Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1915-02-18

NAO
air of putting it's best foot foremost
that night, with it's grounds ablaze
with lights, and a military band play
ing an accompaniment to gay laughter
and the rhythm of dancing feet. Post
aud his fellows cOnspiratOrs found it
an evening of hard work, only miti-
gated by the excitement attendant
upon the scheme in hand Miss May
land appeared late, on the arm of the
German baron, and the latter's smil-
ing air of proprietorship struck dis
may to the hearts of the plotters. How
ever, they were not to be so easily
discouraged.
Harte's turn came first. There was
dreadful crush in the rooms, and he
had no difficulty in persuading Miss
Maryland that the veranda was a desir-
able place to walk in. He led her
down to one end, where some acacias
lent themselves as a screen for their.
tete-a-tete.
1t was there that Brownie, the en-
gagged man, had been instructed to look
| for them. Dodging the baron, who
lowered in the doorway with an
anxious eye on the acacias, he concoc-
ted message for Harte, and then
led the lady forth, past the baffled
German, and into the revolving swarm
on the dancing-foor. Then, having
eluded his fiancee's vigilance, he
guided his partner to the conservatory
Having been through this sort of thing
before, he did the act rather grace
fully Notwithstanding horrible GER
tainty that every word would be re-
peated to Ethel in the morning. His
| fiancee's mother sent for him while he
was in the conservatory was
| slightly disconcerting; but fortunately
! Post met them at the door, and again
led away the lacy from under the nose
of the lowering baron.
Disdaini2g a floral setting as too
trite, Post cOaxed Miss Maryland down
to deserted nook by the big, splash
ing fountain. He found, to his an
nOyance, that he did not half like his
task. He had had aspirations in her
direction ever since he had first met
her, and did not relish being a mere
insignificant unit in her list of vic
tins for one evening. But there was
his bill at the club, and another one
for that last colt-on the whole, be
had not much choice.
Post began to mediate retreat as he
hewed his way through the battle
ment of small talk which fortified the
citadel. Miss Maryland was unexpect-
eddy gracious. Forgetful of past snub-
bings, POSTS heart began to beat in
an unwonted way; wild thoughts
surged through his brain. Her beauty
and daintiness intoxicated him. DENLY
and his grievance were already as if
they had never been; it was mon
strous to play caddish trick on such
a woman!
In this mood Post launched forth
pleading with a passionate warmth
that fairly startled himself. He was
desperately in earnest. When he
paused, he waited for her answer with
his hand held up as if to ward off a..
blow. But it did not fall; he left the
ball engaged to Miss Maryland
Wildly triumphant, he made his way
to Denby's rooms, where the three
men had agreed to meet. Most men
might have felt some delicacy about
attending a caucus after having bolted
the party, but Post did not let little
scruple like that deter him. He had
decided to have the affair terminate
dramatically. He would wait till
Browne and young Harte had told of
their defeat; then he fancied his story
would make rather neat climax.
DENLY would rave, of course; but
reckless in his victory, Post felt
strong enough to snap his fingers in
the faces of horde of creditors.
DENLY was sitting up in bed smok-
ing, and young Harte was mixing
drinks, as Post went in. He helped
himself to cigar and an easy chair
and sat down to wait for Browne, who
had last been seen in the wake OF his
prospective mother-in-law. 1t was not
long before he arrived; he came in
without a word, his eyes dark and
angry, savage look on his usually
good-natured face.
whats up, Brownie? You look like
an approaching cyclone?" said Harte.
''You fellows may think this thing a
joke, but it's a pretty serious business
for met" Brownie retorted sharply.
ooh, you take things too everlast-
ingly seriously, old man. Cheer up
it's nothing to feel acute remorse
about draw1ed DENLY from the bed.
Bring over that fizz, Harte."
Young Harte handed the drinks
around, and then sat on corner Of
the table, swinging his legs. DENLY
looked expectantly from one to an
other.
e.,>' Well, begin, Harte. How did it
work? Did the lady freeze you dumb"
Young Harte took long drink and
carefully wiped budding mustache