Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-20

' The dining room produced nothing,
however, but the breakfast room re-
yealed a table set daintily for one
well. some ones expected, that's
sure. and who else if not me myself!
III try the ice box, too" Fresh deli
cacies being revealed therein, the girl
lighted some candles she found on
the buffet and proceeded to enjoy her
self.
Nice house. I wonder what my
new cousin-in-law is like? I was away
when Helen was married, so I've never
seen him. There comes somebody
now. thank goodness! I'd never dare
to appropriate sleeping room as I've
done my supper and I do want to
change into something cool. Mercy"
A man, coatless, in white flannel
trousers and wrinkled silk shirt, stood
! in the doorway staring unwinkingly
at the candles. His face was flushed,
his eyes were unusually bright and his
hair was in sad disarray over his fore
head.
BILL" he said. you tell Jimmy
Dale he's got to let me see him do
1t before I'll believe lido you hear?
Why, no man living can make number
six hole in three. Why, it's the long
est hole on the course and-and-"
He rocked unsteadily on his feet.
"Cousin-in-law's drunk" concluded
the girl, scrambling to her feet. But
the motion attracted no attention from
the man. His eyes remained axed and
unwinking. Something in his manner
struck the girl as exceedingly pecu'
liar .' 80 r..
"Bill!' The man mumbled some
thing for a moment and then turned
to go. "Bill. you tell Jimmy Dale he's
liar!" He struck his fist into, his
palm with force that made her
Jump. By this time he was out in
the hall and turning up the stairs.
She followed, fascinated.
Hes asleep" she gasped. stark.
staring sound asleep! Goodness. He'll
fall! I'd better waken him. Mr.. How
ell! Cousin-er-Robert! Stop! Wait a
minute"
But Laurie proceeded on his way.
She caught his sleeve and pulled
gently. Cousin Robert! wake up!"
Another tug at his sleeve.
Jimmy Dale!" Laurie turned his
staring eyes full upon her. She
shrank back but not in time. Jimmy
Dale. don't touch me. You are a
liar!" And he struck out with all his
might. 1t caught her on the side Of
the head, which fortunately was partly
protected by her soft straw hat. She
staggered an instant, then ran, and
in her flight she picked up her trav-
cling bag in the hall.
"1'm not going to stay alone in that
house with a mailman" she gasped.
"Tll go to a hotel and ring up Helen
in the morning"
Laurie wakened with the, blow. He
saw a remarkably pretty girl In blue
hat and skirt and jacket, with chic
little white collar and cuffs, give him
one terrified look over her shoulder
and run.
whats her hurry, I wonder?" he
said, coming down the three steps he
has assembled. And now, pray. do I
happen to be here instead of in the
swing and why are the lights on? Is it
night? Blame it, do you suppose I've
been walking in my sleep again?
Thought I'd outgrown all that. I'll
bet that girl was scared! She looked
lit! But who the deuce can she be
and how did she get here? Geo." he
yawned I'm hungry. I'd better eat
my supper"
| And just then the girls came in to
discover, with their hungry brother,
that the unknown visitor had already
disposed of his meal.
"I don't care, she was a peach!"
defended Laurie. "She may have my
dinner any day
Here's a handkerchief with hand
worked initials, M. NJ. r. It's exquis-
itely fine and has no scent: Laurie.
your burglar Is a LADY," declared
Marjorie.
81 told you she was a little peach!'
The young man. now wide awake, felt
keen sensation of regret that he had
been defrauded of his opportunity
That was all-until a week later.
The moon had grown and was look
ing benignantly down upon the rose
garden.
'Biggs-come here, Biggs!" Laurie
had followed the dog that had chased
the cat into the flowers.
"Kitty-here. kitty" called another
voice from the adjoining garden
s"Where are you. puss?" =
Then Laurie recognized her.
YOU" he said. 81 began to think
I had dreamed you. Are you a really
truly person or have the moon anC
roses gone to my head?"
II hope I'm real But it does seen
like fairyland, doesn't it? Are yo'
quite sure you are awake now?" sht