The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-03
ably by noon, he supposed.

ably by noon, he supposed.
It was an hour after midday when
Brown went back to the hotel. The
clerk announced that Mr.. Thorpe had
returned, paid his bill and was go
ing away on the afternoon boat. How
ever, he believed he was still in his
room-No. II, third floor.
Up the stairs Brown proceeded. He
located No. H. He knocked-no one
responded. He tried the door-it was
unlocked and he pressed open the
door to find the room untenanted.
This Mr. Thorpe has gone to the
boat already" decided Brown. We'll,
maybe | can catch him before 1t
leaves
Brown turned to leave the room
when he was met at the threshold
by a boy. The latter looked excited
and worried. He burst instantly into
an incongruous announcement
I'm awfully sorry" he babbled
forth, but there is an answer to the
note you sent yesterday. And l lost
it, and was afraid to come and tell
you. And ! sneaked nome and kept
out of your way. And just a little
while ago | found it-see, down inside
the lining of my coat. Look, there's
the slit in my pocket it must have
gone through. And there's the letter,
and I'm awfully glad 1 found you,"
and thrusting an addressed letter into
= Dc nf nd
with relieved face.
Hold on" challenged Brown, but
the boy was down the stairs three
steps at a time.
Brown gazed at the letter. 1t was
directed to Mr. Alvin Thorpe. More
need than ever to overtake the depart
ing visitor to the town. Brown got
to the street. He made for the wharf
where the river boats locked. The
Favorite was just pulling out into mid
stream
''Stop-shes off," yelled a wharf
hand as Brown in his urgency and ex-
element ran on to the slanting gang
plank, just pulled free of the steamer.
Splash!
Over into the stream Brown went.
The swell of the boat drew him to-
wards the central current. He made
a speedy decision. He swan toward
the turning side of the steamer A
deck hand threw a rope to him.
Brown was dragged to the deck, pant.
ing, dripping, surveyed with marvel
ing regard by the passengers.
What now" beloved the captain
advancing blusteringly, but Brown had
dashed the water from his eyes and
was staring keenly about him. He
made out Mr.. Alvin Thorpe, seated
alone near the rail. He ran up to
him. He drew the old handkerchief
from his pocket. He united the
knot.
You gave me a five-dollar gold
piece instead of nickel, as you sup
posed, the other evening. and there's
the change" announced Brown breath
lessly, and he pressed the wet coins
into the hand of Mr.. Alvin Thorpe
We'll, well, well-of all the honest
men!" began Mr.. Thorpe, recalling his
pensioner and then staring as Brown
drew from his pocket the letter he had
received at the hotel. In a moment
Brown saw that the address on the
envelope had startled Mr.. Thorpe. As
the latter perused it his handsome
face broke into a smile of the most
wonderful delight.
Where did you get this?' he chai-
lenged quickly, and Brown explained.
Mr.. Thorpe fastened in search Of
the captain of the steamer. He bribed
him to makesa landing so he could
return to the town. He motioned to
Brown to follow him to land.
Very briefly he made Brown under.
stand that he had come to the place
to make up quarrel with the young
lady he loved. The delayed letter, an
answer to his, had sent him away, in
tending 20 never return, but Brown
had saved the day.
My friend" said the grateful
Thorpe, you have proved yourself a
jewel. You say you are piano
tuner"
Yes, sir" assented Brown.
We'll, | shah lodge you at the no.
tel at my expense, get you a new rig,
and-why! I'll buy you a little piano
factory and start you in business for
what you've done for maj,