The daily Alaskan., 1918-09-07
Copyright. 1918, by Western Newspaper Union.

Instantly there was the closing in of the circle. The presentment was that of the law against a comrade. The group were staunch and loyal for defense.
 "Thls Is no arrest" announced the marshal.
 "No, 1t is just contrary" added his companion. T would like to have you accompany me to my of1ce." he ad- dressed himself to Blair. "You were something better than a hero last night. AS legal adviser of Miss Ina Prescott, whose life and property you saved, I am asked to talk over mat ters with you"
 .'I don't see the use," replied Blair. sTm glad If I did all you say"
 y"He did something. you can count on that '" broke In big Reddy, flor he tossed all night with that burned hand of his"
 Mystery Blair for a moment looked as though resentful of patronizing or reward. Then his hand closed on the half-bulned photograph in his pocket. In the current of unusual circum- stances, he decided to allow 1t to drift him whlther 1t would.
 He had been dubbed Mystery" Blair by his comrades. He had joined the hobo contingent one day, asking the favor of companionshlp and va riety, telling them he had made a failure of business life and envied them their unconventional existence.
 The evening previous, passing a charming little bungalow, Blair had seen smoke and flames issuing from I its front. Cries for help echoed from the interior. He had burst in locked door. Continued cries for deliyerance nerved and guided him. He came upon a young girl lying upon couch eVi' dently an invalid. Blair seized a counter-pane. wrapped her up in 1t and breasted the blaze. Neighbors had gathered and he had placed the girl in their charge. Then the mem- ory of that conhding face. the soft, clinging arms, seemed an ideal, forcing him to further effort.
 Three hours after the call at the hobo camp Mystery Blair was new being in appearance. The lawyer had Insisted not only on medical attention but a complete rehabilitation.
 ."You're spelling me for the road" Blair had remonstrated, with quiet smile.
 "why hit 1t againf" challenged the attorney. T fancy, MT. Blair. that line is not your natural bent. Again, we must be presentable when we call upon Miss Prescott"
 When he was in the presence Of the fair young girl, just recovering from spell of sickness, and her hand fingered gratefully in his own. there stirred within him new and vivid emo tions. He had arisen to depart when his eye fell upon a little framed pho. tograph on the medicine stand. He gave quite a start.
 "Will you pardon me-" he spoke In, terestedly, but I have seen this young man, I am sure."
 "Oh, Mir. Devon" instantly cried Miss Prescott, greatly excited, "tell himl Can 1t be possible, that al last"
 The lawyer silenced her eager rev elations with a gesture. He took uI the photograph and led Blair into ar adjoining room. It was graphic story that he relate6-of wild, reck less Julian Prescott. the brother O, Ina, getting into trouble foolishly, fee | ing from friends who could protect l him and losing himself among tangled highways.
 Blair recalled the original of th' picture. He was sure that nearly wear back he had met It's owner In hi' wanderings. He was sure Of 1t "hef he showed the picture to Reddy.
 "You know every knight of thu road" Blair said to him. "Can thil one be found?"
 Tt would take some financing ant T it may be long, long trail," submit ted Reddy, and this was provided for and two months later Blair reappeare' with the brother of Ina.
 Blair had bade good-by to the roat and his old hobo comrades. AS Wal T them Blair, author. he now set abou , | utilizing the experience he had gon' through. He was at the new ;Treseot home one day.
 \ Miss Prescott" he said, T am gia' to say that have made arrangement for the publication of The World' 'sl Highway It was my first meednI with you that gave its plan an im petus." T am glad," spoke lovely lips an eyes. . aAnd later love made me successfu ,c r,y omh,tion lova for you" he said