The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-04-10

large box. He produced Z AexiAas
dressmaker's model. 1t was made of
PAPER mache, but ~ he proceeded to
TX up the bald head with glossy ring.
let's and adapt a hat, dress and wrap
the dummy figure assumed form,
grace and elegance.
Now then, Vincent" he observed,
"all you've got to do is to strap that
model into the hind seat of your ma
chine, put . veil on it and-isn't it
natural?"
For fact 1t was, as the two schem-
ers perfected their plan-to all seem
ing a charming, up-to-date young lady
occupied the rear seat Of the motor
cycle.
It had cost Vincent something to
help out his precious scheme, but he
did not mind that. Just as the sun
went down and twilight came ON he
drove out Of the shed. The figure was
well strapped on, the gloved hands
, rested quite naturally on the handles
i in front of 1t.
| Vincent drove on until he came into
the street where Nellie's home was
located. AS he neared it he gave his
! signal horn blast. Nellie was on the
porch. Vincent pretended not to OBJ
serve her. but sidelong glance ad-
vised him that she had recognized the
signal Of the machine and he saw her
, stare fixedly.
A brisk breeze was blowing. Vim
| cent put on power. AS he circled d.
rectly in front of the house, he saw
Nellie spring to her feet. Her eyes
seemed glued upon his young lady,
companion.
1T works." chuckled Vincent rapt-
ly. "Aha, Miss Nellie! who is the
jealous party now"
A last glance sideways showed Mel
lie still staring. She had descended
two steps Of the porch and was en-
wrapt In attention to the disappear
ing machine.
''Devoured with curiosity as to my
new fair charmer!" gloated Vincent.
whats that man goggling at?"
A pedestrian. was indeed, "gog.
Cling" He had halted. He was star
ing at the machine. Then he slapped
his thigh and burst out into q peal Of
unrestrained laughter. Then. farther
on, two women likewise paused. They
stared, they giggled. Vincent shot a
backward glance at the rear seat OF
the motorcycle. He shivered-ap.
palled!
A frightfully depressing discovery
was his. The wind had blown the veil
of the model. Then the hat-and the
wig! The bare poll doomed up.
unique and grotesque. One Of the
jointed arms swung loosely, webbing.
No wonder that observers glared at
this monstrous travesty on humanity!
A whirl Of the machine sent the
model sideways. BY this time a glib.
ing mob Of boys we're in pursuit.
Hoots and yells OF laughter filled the
air. With groan Vincent dove down
a side alley. gained the home shed,
and prepared to leave town that night
to escape the jeers Of his fellow towns.
men.
He returned in a week, but kept
shady. as the saying goes. The next
afternoon, despairingly promenading
in the woods near the town, he was
suddenly confronted at Q side path
by Nellie and girl friend. The latter
was full Of mischief and she hailed
him.
This way, sir!" she ordered with
pretty peremptoriness, "Miss Duncan
wishes an explanation Of your erratic
adventures with that young lady who
went to pieces"
Vincent flushed and trembled and
stammered. Nellie was calm and smil.
ing. There was a knowing expression
in her bright eyes which Vincent re.
sented.
81 guess you know what I was try.
ing to get at" he foundered. II would
have had a real girl on that machine
Tiff didn't think so much of-that
is"
"But what had Nellie done to be the
subject Of such a peculiar expert.
ment?' challenged Nellie's compan-
ion.
II guess Mr.. Ralston can tell" NUT.
tered Vincent.
you mean my married cousin?"
spoke Nellie innocently.
"Your married cousin!"
Surely"
Vincent drew q step nearer to his
fiancee.
"Is your father home yet. Nellie?"
he inquired meaningly.
Eyes. Vincent" she replied demure-
ly, and lowered her eyes.
"Then. unless you think I've been
the biggest dolt in the world. I'd like
to call on him."
do, Vincent" whispered Nellie.
taking his arm and looking lovingly
up into his face.
Deadly Ev1dencA.