Metropolis weekly gazette. (Metropolis, Ill.) 1???-19??, 1915-06-18

/ A1oAAuH OOAA tic (OAo~Aha'AOA ~ 49,
country.
81 believed myself to be the sole
tenant Of the island" went on the
professor In his most disagreeable
1eeture-room tone: for that reason |
leased both of the cottages. although
I only occupy one"
But we leased the other cottage
from the agent" interrupted the girl.
How very strange, indeed-why,
mother and ! have been coming here
for several seasons-mother is a nov
elist and likes the solitude don't.
This year the agent said that the
other cottage had been leased to a
man-pardon me, but the description
is his-who was old and eccentric and
that we mustn't trespass on his side
of the island. We haven't, only you
see, the best bathing beach is near
your place, and l get up almost be.
fore daybreak to get swim before
you come out. There, am quite
breathless, but ! believe I have ex-
planned why l am here
Before professor Tenham could re-
cover his composure Miss Friday, as
she had not inaptly christened herself,
thrust her pink toes into her shoes
and limped away among the pine
trees. The fact that she speedily lost
a shoe and had to return for u de-
tracted materially from the intended
dignity of her exit.
Later he was reused suddenly from
his contemplative state by the sound
of a womans pleasant voice from his
veranda.
my dear, l don't believe the man
is at home-Tve knocked several
times-and | must find out about his
arrangements with the agent. / am
afraid we have been trieked in some
way"
Knock once more, mother" urged
a voice that the trembling scientist
recognized as that of Miss Friday
herself.
Hastily putting himself into
bathrobe Professor Tenham stepped
to the front door and, opening it on a
mere crack, he begged his fair visit
ors to make themselves comfortable
and promised to join them as soon as
possible.
Ten minutes later he stepped forth,
a well-groomed, sunbrowned young
man in a decent blue serge suit.
A short, stout woman, with a strong
and attractive face, arose and held
out a firm, tanned hand.
Pardon the intrusion, Professor
Tenham, but there is little matter
that must be cleared up. | am Mrs.
Pately. My daughter Margaret tells
me that she met you this morning
and that you claim the sole tenancy
of the island. AS we leased the east
cottage for the season there seems
to be Misunderstanding"
81 was really surprised to find that
I was not alone on the island" ex-
planned the professor, blushing holly
as he met the young woman's quick,
mischieyous glance. 81 will show you
my copy of the lease"
81 brought my copy along: so we
can compare Them" said Mrs. Pately.
A comparison of the two leases re-
vealed the fact that the agent for
Silver Sands island was a rogue, and
not even an especially clever one. He
had leased the entire island to Pro-
lessor Tenham for the season and at
the same time he had leased the east
cottage to the Patelys, warning them
not to trespass on the west side OF
the island because of the eccentrici-
ties of the ancient tenant-Professor
Tenham.
Perhaps this description of his per-
sonality was the severest blow to his
vanity the professor had ever re-
ceived; at any rate he blushed furious
ly and made mental memorandum of
what would happen to the agent at
their first meeting.
"Of course we have seen you at
distance, Professor Tenham," contin-
ued Mrs. Pately, "and we knew at
once that the agent had been mis-
taken. We have looked In vain for
the ancient philosopher whom he de-
scribed, and we decided you must be
his son. Now, what are we TO do?"
That is easily determined" said
the professor graciously. I'VE have
lived amicably for several weeks.
each on our own side of the island,
and why cannot we continue to be
joint tenants of Silver Sands island?
Unless my presence here would an
noy you," he added as an unhappy
afterthought.
mo, indeed assured Mrs. Pately.
Let US not change anything now
only, sometimes, should we need help,
might we call upon you? This is the
first time we have stayed here alone
without man on the premises at our
beck and call, and it has been the
only drawback to our happiness"
Il shall be disappointed IL you do
not treat me as a neighbor, now that
we have discovered each other" said
Tenham, with his very best and Pc
culiarly winning smile.
Then, that is settled" said Mrs.
Pately, rising to go. Margaret shall