The record., 1917-06-14
HAIGHT, The mirage
By JOSEPH T. KESCEL.

rage" was extremely tall and very thin.
''He's like a mirage, cause you amt
dead sure whether it's something real
or not" an old prospector had aptly
expressed it.
Their occupation was the same
that of mining engineer-but outside
of working hours they devoted most
of their time to thinking up practical
jokes to play upon each other.
"Sate" was in the office alone, plan
ming a new map of the mining district,
while the rNIirage" was doing some
work away from town. The tinkle of
the telephone bell caused the roly-poly
face frightened at the words, SIS that
you, 'Sate?"
"Yes-s-s! Oh, yes, Mrs. Thompson.
I didn't recognize your voice at first"
hea chuckled into the transmitter.
''Your niece, Alice, coming on the
morning train? Hubby busy? Want
me to go with you to meet her? Ger
tainly, with pleasure, no trouble at ALL
I'll call for you thirty minutes before
train time in tie automobile. Good
by"
Even above the grinding brakes and
release of air could be heard a wOn-
ans clear voice from an open car Win
dow calling, ''Here 1 am, auntie-over
here" The train came to a full stop,
the vestibules We're opened and a dain-
ty foot tripped lightly down the steps
to the platform. Two flying figures
embraced each other. Aunt Molly"
"Alice!" ooh, you dear, it is So good
to see you"
ooh, excuse me, Alice" broke out
Mrs. Thompson suddenly, Il want you
to meet my friend Safe / beg your
pardon" she rippled on, noting the
girls questioning look, ''we call Lin
Safe but his right name is Mr.. Reed" !"
Bending over the wheel as the ma
chine sped toward Mrs. Thompson S
he heard the ripping laughter from
the tonneau. Didn't think there were
any like that left back East" he
! thaagll Ito skiaaself. ;Slleass .slsEl.lta'
and looks better than bonanza ore &c
me-"
The annual ball Of the Golden Queen
Mining company was the social event
of the year. The main camp hall was
ablaze with light and it's freshly
waxed floor shone like polished ma
hOgany.
The grand march was announced
| whereupOn the joyous couples inmedi-
ately formed in procession, their I'M
patient feet beating time to the music,
Miss SeabOldt's escort smiled, as lie
| thought of the joke he had framed
up on his business partner and the
young lady by his side.
The Mirage" appeared, his tall fig
ure easily overtOpping the few men
| standing near the Smoking-rOom door
"He is here! See that tall man over
there-that's the Mirage" State
eagerly remarked. ''Too bad he's sc
deaf. 1t will be necessary for you tc
| speak loudly. You will not forget this
when you meet. him?'
When the "grand march" was fin
| ished, "Sate'' hurried to greet his part
ner with a hearty handshake.
"Who was that 1 saw you with q
few moments ago?" asked the "Mi
rage"
'The young lady I wrote to yor
about staying over at the ThompsOns'
You'll have to speak loudly to her
hearings not very good. Too bad
too, for she's a pippin.''
Hooking an arm into his partners S
"Sate" conducted him to the girl ant
shouted q cordial Introduction.
Miss Seaboldt's pretty face flushed
scarlet and her laughing brown eye:
were troubled. Why had Mrs. Thollp
son deserted her? People looked a
them, first inquiringly and then Will
amusement. The face of the Mirage
matched her own in redness ard hi;
blue-gray eyes showed the agony h
was in.
The girls high-pitched voice wa
plainly heard above the noisy chatte
as she replied to some question direct
ed at her in the loud, roaring tones C
the man.
1t was too much "Sate" was obhge,
to make for the smoking room, wher
he dropped into a large armchair, hi
sides shaking with mirth. NumerGu
friends crowded around him and asket
the reason for his strange behavior.
LET me at him! Let me at him !!
It was the Mirage" who entered
brushing the crowd to one side. Wit
howl of rage he grasped "Sate" b,
the collar, jerked him UP and slamLe,
him back in the chair.
Friends hurriedly interceded, an,
led his struggling partner away.
"Some hostile, wasn't he boys? S.
long, fellows. It's my dance with hel
and if she's as hostile as the Mirage
E I'm saying gOOd-by for keeps"
Presently he returned to the smok
ing room, and snortcd: ITS Il cincl
I'll have to jon the bunch of stags Il
SUPPER
His last statement was entirely col
rect. Size with the laughing brow
eyes sat beside the Mirage" at tn
| table and 4 year later walked besid
, him in the main church aisle, Will!
'Sate" and Mrs. Thompson follows
, close behind.
, Copyright, 1917, by the Mcclure New spa
! per Syndicate.l