Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-11

filed before her. Some she recognized
by voice or gesture Henry futile she
finger: otherwise she would never have
distinguished him from Ned Allen, for
they were both of the same height
and general appearance, and by sing
ular coincidence both had chosen to
assume the dress Of century ago.
There was another stranger present,
a member whose identity no one could
guess
Then came Ned Allen, holding his
head with the same confident air that
marked his bearing before papers had
been missing from the bank and Ned
Allen, the cashier. had been accused Of
making way with them. The Tuttles-
Mr.. futile was president OF the bank
and Henry was vice predetermined ex-
onerated Ned, but he had not been re-
instated, and the finger Of suspicion
still pointed at him and the tongue Of
gossip still babbled about him.
Ned bent over Dorry's little head.
II hope my coming will not embar'
rass you, Dorry,' he murmured.
said Derry, with flushed cheeks and
shining eyes.
Thank you," he said. as he passed
on, and there was more than gratitude
in his tone.
Halloween parties are much alike,
and Dorry's was no exception to the
general rule. They played the same old
dances to the playing Of the Heckef
family.
The old umbrella member created q
diversion by stepping into the middle
of the floor and lifting his hand.
i II am a fortune teller, friends No
cackled shrilly. who consults me may
4 receive charm against good or evil
fortune, and I will read the past ana
the present for him."
At once he was surrounded by the
gay crowd, and his fortune telling was
60 wittily enlivened that the room rang
with laughter Once he came close to
Henry futile and whispered:
Please point out to me young man
named Tuttle.'
And Henry coolly nodded toward Ned
Allen, who stood near by. Five minutes
afterward Henry Tuttle had disappear
ed from the rooms.
Derry Hendryx had heard question
and answer, and Henry's duplicity had
startled her. Who was the umbrella
member and what did he want of Henry
and why had Henry lied?
| The umbrella mender was gradually
making H.; way toward the spot where
Ned Allen brave In knee breeches ana
coat Of blue satin, was waiting MS
turn to have his palm read by the
qua 81 fortune teller. who was giving
tiny metal trinkets right and lett.
This, young woman, Will insure
you against spinsterhood." he said to
one: land you. sir, will find this charm
will soften the heart Of an obdurate
father, and this one will compel the
love Of the girl you desire ana so
| on.
.what nonsense!" murmured Mrs.
Hendryx, impatiently. who is the man
Dorry?"
II don't know, mother-Listen, he is
| speaking to Ned"
! little silence fell upon the room
as the fortune teller bent low over Ned
Aliens hand. Perhaps curiosity prompt
ed some to wonder IL the fortune teller
might not reveal the guilt or innocence
Of Ned Allen.
young man." said the fortune teiler
| briskly. II can see that you are going
TO propose to some charming girl be-
tore the clock strikes midnight-you
will live long and happily-and-3ust
favor me with your thumb print, sir.
you know am making collection OF
| them-a hobby Of mine-even An um-
brella member may ride hobby. Thank
you, sir-ah!
: brella mender held strip Of glass to
the light. and turned and stared at Ned
! Allen through the eyehole Of his mask.
then hastily tore of his own mask and
J revealed a nut-cracker face confused
with anger and surprise.
eHenry Tuttle," he commanded stern
llv. remove your mask!"
Ned laughed. You are mistaken,
rood seer-I have not the honor to be
( Henry Tuttle!"
'Prove it," snapped the other.
Ned tore off the mask and faced the
ROOM
/ "Ned Allen!" A score Of voices
breathed his name convincingly.
.Where is Henry Tuttle?" demanded
the umbrella member.
''He is not here" said Mrs. Hendrix
with much displeasure. May I inquire
who you are, sir, and why you have
chosen to make disturbance at my
house?"
The little man whipped out card
lend gave 1t to her.
Mrs. Hendryx gasped. "A detec-
tive?"
yes" he said brusquely II want
) Henry Tuttle-for the theft of the
Waybrook securities"
Somewhere outside was the throbbing
: Of a motor engine.
."Then you better beat it," laughed a
masculine voice. That's Hen Tuttle's
| automobile and it's a racer. tool"
The detective disappeared and after
J awhile excitement was subdued and
the dancing went on. 1t was nearly
midnight and there were preparations
to perform the time honored rites and
! ceremonies characteristic Of Halloween.
j Suddenly Derry found herself stand