Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-10-19
THE CURIOUS QUEST
Of Mr.. ERNEST BLISS
BY E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
Copyright, The Frank 4. Munsey Co.

put their heads together, remember
ing the good times you used to give us
all, and want you to accept a little
wedding-present from us. That's all,
old chap. We've only taken subscrip-
tions from those who insisted upon
giving, and I've got to ask you to &C.
cept this little check-and I hope for
the sake of Mrs. Ernest, you won't
refuse"
Honerton sat down with an air of
lief. Bliss rose to his feet and faced
them all The check was passed up
and lay open before him. He was a
little pale, but his voice was wonder
fully firm.
"Honerton," he began and yon
others, my dear friends, stand before
you a guilty man. 1t is true that
have been in the direst poverty for
the last twelve months, that l have
worked for my living in many strange
ways; but nevertheless, l have con-
fession to make to you. The position
was entirely voluntary one. never
lost penny of my money. am richer
today than I ever was-far richer" he
added touching Frances shoulder.
There was a little murmur of
amazement; some calculations Of
wonder.
went on, and did succinctly. almost in
the same words in which he had en-
frightened Frances.
Your money, my dear friends"
Bliss went on, his voice shaking a
little, you must please take back.
But your dinner and your greetings to
my wife and myself are things which
l shall never forget
81 thank Heaven for the memory
of this gathering, and that you fellows
have thought it worth while to do this
and I trust that for many years in the
future, on the anniversary of this
night, you will consider yourselves
my guests
So the mystery of Bliss disappear.
ancee was explained away at last. He
resumed his seat. amid loud cheers and
general stupefaction. Honerton him
self was almost dazed
Jolly plucky thing. I CALI" he
kept on repeating. Little Ernie Bliss,
too"
They chatred Honerton unmerci.
fully.
You're a nice discoverer Of pow
erty-stricken pals" one of them de-
clared.
mo ones lost anything by it. that
know off, Honerton retorted. You'll
get your money back, you've had q
good dinner. and | know
where my windfall comes from. Once
more before we part, long life and
happiness to Mr.. and Mrs. Ernest
Bliss"
They passed out of the hotel short
time later, down the carpeted stairs,
which was waiting. They glided of
into the Strand and passed within Il
few yards of the spot where Frances
had turned to go down to Mr.. Mon.
tague's Office.
She leaned back among the cush-
ions and looked out into the streets.
Life was suddenly new and wonderful
The dull weight of care had fallen
away. She remembered her many
lectures on economy to Bliss, and she
burst into happy little laugh.
: 1T is the same London, isn't it |
Erinest?" she murmured. "The Drury |
Lane cafe is somewhere up there. and |
you came along here on your omnibus
4 few hours ago?'
IT'S the same London" he assured /,
her. "only hope that to both of us it (
will always be different place Those !
fellows tonight have taught me les |,
son, Frances-those fellows and some I
If the people I've met during the last /,
Twelve months. ] want to try and do |
something for the many thousands !
who are up against it as we were. To.
morrow I have all sorts of schemes |
Tonight-tonight." he added, lean. /
ng toward her and taking her baud |
n his, belongs to cur two selyes!'
(The End.)