The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-12-07

ITS like your cheek" observed
Craven. Have you mentioned the
matter to Lydia7"
Certainly not! She's having too
good time. Women won't listen to a
gratuitous lover unless bored or ae
lively unhappy"
Then why bother me with your
lovesick vaporsf"
"Well, l wanted to see how rusty
you'd cut up. Besides, Mrs. Beggar-
staff has discovered my hideous Sc
cret, and is now busy-or about to
be-distributing handbills."
"Can't you shut her upT'
'@The law forbids cruel and inhuman
punishments. Besides. I'm not sure
I want her hushed. I'm not ashamed
Of the fact, and II l let the Beggarstan
alone, sooner or later she or someone
will mention the matter to Lydia, and
then-well. rouse a woman's curiosity,
and half your battles won."
Craven turned to inspect the pair
at the rail. "She might do worse" he
observed.
Thanks!
"Than Quoin. I mean"
"Curse it," said Peter, flushing.
"Im in earnest, Tad"
IL believe you are" Mrs. Merrilees
interjected with dispassionate scien-
tiflc interest. II really believe you
are. Peter. Certainly you were never
so intolerably stupid when in love
with me-"
Peter, by this time recovered. fixed
her with a reproving glance. Uttered
in the presence Of a third party" he
said severely, ISLANDER is actionable.
Merely because I didn't like to show
my distaste for your infatuated ad-
vances, you take up with an emergen-
cy ration like Tad here. and then get
sore because don't forbid the banns-
peevish child!"
"Just for that" said the woman,
"just for that, Peter, I'm going to
heap Goals of fire upon your migrate
rul head-and heaven knows I hope
they'll scorch and blister"
"MarbleT" Craven suggested with
open incredulity.
BE quiet Tad. and run an errand
for me, like a biddable child" Mrs.
lacework wristbag. took out tiny
pocketbook, and from this last extract
ed slip of paper. "Take that to the
purser and bring me what 1t calls for"
With assumed reluctance Craven
heaved up from his place and rolled
forward, while his fiancee Graded her
chin In her hand and regarded Peter
with a whimsical smile.
"Quit It'll" he said GROSSLY. "You
haven't got anything on me, you
know"
How about the others?'
"Others? l never looked cross-eyed
at girl before this"
"Peter"
swell, hardly ever. And, anyway
from now on I'm going to wear sign
board here" He sketched the site
upon his waistcoat:
Private. No Thoroughfare. This means
you!
"It seems so funny-youw Laugh
ing quietly, the woman looked up to
review Lydia with a long glance.
"Shes dear girl" she observed.
promise never to call me mamma,
and I'll do my best for you"
What chance have l got, with
Quoin making the pace? He's regu.
lar fellow-Tm only a drawing room
entertainer"
"He's a strange man." Mrs. Merri-
lees mused. 'If he hadn't taken up
such an impossible profession"
do you suppose he has a case in
hand now; aboard this vessel,
meany'
Call him, and I'll ask"
Peter complied with the best grace
imaginable. "Quoin! l say, Addison,
come over here q minute. A beautiful
lady wants to ask you something
In a lower tone he added, You're the
best little diplomat ever. I'll be CRATE
full as long as live" And rising with
the sunniest of smiles, he drew up
chairs for Lydia and Quoin.
Eyes, Mrs. Merrileesw the detective
inquired, taking the place at her side.
"Peter and / have been pickering
| about you," the lady fibbed brazenly.
Are you, or are you NOT, wasting your
brilliant talents on my devoted trail?''
Quoin looked puzzled. Something
on your conscience?" he advanced ten
tatively. you don't mean to try any
smuggling this trip, hope"
II can't make up my mind. I'd love
to. Are you interested"
"Only in your interests. Be ad-
viA@d-don't!"
s'Why2" Mrs Merrilees pouted.
| 'W'hy not, If, as Peter would say, ]
can get away with it?'
"If for no more moral reason" said
| the detective seriously, because 1t
can't be done. The customs people are
laying for you"
] They'll he disappointed"