The Washburn leader., 1915-08-13
MIxUP CAUSED.
BY JEALOUSY
The Trouble Wrought by an
Exchange Of Bags.

Exchange Of Bags.
How it occurred / cannot explain.
While shopping I bought reticule. or
bag, which, before left the store,
laid on the counters several times.
When I got home tossed it into a
closet. The next day, before going
out with 1t, opened it to put in some
samples. was surprised to find in it
purse containing $50, few samples
and letter, the envelope of which
was missing. Eager to learn what
these things meant, I read the letter.
It ran:
Dear Julie-Meet me Thursday after
noon (3:15) at the northeast angle Of the
open square. I shall disguise myself as
an old man. Wear the costume of an old
woman. Mary doesn't suspect anything.
Don't fail. GILBERT
was petrifed with horror was
Mary; Gilbert was my lover. The
writing was disguised, but the longer
I looked ut it the more I was convinced
that it was q bad attempt to conceal
the hand of Gilbert Merriman. glanc-
ed at the clock. l had Just half an
hour to get to the place Of meeting.
When reached the square the clock
In st. Paurs spire stood at $40. l
walked to the northeast angle, draw
ing heavy veil down over my face,
through which could see, but not be
recognized. concluded to sit on one
of the benches and wait. Several wom-
en- came in. but they were all young
and passed on. Five minutes before
the appointed time an old woman came
by with basket Of apples on her arm.
As she passed me asked IL she would
sell me one. She held out her basket
for me to choose, but did not speak. l
looked into her face and felt sure that
I had caught my bird.
She gave repressed shrek.
"You and Gilbert are mistaken in
thinking Mary does not suspect. You
must have lost Gilbert's letter, for
Mary has it and will be here-perhaps
is here now-to expose you. AS soon
as he comes both Of you follow me. l
will take you to a place where You
can confer in safety"
Dear, dear woman. how kind you
are! There he is now. I'll 60 and tell
him"
An old man, much bent and leaning
heavily on his cane, came in ut q side
entrance to the square, and the old
woman hastened toward him. They
stood talking excitedly, the man look
ing at me with evident suspicion. The
woman was apparently begging him
to do as I had suggested, but he ap-
peared to be Of different mind. A
policeman happened to stroll by, and
the man called to him and said some
thing to him, and they both started for
me, followed by the woman.
began to get frightened.
When they reached me the old man
called to "Julie'' to come forward.
"Is that your bag?" he asked.
"Heavens. yes! I didn't notice it be-
FORE"
In my excitement at my discovery Of
the letter on leaving the house had
snatched up the bag with its contents
and there it was hanging to my wrist.
The old man took it from me and
opened 1t.
Here's your property" he said to
the woman. land here's the thief. Take
her along, policeman"
mot unless you'll agree to appear
against her."
The man promised, giving his name
and address. was startled to hear
, him. say not Gilbert Merriman, but
George Gibbest. The policeman took
the bag and it's contents and-great
heavensl-marched me to the police
station.
The only person in the world on
whom could rely to help me out OF
the scrape was Gilbert Merriman- I
vowed that I would be tried and con-
victed as a thief rather than send for
him. Indeed, they took me to the very
door of cell before succumbed. One
look inside the horrid place was enough.
WATT" said. 'I'll send for a
friend"
They took me back to the Office, gave
me peuCu duu pAptE, duO WEOIe y
note to Gilbert begging him to come
to me at once. The messenger was a
long while finding him, and when he
came l was ready to collapse. nev-
er shall forget the look Of panied won
der on his face when he saw me.
What in the world is the meaning
Or
"Oh, Gilbert, I've been very silly.
Yesterday changed bags while shop
ping with woman at store. There
was note in the bag picked up sign
ed Gilbert" to girl named Julie.
appointing to meet her I'M the park. I
went there expecting to catch you. In
stead I''--
Caught q tartar"
He went to the desk and explained
the matter to the inspector. Then he
returned to me and led me out, every
J one present Laughing at me. red az a
cocks comb from my neck to my hair.
Gilbert was perfectly lovely to me
about the matter. never referring to It.
5 but never can forget L. a. for the
other couple. the man gave q false
5 name and never appeared against me,