bring = pack of
cards"
4 didn't bring them; sent out for
them"
bring a pack Of cards here simply
20 attract attention" she continued
TRANQUILITY.
Perhaps I am prestidigitator In
a popular dime museum, | suggested.
willing TO help her out, and am doing
little advertising"
Now, that has a plausible sound"
she admitted, folding her hands under
her chin. 1t must be an interesting
life. Presto-change! and all that"
''Oh. l find 1t rather monotonous in
the winter; but in the summer it is
fine. Then | wander about the sum
mer resorts and give exhibitions"
You will pardon my niece" inter
polated the old gentleman, coughing a
bit nervously III she annoys you"
"Unclel"-reproachfu
Heaven forfend!" l exclaimed eag-
erly. There is q charm in doing un-
conventional things; and most people
do not realize it. and are stupid"
Thank you, sir said the girl, smil-
ing. She was evidently enjoying her
self; so was l. for that matter. DO
trick for me" she commanded pres
emily.
done trick with the cards,-not if
my life had depended upon it. But
rather neatly extricated myself from
the trap.
Il never do any tricks out of bust
ness hours"
cents; l want to see him do sleight-
of-haud trick
Her uncle, readily entering into the
spirit of the affair. dived into pocket
and produced the piece Of silver 1t
looked as il l were caught.
There! this may make it worth
your while" the girl said, showing the
coin in my direction.
But again managed to slide under;
l was not to be caught.
1T is my regret to say,"-frowning
slightly, that regularity in my bust
ness is everything. 1t wants half Al
hour for my turn to come on. II
tried trick out of turn, | might
foozle and lose prestige. And besides,
| depend so much upon the professor
and his Introductory note: Ladies' and
gents, permit me to introduce The
world-renowned Signor Fantoccini,
whose marvellous tricks have long pug
lied all the crowned heads OF Eu-
rope
''Fantoccini," musirgly. That's
Italian for puppet show"
Il know ii, but the dime museum
visitors do not. 1t makes a fine i'm.
preston"
She laughed and slid the dime back
TO her uncle
I'm afraid you are an impostor,"
she said.
I'm afraid so. too," | confessed, (,
laughing.
To Be Continued.