Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-09-14

under forced draft is bit exhaust
ing"
"Your prose isn't anything to boast
of. Henry James at his most AFRO
CANT was never more unintelligible."
ooh, you'll wise up to it quick
enough. But mind there'll be nothing
doing in the poetry line after we're
married. l know my limitations, and
[ couldn't stand the pace"
Here an apologize steward caught
Peters eye. BEG pardon, Mr.. Trait,
but you're wanted in the dining sa-
loon to acknowledge your declara-
ton"
Thanks" said Peter sulkily. II
presume it's got to be tended to. You,
too, Miss Craven"
"But I've already made my acknowl-
edgment, Mr.. Trait. I'm so sorry!"
II wish I could believe you were!"
said Peter vindictively, and went a mo-
rose way without her.
He would have been less dOwncast
could he have guessed how soon the
girl was to miss him. Alone and with
out distraction, imagination was hag-
ridden by the care of that Wretched
puzzle box. It was still safe in her
pOssession-that was the worst of It |!
Nevertheless, she had as yet said
nothing to Craven about the attack
In the fog, fearing lest he might insist
resuming charge Of the puzzle box;
and so, perhaps, put himself in the
way of some perils more vital even
than that which had befallen her. And
her father was all she had!
When they were free to stream
down the gangway to the pier Craven,
cOnsigning Lydia to the care Of Peter
Trait, rushed off to commander the
FIRST available customs inspectors for
himself and Mrs. Merrilees. SO that
it was Peter who piloted Lydia to
section, hunted up her trunk, and
took her place in the rank at the
chief inspectors desk; with the re-
suit that the luggage Of 81. Carteret,
Spinster," was quickly passed, and,
Peter reluctantly leaving her to pass
his own impedimenta, she was at lib
erty to garner what diversion she
night from the trials of others.
In that section her father was duti-
July but perspiringly in optimistic
endeavor to persuade his particular
Inspector that he hadn't perjured him.
self in his sworn declaration. Motto
ng Lydia's indignant interest, Craven
paused only long enough to lift fur
i've eyebrow and draw down the cor
lers Of his mouth, thus signifying
conviction that his troubles were
wholly due to the pernicious interfer-
ence of his political antagonists, even
as predicted.
She returned the least of mods, in
1icating that the puzzle box was
;afe--as it was, in her suede handbag,
which, dangling from her wrist by its
Gather strap, had quite escaped the
attention Of the inspector.
Then, remembering Craven's hint
hat it would be well not to attract
100 much attention to their relation
ship until clear of the customs, the girl
turned away to kill time until her
father should be free.
Over the way, in Section B, Lydia
found Mrs. Beggarstaff, surrounded
by an array Of luggage to do credit
TO an army corps, light Of battle in
ner eyes, words Of bitter wit upon her
ready lips, in pitched combat with
graceless skeptic of an inspector.
Near by, three dock porters, two ship
newSnen, half a dozen assorted citi-
Gems, ard q brace Of customs apprais-
ers whose duties were Immediate and
elsewhere, hung in breathless interest
upon the issue Of the fray, one and all
trimming broadly.
Lydia gathered On impression thai
the Dowager Dragon had found q foe
man worthy Of her steel; then hurried
on to Section M and Betty Merrilees
Greeting Lydia serenely, this last
resumed her conversation with her as
signed inspector. you'll find every
thing dutiable In the hat trunk and
that big dresser trunk over there
the two upper trays-the receipted
bills in the first tray-all except
necklace. I have that here" she In
dicated the metal box in her hands,
''and the bill as WELL"
Thanks, Mrs. Merrilees." The in.
spector looked up from her declara-
ton In futile attempt to maintain his
official imperturbability; then his eyes
twinkled in O network Of wrinkles,
His lips twitched, and he grinned out.
right.
That's all very WE'LL" said the lady
impudently. Laugh If you like! But
please do your worst as quickly as
possible"
"Very well, ma'am- I'll hurry you
through as fast as I can"
It became Immediately apparent
that the man wasn't disposed to doubt
the sincerity Of her conversation. The
luggage she had indicated as innocent
of dutiable goods he passed with the
most perfunctory examination, while
the millinery and other declared pur'
chases detained him only briefly.
Everything Is quite 0. K, thanks
to you, ma'am. And now If you will
u. ~